We Shift to Survive: Self-altering Strategies, Gendered Racial-Ethnic Socialization, and Well-being among Black...

Shifting is defined as a social phenomenon in which people of color alter their self-presentations and self-expectations to fit the perceived demands of their social surroundings. Research has found that shifting is associated with higher levels of distress among Black women. It has also been shown that the gendered racial-ethnic socialization messages Black women receive from parents or caregivers may impact their well-being in both positive and negative ways, depending on the nature of the message. To date, no study has examined the relations among shifting, gendered racial-ethnic socialization, and well-being among Black college women-this was the purpose of the present study. Results indicated that among 310 Black women students who attended Predominantly White Institutions, a higher extent of shifting behavior was significantly associated with lower levels of emotional well-being and psychological well-being. Gendered racial-ethnic socialization messages were associated with both shifting and well-being. Specifically, positive gendered racial pride and empowerment messages were associated with lower levels of shifting behavior, whereas negative internalized gendered racial oppression messages were associated with higher levels of shifting behavior. Some positive gendered racial-ethnic socialization messages were also associated with higher levels of either emotional or psychological well-being; however, gendered racial-ethnic socialization messages did not moderate the relationship between shifting and well-being. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.