An examination of a spirituality group for African American women

Abstract

The study examines the effect of a small, spirituality-based group on African American women's self-esteem, racial identity, and gender identity. Recognizing that current service provision in the profession of psychology often fails to adequately meet the unique needs of African American women, the study sets forth to assess the effectiveness of a group therapy approach that is more closely aligned with values and practices of this population. Grounded in a spirituality framework, the group therapy approach proposed utilizes an interpersonal, psychoeducational approach to enhance self- esteem, racial and gender identity, and promote sisterhood in an often-overlooked population. Outcome and process measures were employed to examine the impact of the small group intervention. Empirical outcome data provides little support for the small group intervention, though process data provides evidence of the positive impact on group participants. psychological functioning.