Exploring Dimensions of Gendered Racial Identity Development Among Emerging Adult Black Women

Abstract

Gendered racial identity plays a vital role in shaping the mental health and well-being of Black women and girls. However, limited research captures how Black women make meaning of their intersectional identities during adolescence and emerging adulthood, which are important developmental periods for identity, self-concept, and belonging. Drawing on the established conceptual framework of Black women's gendered racial identity development, this study sought to explore the dynamic, iterative process of emerging adult Black women's gendered racial identity development. Emerging adult Black women ( N = 19; ages 21–24) living in the U.S. participated in a single time-point semi-structured interview, reflecting retrospectively on their gendered racial identity development across adolescence and emerging adulthood. Data were analyzed using a modified constructivist grounded theory approach guided by Black feminist and intersectional frameworks. Findings revealed two primary themes: (1) Critical Gendered Racial Encounters, involving sub-themes of navigating gendered racism, receiving gendered racial socialization messages, engaging in resistance, and cultivating community; and (2) Evolution of Gendered Racial Ideologies (i.e., assimilation, defiance, pride, and empowerment), which shifted across developmental phases of hyperawareness, reflection, rejection, acceptance, and navigation. This study advances our understanding of Black women's gendered racial identity by elucidating the iterative nature of identity development during adolescence and emerging adulthood.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 2026 · DOI ↗