Date of Conferral

12-1-2025

Date of Award

December 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jane Coddigton

Abstract

The disparity of psychological capital (PsyCap) among diverse cultures and genders in the entrepreneurial area weakens access to the economic and social resources required to develop and sustain entrepreneurial ventures. Black women entrepreneurs continue to lag behind their counterparts in other ethnicities in generating revenue from entrepreneurial efforts, hindering U.S. business maturity. The purpose of this qualitative, constructivist grounded theory study was to explore how coaching facilitates the development of PsyCap among Black women entrepreneurs and the perceived socioeconomic barriers that influence this development. The social cognitive theory and a positive psychology conceptual framework grounded this study. The participants comprised 10 Black women entrepreneurs and 10 certified coaches who work with Black women entrepreneurs in the United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (a) external support and connection, (b) connecting through culture, (c) examining and exploring negative narratives, (d) clarifying and creating, and (e) exploring confidence and capability. Findings indicated that culturally aligned, holistic, and positively focused coaching fosters development in all components of PsyCap. Findings also showed that culturally aligned, holistic, and positively focused coaching fosters development in all PsyCap components, while the socioeconomic perceptions impact the experiences of Black women entrepreneurs. The implications for positive social change include the potential for U.S. business leaders to support the advancement of Black women’s enterprises, enabling them to strategically overcome obstacles and barriers through coaching that supports the entrepreneurial community.

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