Confronting gendered racism: Rethinking maladaptive behaviours of African American women pursuing doctoral degrees at predominantly White institutions
Authors: Dortch Deniece , Pagán Melanie , Dollar Jonathan , Zheng Zhongxin 
Published: November 2024

This phenomenological study critiques the limited understanding of how African American women confront gendered racism at one predominantly white institution in the United States. It also challenges the disciplinary conversation around maladaptive behaviours, which often attributes the onus and blame to the individual. Rather than replicate or perpetuate deficit‐oriented frameworks or analysis of African American women's behaviours, this research counters the narrative of maladaptive behaviours as merely personal failures, arguing instead that these behaviours are responses to a gendered and racist system. The authors draw from Black feminist thought and self‐efficacy theory to examine the ways in which African American women in doctoral programmes may perceive and respond to racist environments and circumstances that could prevent their persistence and achievements. Findings suggest that African American women in doctoral programmes exhibit maladaptive behaviours such as avoidance, anticipatory rejection, negative self‐talk, and survival mode when coping with gendered racism in university environments. These strategies may have sufficed earlier in the academic careers of African American women; however, due to the specialised nature of doctoral study, the overutilisation of these tactics and behaviours may be impacting individuals maladaptively. Furthermore, the long‐term effects of continuous maladaptive behaviours can have further implications for the individual and collective success of African American women in academia. Given the multifaceted nature of African American women, this study seeks to expand knowledge about their actions and behaviours in response to systemic challenges. It calls for a reorientation of our understanding of maladaptation.

Context and implication

Rationale for this study

This study explores the maladaptive behaviours of African American women in doctoral programmes at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), focusing on how gendered racism influences these behaviours.

Why the new findings matter

The findings illuminate the specific ways in which gendered racism fosters maladaptive behaviours, which in turn affect the psychological well‐being and academic success of African American women.

Implications for practitioners, policy‐makers, and academic institutions

The study underscores the urgent need for systemic changes within academic environments to support African American women effectively. It calls for institutions to not only recognise but actively address the root causes of gendered racism. By doing so, they can dismantle the structures that perpetuate these challenges and foster a more inclusive and supportive educational landscape. This involves reevaluating institutional policies, enhancing support mechanisms, and integrating comprehensive training for faculty members and staff to understand and combat gendered racism. Ultimately, this approach aims to transform academic cultures to ensure that African American women can thrive without resorting to maladaptive coping strategies.