Abstract
A thematic analysis of literature was applied to academic studies of African American women who identify as same-gender-loving (SGL), meaning either lesbian or bisexual, and African American heterosexual women who have endured intimate partner violence (IPV). The aim was to identify in the literature coping strategies used by the IPV survivors, as well as under-utilized coping strategies. Few studies (28) met the inclusion criteria related to this intersectional identity. Main themes of positive coping skills mentioned were as follows: spirituality, mindfulness, religious practice, community support, social support, confrontation, safety precautions, activism, attitude or self-help, mental health services, participation in research studies, health care providers, domestic violence services (including shelters), law enforcement, legal services, and culturally competent interventions (racial attribution and acknowledging intersectional identities). Negative coping mechanisms were escapism and substance abuse. Institutional supports were under-utilized, including mental health services, health care providers, domestic violence services, law enforcement, shelter, and legal service. Causes mentioned for under-utilization of positive coping strategies were cost, fear of negative consequences, experience of discrimination, and dismissal of the seriousness of the violence. The eight main coping strategies focused on were as follows: spirituality and religiosity, mindfulness, social support, community support, direct action, attitude or self-help, formal institutional support, and culturally competent interventions. Implications of the findings were that (a) support can be enhanced by understanding historical context, and (b) support can be enhanced by using intersectionality as a framework in treatment. The author integrates auto-ethnography, describing personal experiences as an African American bisexual cisgender female survivor of IPV.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
African American women; Intimate partner violence--African Americans--Women; Life skills--African Americans--Women; Self-help techniques--African Americans--Women
Date of Award
2024
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Thema Bryant
Recommended Citation
Moran, Victoria, "Coping strategies of African American LGBTQ same-gender-loving and heterosexual women after intimate partner violence" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1532.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1532
