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This article examines the relevance of choice theory and reality therapy in understanding the unique social and cultural experiences of the "Strong Black Woman (SBW)." Within the traditional therapeutic paradigm, the Black perspective, in particular the experiences of Black Women, has been lacking, as such the primary goal of this article is to join choice theory, reality therapy and the Strong Black Woman paradigm in an effort to expand our theoretical understanding of the Africa Centered approach to reality therapy.
The Strong Black Woman Paradigm: A Socio-cultural Framework for Understanding the Black Woman
Traditional psychological theories are inadequate in articulating the unique psychological experiences of Black women (Thomas, 2004). Though few theories offer a comprehensive framework that joins together history, culture, race, gender, values, and beliefs, the Strong Black Woman paradigm provides a unique theoretical perspective that broadens our understanding of the lives of Black women and how they relate to the world.
The prevailing image of the Black woman is complex and distorted. The Strong Black Woman archetype is an idealized construction of Black womanhood that personifies strength, independence, competency and self-reliance (Beau boeuf- Lafontant, 2005, 2007). For many Black women, the strength persona serves as a defense mechanism against racism and sexism as well as a self-presentational strategy that frees them from the constraints placed upon them by society (Harris-Lacewell, 2001). However, this strength construction limits- rather than empowers- Black women by perpetuating a social schema that de-emphasizes their daily struggles and society's inequities, often leaving Black women depleted, physically, emotionally and mentally (Beauboeuf-Lafontant, 2005).
This article examines the Strong Black Woman paradigm, incorporating a choice theory/ reality therapy approach for understanding the experiences of Black women and how they relate to self and others.
Broadening the Discussion of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy: Incorporating the Experiences of the Strong Black Woman
The person in the environment as well as the environment in the person shapes the form and function of one's life course. All that we are or become is influenced by our relationship with a constraining or liberating environment, as well as other factors transmitted from the ancestors.
One's culture does not develop the personality in isolation, but is significant to the interpretation of the real world. Perception...