“It’s not actually all peaches and roses:” The role Strong Black Woman schema plays in Black women’s intimate partnerships

The Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema prescribes a complex set of behavioral expectations for Black women, namely, that they render a guise of self-reliance, emotional and physical strength, self-sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity. Thus, this study sought to explore the role of SBW, a culturally salient gendered-racial schema believed to represent a central aspect of Black womanhood, on Black women’s experiences of romantic and intimate partnerships. We conducted eight focus groups ( N = 16) with young Black women aged 18 – 30 (M = 22.13, SD = 3.46). Data were analyzed using the rapid and rigorous qualitative data technique and thematic analysis. Study findings revealed a multidimensional construct specific to SBW in the context of intimate partnerships: (1) Black women confronting expectations to uphold strength, (2) a commitment to independence while partnered, (3) efforts to conceal emotions with one’s partner, (4) aspirations to achieve equitable caretaking within the relationship, and (5) shielding to curate a positive relationship image. These findings provide unique insights into how young Black women are navigating gendered racial stereotypes to engage in romantic and intimate partnerships.