The Impact of Self-Imposed Barriers on African Americans Successes

The Impact of Self-Imposed Barriers on African Americans’ Successes by Pennie Murray MA, Walden University, 2006 BS, Park University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2015 Abstract Researchers and economists have argued that the economic and social stagnation of African Americans is the result of their lack of self-confidence, initiative, and commitment toward their own advancement. This qualitative study examined whether historical conditioning and personal experiences have created a hypersensitivity in thisResearchers and economists have argued that the economic and social stagnation of African Americans is the result of their lack of self-confidence, initiative, and commitment toward their own advancement. This qualitative study examined whether historical conditioning and personal experiences have created a hypersensitivity in this population to events triggering behaviors that mirror the success fearing personality when seeking social, economic, and political advancement. It used Zuckerman and Allison’s fear of success scale to identify the range of success fearing in 30 African American men and women aged 35 years or more; this group was also interviewed regarding their lived experiences when pursuing advancements in the United States workforce. The interview questions were formulated using Cohen’s fear of success factors; responses were inductively coded and organized using ATLAS.ti 7 software program. Regardless of their fear of success scale (FOSS) scores, the participants’ interview responses revealed that even in the absence of explicit or implicit discrimination, there was an unconscious expectation of racism, and that strong family, religious, and educational influences aided in preserving these expectations. The participants were also found to be hypersensitive to events that triggered behaviors mirroring the characteristics of success fearing personality. The findings of this study can have far-reaching implications for the overall social and psychological betterment of African Americans in organizations, educational institutes, and political/civic action groups. It should be used to begin an alternative conversation of personal and social reconciliation, emotional healing, and pride, which participants asserted was the cornerstone of African American progress in the 1960s. The Impact of Self-Imposed Barriers on African Americans’ Successes by Pennie Murray MA, Walden University, 2006 BS, Park University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2015 Dedication I dedicate this research to the future of African Americans and to their potential, in hopes that they will embrace the urgency to change their mindsets about what they have and can contribute to the global success of humanity. More importantly, I hope that they cease to anticipate or perceive the actions and opinions of others as a threat of racism or discrimination, and instead enter every situation with a mindset of excellence and ethnic value. May you know that living boldly does not mean minimizing the experience of fear or rejecting your ancestral past, but rather deciding to value your fears and your past to strengthen your future. Acknowledgments It can come across as an expected cliche to say, “First giving honor to God. ,” because everyone says it. However, despite the social stigmas, stereotypes and my own self-sabotaging behaviors associated with being an African American woman, God always insisted that I had a greater purpose. It is for this reason and so many others that I embrace this cliche to thank God for His patience during my “Jonah Experience. ” A million thanks to the many friends, professors, colleagues, and acquaintances that incessantly encouraged me to follow through with this project! You challenged me to have courage when I doubted myself the most. I also acknowledge my adversaries: those who made it their goal to keep me bogged down with dumb stuff. While you meant it for harm, God used it for my highest good. Finally, special thanks to my Dissertation Committee Chair, Dr. James (Jimmy) Brown, and my Committee Member, Dr. Lori LaCivita. I appreciate your willingness to mentor, encourage and inspire me through the many reiterations of this dissertation. Dr. Brown, there are no words that could express my appreciation for your dedication to demand the best from me for the success of this research. More importantly, you recognized from the very beginning the passion I had for it, making sure I honored that passion through excellence. I hope to be a legacy of your academic contributions.