Dropping the Cape of Strength: A Phenomenological Exploration of Black Superwomen’s Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Help-Seeking for Psychological Distress.

HAYNES, TABITHA RASHEEN. Dropping the Cape of Strength: A Phenomenological Exploration of Black Superwomen’s Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Help-Seeking for Psychological Distress (Under the direction of Dr. Stanley B. Baker). African American women experience psychological distress (i.e. stress, anxiety, or depression) at rates comparative to the general population. However, studies indicate that due to the presence of specific barriers, cultural factors, and perceptions of psychological distress, African American women generally do not seek professional help as a means to manage symptoms of distress. A prominent cultural factor for African American women—the Black Superwoman (BSW) persona, prompts women to exhibit strength, self-reliance, and self-silence in response to distress. Furthermore, the internalization and endorsement of the BSW persona, can hinder Black women’s propensity toward help-seeking. This qualitative research study was conducted to understand the phenomenon of help-seeking for Black Superwomen who experience psychological distress. Utilizing the interconnected tenets of Black Feminist Thought, Superwomen Schema Conceptual Framework, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study highlighted the voices of Black women and sought to uncover the true essence of help-seeking by exploring their unique lived experiences, perceptions and beliefs, cultural influences, and intersecting identities. In keeping with phenomenological research methods, semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with six women who self-reported experiencing symptoms of psychological distress, and who met criteria to be characterized as a Black Superwoman. Interview questioning yielded in-depth responses that answered the research questions: (1) How do Black Superwomen who experience psychological distress, experience help-seeking? (2) What does help-seeking mean for a Black Superwoman who experiences psychological distress? and (3) What lived experiences influence help-seeking for Black Superwomen? Research findings indicated that when experiencing psychological distress, these Black Superwomen seek help from external sources by utilizing informal supports and professional services, as well as utilize internal coping strategies and avoidant coping strategies as a means of seeking help from within. Many defined help-seeking as merely asking for and accepting assistance, however, most of the Black Superwomen’s perceptions of help-seeking have often been influenced by generational and cultural beliefs taught by their mothers, community and social networks. Additionally, these women reported experiencing personal crises of physical and psychological distress, and personal or professional role transitions that influence their helpseeking practices. Experiencing family crises, cultural stigma, and personal bias surrounding help-seeking have also impacted their process of seeking help. Findings from the study offer significant implications for counseling professionals. It is necessary for counseling professionals to become knowledgeable of the Superwoman role and various intersecting identities, and its implications for African American women, and how it impacts help-seeking, as well as, all areas of life for this populations. Counselors should also consider integrating cultural-based theories that promote empowerment for women of color, that can prove effective in developing interventions that address the Black woman’s perceived relentless strength and excessive self-sacrifice which often results in increased distress. Future research should focus on the relationship between cultural values, social norms, expectations, religion, language, the social relationships endorsed by Black Superwomen, and the impact on their intentions and motivations to seek help. Generation variation and related differences should also be explored with the goal of creating person-centered, culturally relevant treatment models that promote help-seeking options.