Journal
QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Volume 20, Issue 5, Pages 668-683Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/1049732310361892
Keywords
African Americans; disparities, racial; distress; embodiment/bodily experiences; health care; stress; survivorship; women's health
Categories
Funding
- NCCIH NIH HHS [R21 AT004276-01A2, T32 AT003378, R21 AT004276] Funding Source: Medline
- NCRR NIH HHS [UL1 RR025747-01S1, UL1 RR025747] Funding Source: Medline
- NIMHD NIH HHS [L60 MD002499-01, L60 MD002499] Funding Source: Medline
- NINR NIH HHS [T32 NR007091, P20 NR008369-05, T32NR007091, T32 NR007091-10, P20 NR008369, P20 NR 8369] Funding Source: Medline
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Researchers have suggested that health disparities in African American women, including adverse birth outcomes, lupus, obesity, and untreated depression, can be explained by stress and coping. The Strong Black Woman/Superwoman role has been highlighted as a phenomenon influencing African American women's experiences and reports of stress. The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary conceptual framework for Superwoman Schema (SWS) by exploring women's descriptions of the Superwoman role; perceptions of contextual factors, benefits, and liabilities; and beliefs regarding how it influences health. Analysis of eight focus group discussions with demographically diverse African American women yielded themes characterizing the Superwoman role and personal or sociohistorical contextual factors. Participants reported that the Superwoman role had benefits (preservation of self and family or community) and liabilities (relationship strain, stress-related health behaviors, and stress embodiment). The SWS framework might be used to enhance future research on stress and African American women's health.
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