Gendered Racial Identity, Positive Health Practices, and Mental Health Among Black Adult Women

Abstract

In the current study, we analyzed data from a national sample of 501 Black women (18–35 years old, M = 27) to examine the associations between gendered racial identity beliefs, the Superwoman Schema, and positive health practices on women’s stress, anxiety, and depression. Gendered racial centrality and endorsement of the Superwoman Schema was associated with poorer mental health outcomes, while positive beliefs about being a Black woman were associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Black women with more supportive social relationships indicated less stress, anxiety, and depression. We also considered individual-level differences and found that younger and neurodiverse and disabled Black women reported more stress, anxiety, and depression. The results highlight the multidimensionality of gendered racial identity beliefs in relation to mental health outcomes, as well as the need for more research on individual-level differences and the role of self-compassion in Black women’s experiences.