More than strong : exploring black womanhood beyond existing stereotypes

This thesis comprises three chapters. Chapter One is a meta-ethnographic systematic review exploring the schema-based coping strategies used by Black women to manage psychosocial distress. Three meta-schemas were identified: Resilience, Emotional Suppression, and Redefining Strength, each with corresponding subthemes. Findings reveal how cultural expectations, systemic racism, and gendered stereotypes such as the Strong Black Woman Schema (SBWS) shape coping responses. The review highlights the need for culturally responsive psychological interventions that consider Black women’s lived realities and intersecting identities. Chapter Two presents an empirical Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) exploring the lived experiences of Black British mothers caring for a child with a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Three group experiential themes were developed: “I Keep to Myself”, “I Don’t Want to Be Strong”, and “You Can Still Be You”. The study reveals the emotional and systemic burdens faced by Black mothers and captures moments of self-compassion and collective healing. The findings suggest the need for a more intersectional and equitable approach to supporting Black families in neurodivergent caregiving contexts. Chapter Three is a reflective paper using the framework of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and intersectional reflexivity to explore the author’s personal and professional development throughout the research process.