The sisters of sport psychology: An examination of the professional black female experience

Abstract

Historically, the experiences of female practitioners have been overlooked within applied sport psychology literature, and thus, the field continues to be male-dominated. Despite calls for more racially diverse literature and utilization of diverse methodologies within sport psychology, studies pertaining to the female experience draw heavily from a White/Caucasian female narrative, further perpetuating the historical invisibility of women of color within the sport context. Using feminist methodology to inform the research process, the current study explored the professional experiences of women of African descent within applied sport psychology through a Black feminist lens. The results of the study demonstrate the integral influence of race and gender on one’s professional experiences in applied sport psychology, adding greater depth to the extant literature. Emergent themes included the interplay of personal and professional identity, a sense of responsibility to others and a vigilance with White colleagues. Implications and recommendations are provided, as well as directions for future research including increased representation within the larger sport and performance psychology field, a call for greater cultural awareness and humility within practice and research, and greater recognition of service as part of professional practice.

Lay summary

This study examined the experiences of Black, female-identified applied sport psychologists. Participants highlighted the pervasive nature of Whiteness and masculinity within the field and the lack of representation. Insights included the resilience of Black female practitioners, the significance of community, and professional recommendations for sport psychology as a discipline.

This study examined the experiences of Black, female-identified applied sport psychologists. Participants highlighted the pervasive nature of Whiteness and masculinity within the field and the lack of representation. Insights included the resilience of Black female practitioners, the significance of community, and professional recommendations for sport psychology as a discipline.

Notes

1 The term ‘sisters’ refers to fictive kinship ties within the Black American community. Magnified by the period of slavery, these fictive kinships helped to cultivate a sense of empowerment, strengthening both social support and communal obligations within the community (Chatters et al., 1994).

2 The use of the term ‘applied sport psychology’ in this context refers to the “application of psychological techniques and strategies that are aimed at aiding athletes in achieving greater performance” (Roper, 2002, p. 53).

3 Title of a famous speech given by abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio in 1851.

4 As the term ‘sport psychologist’ is attributed to those with a license in clinical or counseling psychology (American Psychological Association Sport Psychology Proficiency, 2003), supervision within this context refers specifically to supervision received in a clinical or counseling psychology graduate program.

5 It is important to note that the inclusion of male-identified supervisors during the recruitment process was a necessity, as it allowed for greater access to individuals within the field, thus validating the positionality of men within sport psychology (Roper, 2008; Yambor & Connelly, 1991).