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Natural Hair & Hair Esteem

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  4. 2020 - Kent State University Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity
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File
Author(s)
  • Charity Butler Senior, Human Development and Family Studies (Case Management for Individuals and Families)
Abstract

Generations of systematic hair discrimination has left African-Americans inadequate in the eyes of society, which has been linked to poor mental health. Black people are taught to be impatient with their thick curls and that it is an inconvenience to take care of their hair. Self-acceptance and self-love is required for African Americans to overcome the generational curse of low hair-esteem, however, less is known about the implications of positive hair esteem. This study explores the association between hair esteem and quality of relationships with other women, including how mental health moderates this association. I hypothesize that positive hair esteem will be associated with better quality relationships with other women and that the strength of the association will vary by self-reported mental health. Participants include women identifying ages 18-45+ who completed an internet-based 25 question survey inventory, which included an established measure of hair esteem (Bankhead & Johnson, 2014), questions about the quality of their interpersonal relationships, and an assessment of mental health. Data collection is in progress. The findings will add to our understanding of the benefits of positive hair esteem for mental health and lay the foundation for utilizing hair to unify and empower women.

Format
Conference Proceeding
Contributor(s)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Kelly Cichy
Modified Abstract

This study analayzes data to explore the association between hair estem and quality of relationships with other women. Participants include a convenience sample of women identifying ages 18-45+ Participants completed aninternet-based 25 question survey inventory, which included an established measure of hair esteem (Bankhead & Johnson, 2014), questions about the quality of their interpersonal relationships, and an assessment of mental health. Data collection is in progress. The findings will add to our understanding of the benefits of positive hair esteem for mental health.

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