Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
The present study explores the possible constraining effects of gender
and cultural roles on the mental health of Black South African women.
The specific focus is on the mental health of professional Black women
who have been alienated from their traditional roles, yet find themselves
in a context of traditional role prescriptions.
In-depth interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data on the
subjective experiences of two professional women, one of which had
been diagnosed as having Major Depression.
The observations obtained from the case studies support the literature,
in that both women experience a considerable amount of role strain; the//
most important of which are in congruent role expectations, role ambiguity
and role overload. Possible factors contributing to role strain are
discussed within the context of a transitional South African society. It has
been found that structural and normative variables account for most. of
the role strain experienced by the women.
The need for new role definitions by both Black professional women and
men, as well as a greater role flexibility are emphasized. Research
regarding interventions on both individual and societal level are
recommended.