Abstract
Black women are seeing an increase in suicide rates compared to their gender counterparts, particularly in young Black women in the United States. Without cultural competence, health professionals may not provide helpful care for Black women. Using auto-ethnography, chronicling my mental health decline, I found common themes of narratives that were supported by three Black theoretical frameworks: medical superbody, Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema, and the Superwoman schema. The construction of monolithic narratives, particularly by external groups, creates a perceived identity that is projected onto and often internalized by Black women invalidating their lived experiences. The counter narrative presented through my auto-ethnography analyzed through the three Black theoretical frameworks promote individualized care for Black women, helping raise a call for greater cultural competence for professionals performing treatment.
Advisor
Thompson, Courtney
Second Advisor
Ng, Margaret
Department
Africana Studies; Urban Studies
Recommended Citation
Patterson, Delani, "”Because I Am A Strong Black Woman” Or Am I?: An Interpretation of Auto-Ethnography Using Black Theoretical Frameworks" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13256.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13256
Disciplines
Africana Studies
Keywords
Public health, Africana
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Delani Patterson