African American Women's Spiritual Beliefs

Abstract

Spirituality and religious beliefs and practices have been used as a coping resource for African American women, along with Afrocentric values and beliefs. Many of the spiritual beliefs interact with stereotypes and images that have evolved from the legacy of slavery, specifically, Mammy, Sapphire, and Jezebel. The internalization of these images may lead to identity issues and psychological symptoms. Culturally sensitive treatment of African American women includes an understanding of spirituality and the interaction with stereotypes and identity issues. Guidelines for treatment are included, as well as case examples.

Special thanks is given to Bernice Jones for assistance in preparation of this manuscript.

Key Words:

• African American women
• spirituality
• identity