The Effects of Trauma and Resiliency in Black American Women

Abstract

The present study’s researcher sought to explore how women who have suffered from childhood trauma are able to overcome that trauma in their adult lives. Using the framework of resiliency by Norman Garmezy was the starting point to understand what resiliency is and how Black women can break generational cycles of trauma. 10 Black women served as participants in this study. Participants were asked open-ended questions that took place within a semi-structured interview. The results showed that resiliency factors that deemed most critical in breaking generational trauma were access to just one community resource. The broader implications of the results are discussed in the conclusion.