Date of Graduation

Spring 5-17-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

Dr. Michelle Montagno, PsyD

Second Advisor

Dr. Shannon Murray, PsyD

Third Advisor

Dr. Konjit Page, PhD

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of women of color psychologists who identify as ethnic-racial minorities. This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand the narrative experience of the participants from their perspective. A total of four participants took part in this study. All participants identified as cisgender women psychologists currently working in a forensic mental health setting and identified as an ethnic-racial minority. In the lived experiences of the participants, three themes, and several subthemes, emerged: challenges, self-preservation, and strengths / resilience. The results showed that women of color psychologists working within forensic mental health settings face continuous adverse challenges, such as cultural prejudice, lack of representation, and vicarious trauma. Further, this study explored the shared and nuanced self-preservation strategies of women of color psychologists to mitigate the negative consequences of vicarious trauma and pervasive discrimination, to preserve their overall health and sense of self. The findings of this study additionally demonstrated the resilience and strengths of women of color psychologists, and their ability to leverage their own adverse challenges to inform their clinical work. These interactions demonstrated the critical role of highlighting women of color psychologists’ strengths and resilience, as it pertains to the prevention of burnout and preserving overall well-being, navigating adverse experiences, and deepening their clinical work to be more culturally responsive and relational.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS