M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / This study explores the Western ideal of the thin body as experienced by Black female students. This research was motivated by the limited number of empirical studies that employ a qualitative method to investigate Black South African females’ perception of the thin ideal, or what they perceive an ideal body to be. Three Black female students were recruited from the University of Johannesburg’s campus, to participate in the interviews. On campus, interaction is encouraged through an initiation process where everyone is invited to take part, and where diversity is celebrated. This setting was appropriate because the students found themselves in a socio-cultural flux between traditional values and values instilled by modern western society. Data collection and the analysis were guided by a phenomenological research design, namely, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) because it explores the participants’ experience of the Western thin ideal from their perspective, and acknowledges the researcher’s enmeshed interpretation of the participants’ worldview. The study resulted in the identification of four master themes: 1) Physical presentation, 2) The environments influence on my body image, 3) Sense of worth, and 4) Admiration versus animosity, which were discussed in relation to relevant literature. In the concluding chapter, the key strengths and limitations of this study are reviewed, and the implications of the findings for further investigation are discussed...

African American children are disproportionately over-represented in the child welfare system. Many of these children linger in the system and experience disconnection from their biological families, communities, cultural beliefs, values, and practices. Familial socialization and cultural exposure are essential to developing a positive ethnic identity and self-concept. For African American female adolescents, hair and hair care are critical areas for such socialization and support. This qualitative study explored the hair and hair care perceptions and experiences of African American female adolescents in foster care. The goal was to examine hair and hair's connection to, and influence on, sense of self and self-esteem for African American female adolescents in foster care. Eleven African American female adolescents participated in individual interviews, and grounded theory was used to analyze the data. Four major themes emerged: hair care, perception of hair and identity as an African American female, societal influences on self-awareness, and influence of the foster care system. Results from the study indicated African American female adolescents in foster care identify hair as important. Participants noted hair is connected to appearance and shapes who they are and how they view themselves as African American females. Participants addressed the complexity of hair and politics associated with hair. The findings further emphasized the role of racial socialization and the importance of a supportive hair care environment. Participants also discussed their awareness of societal influences on their perception of African American women. They offered recommendations for improving the hair care experiences of African American children in foster care, for supporting positive development of identity and self-esteem, and for implementing standards of practice that will ensure these youths' cultural needs are addressed in the child welfare system.