Gendered Racism and Maladaptive Behaviors of African American Women Pursuing Doctoral Degrees

Proceedings of The 4th World Conference on Education and Teaching

Year: 2022

DOI:

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Gendered Racism and Maladaptive Behaviors of African American Women Pursuing Doctoral Degrees

Deniece Dortch and Melanie Pagán

ABSTRACT: 

This study examined how Black female doctoral students experience maladaptive behaviors as a response to gendered racism at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Authors draw from Black feminist thought and self-efficacy theory to frame this study. Findings suggest that African American women in doctoral programs exhibit maladaptive behaviors such as avoidance, anticipatory rejection, negative self-talk, and survival mode when coping with gendered racism in university settings. These strategies may have sufficed earlier in the academic careers of African American women, however, due to the specialized nature of doctoral study, the overutilization of these tactics and behaviors may be impacting this student group maladaptively (Truong & Museus, 2012). Furthermore, the long-term effects of maladaptive behaviors can have further implications to the individual and collective success of African American women in academia.

keywords: African American doctoral students, maladaptive behaviors, gendered racism