Social Anxiety Among Black Women
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Abstract
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalent and chronic types of anxiety disorders. Yet, social anxiety often goes undetected and untreated, particularly among racial-ethnic minority groups. Existing research indicates that both Black people and women alike suffer from social anxiety. Thus, Black women are likely to be diagnosed with social anxiety and experience more severe impairments. However, there is a lack of research that explores social anxiety among Black women. Utilizing constructivist grounded theory and intersectionality theory, this study sought to address a gap in the literature by generating a theory to understand how Black women experience social anxiety. The results from this study produced a new theory of social anxiety among Black women, The Said and Unsaid Theory of Social Anxiety. Based upon the findings, throughout Black women’s lifespans, they receive explicit and implicit messages that convey that they are not acceptable as their authentic selves. The messages are transmitted via American societal norms and interpersonal relationships, such as family, friendships, romantic partnerships, and professional acquaintances. Moreover, results demonstrated that gendered racism was an influential factor affecting all facets of participants' experience of social anxiety, including their coping responses and the overall affects.
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Introduction -- Review of literature -- Methodology -- Results -- Discussion
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Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)