Episode 5: I Am Not Your Superwoman: The Truth Behind Sojourner Syndrome

Leading with Purpose Podcast

In this episode we will be talking about the Sojourner Syndrome or Superwoman Schema as it is better known. We follow the research of Dr. Cheryl L. Woods-Giscombé, RN, Assistant Professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and review her paper titled “Superwoman Schema: African American Women’s Views on Stress, Strength, and Health” published in the Qualitative Health Research Journal.

We discuss her five (5) characterizations for the Superwoman Role, and four (4) contextual factors that contribute to the Superwoman Role. You can read the full paper here.

We discuss my suggestions for ways to change our behaviors so that we can live healthier lives and move away from trying to be Superwoman.

Finally, listeners are asked to engage in a bit of self-reflection and answer the following questions and share their stories with me.

• Are you or have you ever suffered from the Superwoman complex?
  
• What have been the implications (mental, physical, emotional) of trying to be Superwoman?
  
• Has your upbringing played a role in your perception of having to be Superwoman? How so?
  
• What steps can you take to break the habit of trying to do everything and be everyone to the people in your personal and professional life?
  

Check out the corresponding blog post for more great content.

I’d love your feedback on these episodes, so please connect with me on instagram or send me an email at [e-mail]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment on this platform or whichever platform you listen. Till next time…

Music by Cassette Tapes - This Year Master @iamryanlittle - blessings. and @mysmmusic - Beyond The Fire via @hellothematic

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