Hey sisters,

How often do we hear the phrase “strong Black woman”? It’s meant to be a compliment, a testament to our resilience and ability to overcome adversity. But what happens when that strength becomes a burden? What happens when we feel pressured to be strong, even when we’re falling apart? That’s the reality of the Superwoman Schema (SWS), and it’s something we need to talk about.

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences and how the SWS has played a role in my life. Like many of you, I’ve often felt the need to project an image of strength, to suppress my emotions, and to resist asking for help. I’ve juggled work, school, and personal responsibilities, often putting my own needs last. But as I’ve come to realize, this constant striving can take a serious toll on our mental health.

Dr. Cheryl Woods-Giscombe and her colleagues conducted a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the SWS and its impact on Black women’s mental health. Their research, published in the Journal of Best Practices in Health Professions Diversity, explored how the SWS influences Black women’s use of mental health services.

The SWS, as outlined by Woods-Giscombe et al. (2016), involves five key characteristics:

1. Perceived obligation to project strength: We feel pressured to always appear strong, even when we’re struggling.
2. Perceived obligation to suppress emotions: We’re taught to bottle up our feelings, rather than expressing them openly.
3. Resistance to being vulnerable or dependent on others: We hesitate to ask for help, fearing it will make us appear weak.
4. Motivation to succeed despite limited resources: We strive to overcome obstacles, even when the odds are stacked against us.
5. Prioritization of caregiving over self-care: We often put the needs of others before our own.

As the study highlighted, these characteristics can create significant barriers to seeking mental health care. Woods-Giscombe et al. (2016) found that “the superwoman role involves perceived obligations to (1) project strength, (2) suppress emotions, (3) resist feelings of vulnerability and dependence, (4) succeed despite limited resources, and (5) prioritize caregiving over self-care.”

Here are some key findings from their research:

• Stigma and Weakness: Many Black women fear the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, viewing it as a sign of weakness.
• Suppression of Emotions: The pressure to suppress emotions can lead to internalized stress and mental health challenges.
• Caregiving Over Self-Care: The tendency to prioritize caregiving can result in neglecting our own needs, leading to burnout.
• Underuse of Mental Health Services: Because of these factors, Black women often underuse mental health services, even when they’re struggling.
• Disparities in Care: According to data reported by the CDC (2012), in 2011, approximately 7.5 percent of African Americans sought treatment for depression compared to approximately 13.6 percent of the general population.
• Feelings of Sadness: The data also showed that African American women are more likely than white American women to report feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or that everything is an effort all of the time (CDC, 2012).
• Help Seeking: In one study, 41 percent of African American women reported seeking care for depression in the previous 12 months compared with 60 percent of non-Hispanic white women (Alegria, Chatterji, Wells, et al., 2008).
• Symptoms of Depression: A national study conducted by the California Black Women’s Health Project (2003) revealed that 60 percent of African American women experience symptoms of depression, but another report revealed that only 12 percent seek help and/or treatment (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2009).

Woods-Giscombe et al. (2016) emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive providers who understand the unique challenges faced by Black women. They also highlighted the role of spirituality and religious concerns in mental health seeking behaviors.

Sisters, it’s time to unmask the Superwoman. It’s okay to ask for help, to express our emotions, and to prioritize our own well-being. Let’s create a space where we can be vulnerable and authentic.

How has the Superwoman Schema affected your life? Share your experiences in the comments below.

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Reference

Woods-Giscombe, C., Robinson, M. N., Carthon, D., Devane-Johnson, S., & Corbie-Smith, G. (2016). Superwoman schema, stigma, spirituality, and culturally sensitive providers: Factors influencing African American women’s use of mental health services. Journal of Best Practices in Health Professions Diversity, 9(1), 1124–1144. PMCID: PMC7544187