Date of Conferral

2-18-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Hedy Dexter

Abstract

The continued rise in single-mother households within Black communities has led to an increase in hyper-independence among Black women, a phenomenon referred to as the strong Black woman schema. Studies have found an association between hyper-independence (i.e., excessive self-reliance and emotional invulnerability) and absent fathers (i.e., due to incarceration or abandonment), forcing Black women to assume the roles of financial provider, caregiver, and community agent. Though studies have found a link between the strong Black woman and negative health outcomes (e.g., emotional distress), other studies have found that strong Black women characterize themselves as independent, empowered, and content individuals, feelings that are described as “triumph” over needing the presence of a male. In the context of these mixed findings, the purpose of this study was to determine the relative strength of paternal absence, strong Black woman schema, and self-esteem in predicting resilience among English-speaking Black women living in the United States. The study was informed by Bandura's social learning theory. To gather data, a cross-sectional, nonexperimental survey of 140 participants was administered via SurveyMonkey. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to test hypothesized relationships. Results indicated that self-esteem and strong Black woman schema were significant, positive predictors of resilience. These findings suggest that resilience among Black women is more strongly supported by internalized self-worth and culturally reinforced strength schemas than by early paternal absence alone. Insights from this study may contribute to positive social change by informing educational programs, therapeutic protocols, and support systems with the potential to enhance Black women’s resilience, empowerment, and well-being.

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