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Black intergenerational healing and well-being: Reimagining posttraumatic growth
Anna Ortega-Williams1, Tricia Stephens1, Zuleka Henderson2
1Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, City University of New York.
The American Psychologist
|November 12, 2024
Summary
An expansive view of posttraumatic growth (PTG) is needed for Black communities to heal from generational oppression and systemic racism. This study examines healing pathways to promote personal and collective well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- African Diaspora Studies
Background:
- Black communities face persistent hostile environments due to structural and interpersonal anti-Black racism.
- Generational oppression, including enslavement, has impacted the well-being of the African diaspora.
- Existing models of posttraumatic growth (PTG) may not fully encompass the unique experiences of Black individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an expansive view of PTG tailored to the experiences of Black people of the African diaspora.
- To examine historical and contemporary examples of personal and collective healing within Black communities.
- To reimagine pathways to PTG through an intergenerational healing and well-being framework.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an intergenerational healing and well-being framework.
- Analyzing historical and contemporary examples of healing in Black communities.
- Synthesizing findings to inform PTG models.
Main Results:
- An expansive PTG framework is necessary to address the impacts of systemic anti-Black racism.
- Intergenerational healing and well-being offer viable pathways for personal and collective recovery.
- Healing is understood as a dynamic, community-centered process.
Conclusions:
- Helping professions must rethink PTG within the context of systemic anti-Black racism.
- Promoting PTG requires culturally responsive and historically informed approaches.
- Supporting collective healing is crucial for the well-being of the African diaspora.
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