Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Black Working Mothers: Education and Mental Health while Continuing their Education

Abstract

This qualitative grounded theory study examines the impact of the Coronavirus Disease

2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Black working mothers, with particular attention to the

intersection of employment, childcare responsibilities, mental health, and educational aspirations.

Although existing scholarship has documented the disproportionate effects of the pandemic on

marginalized populations, limited research has explored how these intersecting domains

collectively shape Black working mothers lived experiences and decision-making processes.

Drawing on grounded theory methodology, this study investigates how participants

navigated intensified role strain during the pandemic, such as workplace expectations, childcare

disruptions, and educational pursuits converged. Findings suggest that COVID-19 exacerbated

preexisting structural inequities, including systemic barriers within corporate environments and

persistent underrepresentation in leadership roles. Participants also described the influence of the

Strong Black Woman schema, which contributed to emotional suppression and heightened

psychological burden.

The pandemic further complicated work–life integration, particularly as school closures

and shifting childcare demands increased cognitive and emotional labor. These compounded

pressures contributed to decision-making fatigue and negatively affected participants’ mental well-

being, often influencing their capacity to initiate or persist in educational advancement.

This study contributes to the literature by advancing a conceptual understanding of how

intersecting structural and psychosocial factors shape Black working mothers’ experiences during

crisis conditions. Implications highlight the need for targeted institutional policies and support

systems that address mental health, workplace equity, and access to flexible educational pathways.

By centering the voices of Black working mothers, this research informs more equitable strategies

to support their academic and professional trajectories in post-pandemic contexts.