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3 - Black Girlhood: Developmental Experiences of Black Women

from Part I - Black Women in Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2023

Donna Baptiste  and
Adia Gooden
By
Chisina Kapungu
Donna Baptiste
Affiliation:
Northwestern University, Illinois
Adia Gooden
Affiliation:
Unconditionally Worthy, Co.
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Summary

This chapter examines themes in Black women’s childhood experiences. We discuss the importance of sex and gender identity development and other dynamics that affect Black girls’ self-concepts. We explore themes that surface when Black women’s girlhood experiences are the primary reasons for seeking therapy. Themes include the impact of the media on Black girls’ body image, the “adultification” of Black girls, sexual development, teenage parenting, and more. We emphasize how therapists can work with Black women around their painful childhood and adolescent memories.

Keywords

Black women girlhooddevelopment
Type
Chapter
Information
Promoting Black Women's Mental Health
What Practitioners Should Know and Do
 , pp. 65 - 87
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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