Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Black women's experiences of racialized shame
Amber J Johnson1, Jaylin Bell1, Victoria A Davis1
1Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach.
Objectives:
Black women may be particularly vulnerable to negative shame experiences, shaped by racism and sexism. Yet, the breadth of research that examines shame experiences from Black women's perspective is limited. This study sought to describe the sociocultural context in which Black women experience shame in America.
Method:
Forty Black women (Mage = 41 years) across the United States participated in a narrative study. A thematic analysis focused on understanding shame cues in participant narratives.
Results:
One major theme of racialized shame experience was revealed. Sociocultural contexts of these experiences were identified including Black women's state of invisibility; experiences in the workplace and academia; treatment related to skin color, hair, and body; and romantic relationship expectations.
Conclusions:
These findings warrant further attention to the consequence of Black women's shame experiences. Implications for addressing shame and well-being for Black women are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Stereotype Content Model
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping

