Exploring the Impact of Internalized Negative Stereotypes on Black Women’s Identity Development, Mental Health, and Resilience

Abstract

Black women in the United States face unique psychological burdens shaped by internalized racialized gender stereotypes, particularly the “Strong Black Woman” and “Angry Black Woman” schemas. These narratives demand emotional suppression and hypervigilance, contributing to chronic stress and identity fragmentation. This study aimed to explore how young adult Black women experience, internalize, and resist these stereotypes in everyday life. A descriptive phenomenological design was used to capture the lived experiences of 15 self-identified Black women aged 18 to 35 from the Southeastern and Southwestern U.S. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using a six-phase thematic analysis process supported by NVivo 15. Five core themes emerged: emotional self-censorship, institutional bias, cultural reclamation, psychological strain, and resistance through boundaries and community. A co-occurrence matrix revealed strong interconnections between stereotype internalization, emotional regulation, and identity redefinition. Participants reported both psychological distress and strategies for resilience, including therapy, peer support, and cultural affirmation. These findings underscore the clinical and institutional need for culturally responsive, identity-affirming interventions. This study contributes new insights into how Black women assert agency and redefine strength amid ongoing systemic pressures.