Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School

College for Community Health

Department/Program

Counseling

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Angela I. Sheely-Moore

Committee Member

Bradley van Eeden-Moorefield

Committee Member

W. Matthew Shurts

Abstract

Experiences with gender microaggressions have been shown to negatively impact mental health and self-esteem in women. Cisgender women are faced with pervasive gender microaggressions throughout life, including within their homes and families. This study sought to explore cisgender women’s experiences with gender microaggressions within two critical family systems, the family of origin and intimate adult relationships. Utilizing Postmodern Feminist Theory and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, three overarching themes were identified related to how cisgender women experience and make meaning of gender microaggressions: 1) Rigid Roles and Expectations for Women; 2) Impact of Power Dynamics; and 3) Identifying Pathways to Lasting Change. Within these overarching themes, five themes and 16 subthemes were identified and presented both descriptively and interpretively. These findings are also explored in conjunction with the existing literature. Strengths and limitations of the current study are addressed, and directions for future research are proposed.

File Format

PDF

Share

COinS