Strength in the Spirit: A Qualitative Examination of African American College Women and the Role of Spirituality during College

• Published in: The Journal of Negro education Vol. 78; no. 1; pp. 42 - 54
• Main Authors: Patton, Lori D., McClure, Michelle L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Howard University School of Education 01.01.2009; Journal of Negro Education; Howard University, School of Divinity
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; African American culture; African American Students; African American studies; African Americans; Black communities; College Students; Coping; Educational Environment; Faith; Females; Feminism; Individualized Instruction; Phenomenology; Predominantly White Institutions; Racial Factors; Religion; Religious Factors; School campuses; Spiritual belief systems; Spiritual Development; Spirituality; Student Development; Student Experience; Studies; Women; Womens education; New York; Iowa; San Francisco California; United States > US
• ISSN: 0022-2984; 2167-6437

The authors of this article explored the role of spirituality in the college experiences of 14 African American college women. Often overlooked, racially isolated, misrepresented, and misunderstood, African American women often turn to spirituality as a transformative, regenerative, and uplifting space. Using faith development theory and Black feminist thought as a framework, the findings of this study provide insight into how and why African American women use spirituality to successfully navigate through their college experiences. Discussion and implications for practice are offered for enhancing the spiritual development and success of African American college women.