Black Womens' Experience in Seeking and Engaging in Romantic Relationships While Pursuing Academic Achievement
Location
SU-215
Department
Social Work
Abstract
There are barriers faced by Black women students who pursue romantic relationships in college due to being stereotyped, having to deal with negative connotations due to skin color, and feeling inadequate because of not being pursued by men, which has led them to question their worthiness (Carver & Mitchell, 2022). Further research has shown that African American female college freshmen are more likely to engage in sexual behavior, or risky behavior due to experiences in previous romantic relationships that have trickled into their current romantic relationships (Henry, 2013). This quantitative study investigates the educational experiences of Black women students in higher education and how this may be influenced by their romantic relationship status. An online survey was distributed to Black undergraduate women at 4-year universities in the United States. Data collection is ongoing; and preliminary results reveal that participants’ relations status ranges from not being in a relationship to being in a committed relationship. Further analyses will be conducted to examine the relationship between romantic relationship status and academic outcomes for Black Female students. Together, this work will provide insights into the academic experiences of Black Female students useful for creating programming and policies aimed at increasing positive academic outcomes for this population.
Faculty Sponsor
Olubunmi Oyewuwo
Faculty Sponsor
Quenette Walton
Black Womens' Experience in Seeking and Engaging in Romantic Relationships While Pursuing Academic Achievement
SU-215
There are barriers faced by Black women students who pursue romantic relationships in college due to being stereotyped, having to deal with negative connotations due to skin color, and feeling inadequate because of not being pursued by men, which has led them to question their worthiness (Carver & Mitchell, 2022). Further research has shown that African American female college freshmen are more likely to engage in sexual behavior, or risky behavior due to experiences in previous romantic relationships that have trickled into their current romantic relationships (Henry, 2013). This quantitative study investigates the educational experiences of Black women students in higher education and how this may be influenced by their romantic relationship status. An online survey was distributed to Black undergraduate women at 4-year universities in the United States. Data collection is ongoing; and preliminary results reveal that participants’ relations status ranges from not being in a relationship to being in a committed relationship. Further analyses will be conducted to examine the relationship between romantic relationship status and academic outcomes for Black Female students. Together, this work will provide insights into the academic experiences of Black Female students useful for creating programming and policies aimed at increasing positive academic outcomes for this population.