Catherine Adams, M.A., M.S.
Black Women Psychologists: A Qualitative Study Exploring Subjective Experiences Faced on Their Paths Toward Career Advancement
Chair: Danielle Knafo, Ph.D.
Abstract
Based on a review of both historical and current literature, there is an obvious and seemingly deliberate absence of information about Black women psychologists and their experiences. This study was conducted to obtain information pertaining to the experiences of Black women psychologists, specifically, how they negotiated obligations on their paths toward career advancement in three areas, intrapersonal, intimate relationship/family/community, and academic/professional. This study also inquired about their perceptions of their presence in the field and how, if at all, their career paths toward becoming psychologists shaped their racial and gender identities, and vice versa. In order to do this, I conducted several small focus groups, both in-person and online, comprised of a number of Black women who have their doctorate in the field of psychology. This qualitative study was based on a phenomenological approach and explored the lived experiences of these Black women psychologists via the use of a series of semi-structured questions. Their answers gave voice to the experiences of Black women psychologists, who have historically been invisible in the field, and highlighted some of the unique perspectives they have that can contribute to a better understanding of the overall history of psychology. In addition, this new information can be beneficial to other Black women psychologists, both present and future, by providing knowledge of experiences that could serve as normalizing and validating factors and facilitate a uniting of these women.