Superwoman schema and perceived stress among Black women: a latent profile analysis

Understanding how Superwoman Schema (SWS) dimensions cluster may be key to exploring how this phenomenon varies among Black women. In this study, we identified profiles of Superwoman Schema in a sample of 167 Black women (Mage = 22). We also determined if distinct profiles of Superwoman Schema dimensions predicted perceived stress. Using latent profile analysis, we detected a 4-class solution: Guarded Caregivers (high emotional suppression, resistance to vulnerability, and obligation to help others); Authentically Unburdened (lowest average on all SWS dimensions); Reluctant Superwoman (mid-range adherence to SWS dimensions with a strong sense of the obligation to help others); and Resilient Caregivers (high desire to present strength and a strong sense of the obligation to help others). The Guarded Caregiver profile had the highest perceived stress scores compared to all other profiles. There were no significant differences between profile groups and sociodemographics. Findings suggest that Black women who are high in adherence to emotional suppression, resistance to vulnerability, and obligatory helping may be more likely to experience elevated stress. Thus, interventions to reduce stress should promote emotional expression, foster help-seeking behaviors, and challenge the need for self-sacrifice at the expense of personal well-being.