Media's influence on Black women's romantic relationship expectations

Television media has long depicted Black or African American women and their romantic relationships in stereotypical ways. Studies have consistently found that these stereotypical portrayals negatively impact Black women in many salient life areas including well-being, self-esteem, and racial identity. There is, however, a dearth of literature that specifically examines these stereotypical portrayals on Black women’s expectations of romantic relationships. Through the lens of Cultivation Theory, the current study examined 15 single, professional Black women’s perceptions and feelings regarding televisions messages about their identity group and their romantic relationships, its impact on their identities and well-being, as well as their related expectations of romantic relationships. The findings show that because of stereotypical portrayals, Black women experience stereotype threat, diminished self-esteem, diminished mental health, and lowered expectations of finding and maintaining successful romantic relationships. Yet, despite these impacts, current study participants still discussed having positive racial identity and higher self-esteem.Psy.D.Includes bibliographical reference