MAMMY, SAPPHIRE, AND JEZEBEL - HISTORICAL IMAGES OF BLACK-WOMEN AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY

The purpose of this article is to identify three historical images of Black women (Mammy, Sapphire, & Jezebel), discuss their historic origi ns, and describe the impact of each image on various aspects of Black women's psychological functioning. Connections will be made between th e Mammy image and disordered eating, concerns about physical features, such as skin color and hair texture, and role strain; between the Sap phire image and the expression of anger; and between the Jezebel image and sexual functioning and victimization. Implications of these image s for psychotherapeutic practice will be discussed.