Black Women’s Sexual Assertiveness and Satisfaction: The Role of the Superwoman Schema

Abstract

Although extant research highlights the detrimental effects of the Superwoman Schema (SWS) on Black women’s physical and psychological well-being, researchers have yet to examine the implications of SWS endorsement on Black women’s sexual attitudes and behaviors. As a culturally salient racialized gender schema that reifies Black women’s supposed superhuman emotional and physical strength, to what extent does endorsement of the SWS contribute to Black women’s reported sexual assertiveness and satisfaction? In the present work, 406 Black women completed an online survey measuring their endorsement of the SWS, as well as their sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. SWS dimensions moderated the association between sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. Findings from the present study highlight the importance of considering culturally salient racialized gender schemas when examining Black women’s sexual attitudes and behaviors.

Black Women’s Body Image: Implications for Identity Formation and Well-Being

“…The selected articles highlight not only the utility of a focused issue on body image but also its timeliness and importance. Exploring the diversity in population among Black women, articles ranged in topics on body satisfaction and resilience among Black women athletes (Jones et al, 2023), body appreciation among Black college women (Breiner et al, 2023), sexual assertiveness (Perkins, Aleibar, et al, 2023), and body appreciation in regard to self-objectification and gendered racial microaggression (Dunn et al, 2023). There is a clear focus on body appreciation and satisfaction.…”