Black women and mental health : gender and cultural roles

M.A. (Clinical Psychology)The present study explores the possible constraining effects of gender and cultural roles on the mental health of Black South African women. The specific focus is on the mental health of professional Black women who have been alienated from their traditional roles, yet find themselves in a context of traditional role prescriptions. In-depth interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data on the subjective experiences of two professional women, one of which had been diagnosed as having Major Depression. The observations obtained from the case studies support the literature, in that both women experience a considerable amount of role strain; the// most important of which are in congruent role expectations, role ambiguity and role overload. Possible factors contributing to role strain are discussed within the context of a transitional South African society. It has been found that structural and normative variables account for most. of the role strain experienced by the women. The need for new role definitions by both Black professional women and men, as well as a greater role flexibility are emphasized. Research regarding interventions on both individual and societal level are recommended