University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Construction and initial validation of the gendered racial microaggressions scale: an exploration among black women

Lewis, Jioni

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/45588

Description

Title
Construction and initial validation of the gendered racial microaggressions scale: an exploration among black women
Author(s)
Lewis, Jioni
Issue Date
2013-08-22T16:48:48Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Neville, Helen A.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Neville, Helen A.
Committee Member(s)
  • Anderson, Carolyn J.
  • Mendenhall, Ruby
  • Rounds, James
Department of Study
Educational Psychology
Discipline
Educational Psychology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Black women
  • microaggressions
  • racial
  • gendered
  • racism
  • sexism
  • race
  • gender
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of gendered racial microaggressions (i.e., subtle and everyday verbal, behavioral, and environmental expressions of oppression based on the intersection of one’s race and gender) experienced by Black women based on Essed’s (1991) theory of gendered racism and Sue and colleagues’ (2007) model of racial microaggressions. The Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale – Black Women (GRMS-BW) was designed to assess the interpersonal nature of the intersection of subtle forms of racism and sexism. Data from 469 participants were collected in two interrelated studies for the purposes of scale development, initial validation, and construct validity. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 25-item scale with 4 factors as follows: (1) Assumptions of Beauty and Sexual Objectification, (2) Silenced and Marginalized, (3) Strong Black Woman, and (4) Angry Black Woman. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the 4-factor model was a good fit of the data and the best fit compared to competing models. The GRMS-BW was positively related to a racial and ethnic microaggressions measure as well as a measure of sexist events. In addition, the GRMS-BW was significantly related to psychological distress. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Graduation Semester
2013-08
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45588
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2013 Jioni A. Lewis

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