Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Nina Nabors

Abstract

Colorism bias related to skin complexion is a persistent phenomenon within the African American community and often shapes the family dynamics and results in noteworthy adverse psychosocial impacts for African Americans. Researchers have examined colorism or the preference for lighter skin over darker skin primarily as it pertained to women, but little research existed regarding men. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American men with respect to their attitudes toward skin complexion and how those attitudes inform their dating habits and self-esteem. Understanding how this group of men managed living this phenomenon addressed the gap in literature. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 African American men to foster better understanding of their experiences. Using Cooley's concept of the looking-glass self and Goffman's theory of stigma to guide data interpretation, the Moustakas data analysis method led to themes of colorism not being an issue in self-perception, dating, and self-esteem. Among these 3 themes, there are 5 subthemes. Each of these themes were primary to precisely depicting the participants perspectives pertaining to the phenomenon. These themes demonstrate the complicated influence of colorism on important aspects of life for African American men. These men noted the negative messages received about their skin color but that it did not affect their self-esteem or lead to a preference for light skin. In fact, the participants expressed their preference for medium- and dark-skinned women when dating. Implications for positive social change include helping clinicians and society hold a more nuanced view of the role of colorism in understanding this marginalized group of men.

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