Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42046207›Full record

ReviewNursing open2026

Balancing Resilience and Vulnerability: An Integrative Review of the Strong Black Woman Schema in Nursing Education and Leadership.

Kechi Iheduru-Anderson, Christiana Akanegbu, Julia U Ugorji, Chimezie J Agomoh

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Nursing open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kechi Iheduru-AndersonSchool of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2353-0410
Christiana AkanegbuMaureen Murphy Wilkins School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences, Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Julia U UgorjiDepartment of Nursing, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, Minnesota, USA.
Chimezie J AgomohCurry College, Milton, Massachusetts, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimThis integrative review examines the dual role of the Strong Black Woman schema which may provide insights as both a source of resilience and a contributor to systemic and individual challenges for Black professional nurses, educators, and leaders.

designThis study is an integrative review of literature.

methodsUsing Whittemore and Knafl's methodology, an integrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted across multiple databases. Thirty-three studies meeting inclusion criteria were synthesised through processes of data reduction, data display, data comparison, and conclusion drawing.

findingsFour major themes were identified: historical and sociocultural roots, health and psychological implications, professional and leadership outcomes, and the balance between resilience and vulnerability. The schema promotes resilience and leadership potential but also exacerbates psychological distress, workplace isolation, and inequities.

conclusionsThe Strong Black Woman schema encompasses resilience, caregiving, and emotional suppression-traits rooted in historical survival strategies of Black women. While these traits have been associated with professional success, the existing literature primarily highlights their impact on mental and physical health. Although only a minority of reviewed studies directly addressed nursing contexts, the schema's relevance warrants further investigation. Conceptual insights from this review suggest the need for systemic reforms, culturally responsive leadership training, and integrating vulnerability into professional frameworks. These directions can guide future research and potentially inform efforts to support the holistic well-being and equity of Black women in nursing education and leadership. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS: There was no patient or public contribution.

Indexed as

Black or African AmericanEducation, NursingLeadershipResilience, PsychologicalFemaleHumansleadershipnursing educationresilienceStrong Black Woman schemasystemic inequitiesvulnerability

Identifiers

PMID42046207
PMCPMC13121553

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.