ERIC Number: ED662716
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 112
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3421-3508-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Black Women in STEM: Gendered Racial Microaggressions, Mental Health, and Coping
Kirstin Sylvester
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Oklahoma State University
The current study utilizes an intersectionality framework to quantitatively explore the psychological impact of gendered racial microaggressions and the moderating role of collective coping among 96 Black women in STEM, who are currently enrolled or who recently graduated from (within past 2 years) STEM undergraduate and graduate programs at predominately white institutions in the United States. Results indicated that (1) there is no difference in the mean frequency of gendered racial microaggressions between STEM fields with higher number of STEM degrees awarded to Black women and those with a lower number of STEM degrees awarded to Black women, (2) the frequency of gendered racial microaggressions predicts depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, and (3) collective coping does not moderate the relationship between gendered racial microaggressions and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. The findings support previous literature that demonstrate the link between microaggressions and mental health concerns and identify chilly STEM cultures as a barrier to STEM persistence and/or student well-being. Contrary to previous findings, collective coping did not serve as a moderator. Future research is encouraged to investigate how other within group differences (i.e., demographic variables) may impact the varying frequencies of gendered racial microaggressions reported and degree to which mental health concerns are endorsed. may be used to increase awareness, strengthen support, and call for intentional change toward inclusive STEM cultures. Study implications highlight the need for faculty, staff, and administrators to engage in action-oriented initiatives to cultivate inclusive STEM cultures that challenge intersectional stereotypes of Black women, and ways mental health professionals at colleges and universities can support the holistic well-being of Black women in STEM. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: African American Students, STEM Education, Females, Sciences, Women Scientists, Racial Discrimination, Mental Health, Coping, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, Predominantly White Institutions, Gender Discrimination, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Social Support Groups, Inclusion, Social Justice
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A