Black Culture, Health Equity
Colorism, the Black Elephant in the Room: Helping Black Women Mitigate Psychosocial Harm with the B.E.T.T.E.R. S.E.L.F. Framework
Lisa Muhammad
June 8, 2026 at 1:15:15 PM
Abstract
Colorism is a harmful phenomenon that can impact an individual's psychosocial functioning, especially for Black women. The B.E.T.T.E.R. S.E.L.F. Framework (BSF) is a clinical practice tool designed to help Black women mitigate the harm caused by colorism while improving psychosocial well-being. Grounded in principles of Black Feminist Theory (BFT) and Narrative Therapy (NT), the BSF actively supports Black women in fostering their "better self." The BSF is a culturally responsive clinical framework that aims to acknowledge and heal the ongoing impact of colorism.
This clinical paper introduces the B.E.T.T.E.R. S.E.L.F. Framework (BSF), a culturally responsive psychotherapy tool grounded in Black Feminist Theory and Narrative Therapy, to help Black women name and heal the psychosocial harm of colorism. A fictional vignette demonstrates how Colorism-Informed Clinicians can use the framework in session to validate experience and foster a "better self."