Author's School

Brown School

Author's Department

Social Work

Language

English (en)

Date of Award

5-22-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Chair and Committee

Vetta Sanders Thompson

Abstract

Gendered racism emerges as a pervasive mental health concern among Black women doctoral students. However, there is a scarcity of existing literature on the strategies being used to maintain mental well-being while navigating gendered racism among Black women doctoral students. To address the current gaps in scientific knowledge, this dissertation completed individual semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and the lens of Black Feminist Thought and Intersectionality were used as guiding theoretical frameworks to examine narratives of fifteen Black women doctoral students at universities in the United States. The study findings provided insight into coping strategies and the role of radical healing as a way of resisting oppression while in a doctoral program. Data analysis resulted in three themes describing coping strategies: (1) navigating identity and social dynamics, (2) incorporating coping strategies and wellness, and (3) healing and activism in the pursuit of equity. Healing and activism encompassed strategies of radical healing. Implications for research and practice are offered.

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Social Work Commons

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