Date of Award
Spring 2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs
Committee Chairperson
Mathew Kruger-Ross Ph.D
Committee Member
Heather Horowitz Ed.D
Committee Member
Ivet Tweedy Ph.D
Committee Member
Jacqueline Hodes Ph.D
Abstract
Black women are constantly overlooked within higher education institutions, which is influenced by the systematic racism and sexism embedded in our society and higher education practices. My thematic concern looks to help Black female students understand, process, and overcome the feelings of imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern of doubting one’s accomplishments, causing a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. This occurs when societal expectations of one's identity does not align with their own. Using the methodology of critical action research, I analyze how external factors of intersecting oppression influence Black women to experience imposter syndrome. Her Melanin is a potential solution to help Black female students overcome their experience of imposter syndrome.
Recommended Citation
Wright, Nzingha, "Her Melanin: Creating Courageous Conversations for Combating Imposter Syndrome for Black Women in Higher Education" (2021). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 214.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/214