An examination of ACEs, the internalization of the Superwoman Schema, and mental health outcomes among Black adult women

ABSTRACT

Despite the growing literature on the mental health implications of adverse childhood events (ACEs), little empirical evidence considers the role of sociocultural scripts in Black women’s experiences of trauma and mental health. Emerging scholarship suggests that gendered racial stereotypes, such as the Superwoman Schema, might worsen the impact of ACEs on the mental health outcomes of Black women in the U.S. To address this gap, we sought to examine relationships among Black women’s exposure to ACEs, endorsement of the Superwoman Schema, and mental health outcomes. The current sample included 447 Black women (20–35 years old) who completed measures of adverse childhood events, Superwoman Schema endorsement, and mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression). ACEs and endorsement of the Superwoman Schema were associated with higher stress, anxiety, and depressive symptomology. Additionally, Black women who experienced more ACEs and felt a stronger obligation to present an image of strength indicated more stress. Black women who experienced more ACEs and had a stronger determination to succeed reported higher anxiety. These results offer further evidence of the role of the Superwoman Schema on Black women’s mental health. The authors discuss future research directions and clinical implications regarding the interconnections among sociocultural scripts of Black womanhood and trauma experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Black women
• adverse childhood experiences
• trauma
• Superwoman schema
• mental health

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Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.