Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Glinda Rawls, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Jennifer Foster, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Regena Fails Nelson, Ph.D.

Keywords

Black women, gendered violencee, misogynoir, police violence, racism, slavery

Abstract

Police violence is a historical, systemic issue that continues to plague the Black community to this day. Research discussing the systemic oppression of police violence on Black people has seen an increase over the past decade. However, little has been discussed on the effects of police violence on Black people’s health and wellness, particularly their mental health. The research that exists surrounding police violence and mental health is largely concentrated on the experiences of Black men. Little is known about how Black women personally experience police violence or how these experiences impact their mental, emotional, and physical health. Not exploring Black women’s experiences related to police violence limits the understanding of the phenomenon by the mental health community. Further, mental health providers often struggle to apply intersectional approaches to mental health concerns, including treating trauma disorders. Without understanding the unique needs of Black women, best practices in helping them with traumatic experiences involving FEWP will remain elusive.

The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women who endured fearful encounters with police (FEWP). This study sought to explore four questions: (1) How do Black cisgender women describe their lived experiences with FEWP? (2) How do Black cisgender women explain their experiences related to the effects of FEWP on their physical and mental health? (3) What ways of coping and support strategies were used to help Black cisgender women cope with the FEWP? and (4) What education, support and activism is needed to address FEWP for Black women? Through phenomenological qualitative inquiry and semi-structured interviews with nine Black women, eight themes emerged to describe their lived experiences. These themes were: (1) Lack of Accountability, (2) Reminiscent of Slavery, (3) Police Officer’s Departure from Protocol, (4) Terror, (5) Racial Trauma, (6) Hope Fueled by Resistance, (7) Knowledge, and (8) Black Women’s Safety Prioritized. Implications for the field of counseling as well as potential future research directions are also discussed.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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