Date Approved

5-4-2021

Embargo Period

5-6-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Higher Education

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Tinnin, Drew

Committee Member 1

Dale, Dianna

Committee Member 2

McCombs, Tyrone

Keywords

African American, Black, Mental Health, Race, Superwoman Schema, Women

Subject(s)

African American graduate students; Women graduate students

Disciplines

Higher Education

Abstract

As an African American or Black woman, there is an expectation to be strong at all times. They are often glorified for their resiliency. Unfortunately, that strength and the expectation of it, can prove to be detrimental to African American or Black women's health. The Superwoman Schema, originally studied in 2010 by Woods-Giscomb, is the double edge sword that is handed to African American or Black women at a young age. The purpose of this qualitative study was to expand Wood-Giscomb's research by examining the perceptions of the impact of the Superwoman Schema on African American or Black graduate students and alumni. Currently Rowan University has nothing in place to support its students of color, specifically Black/ African American women in their Higher Education M.A program. Once analyzed the data suggests that Black/ African American women could benefit from an affinity space supported by their program. To better serve the needs of this population Rowan University could develop a mentorship program within the Higher Education M.A program.

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