Publications

James, K.F., Aycock, D.M., Fouquier, K. et al. Racial Identity Clusters and Their Relation to Postpartum Maternal Functioning in Black Women. Matern Child Health J (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03280-7 

Floyd James, K., Aycock, D. M., Barkin, J. L., & Hires, K. A. (2021). Examining the Relationship Between Black Racial Identity Clusters and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903211002650 

Floyd, Kortney. (2020). The Role of Racial Identity on the Mental Health and Functioning of Postpartum Black Mothers. Dissertation, Georgia State University. 
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​Conference Presentations

2020

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Racial Identity and Maternal Functioning in First-time Black Mothers
Kortney Floyd PhD(c), MSN, APRN, CPNP* & Dawn Aycock PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAHA

Abstract
Background: Racial identity can influence the psychological well-being of Black people; however, little is known about the racial identity of postpartum, Black mothers and its influence on maternal functioning. Because poor maternal functioning can be an indicator of postpartum depression (PPD), understanding the influence of racial identity on maternal functioning may be helpful in identifying Black mothers at greater risk of developing PPD.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the relationship between racial identity attitudes and maternal functioning of first-time, Black mothers during the first twelve months of the postpartum period.
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Participants were recruited over two months via social media/email and were eligible if they self-identified as Black, first-time mothers, at least 18 years of age with an infant ≤ 12 months and no history of depression or other mental illnesses. Data were collected online using Qualtrics software. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used. Results: Mothers (N=33) had a mean age of 25.7±3.5 years and their infants were 6.8±3.4 months. The majority of mothers were college graduates (73%), married (85%), and working full-time (48%) with a total household income of at least $75,000 (64%). All six racial identity attitudes (Assimilation, Miseducation, Self-hate, Afrocentric, Anti-White, Multiculturalist) were represented. Overall the sample had a high level of maternal functioning (M=88.6±9.8), but 21% had scores <80 indicating low maternal functioning and possible PPD. There was a moderate, inverse relationship between maternal functioning and racial identity attitudes of Self-hate (rs=-.50, p=.003), Assimilation (rs=-.59, p=.000), and Anti-White (rs=-.61, p=.000) and a moderate, positive relationship with the attitude of Multiculturalist (rs=.53, p=.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that Black, postpartum mothers who have a negative regard towards their race may be more likely to have impaired maternal functioning, which suggests a higher risk for developing PPD.

Awarded Top 10 Poster Presentation at SNRS Conference (March 2020)
​Podium Presentation

Poster

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​2019

Including Black Mothers’ Perspectives: Adapting Racial Centrality to Mercer’s Becoming a Mother Theory
Kortney Floyd, MSN, APRN, CPNP, PhD Student* & Regena Spratling, PhD, RN, APRN, CPNP

Abstract
Motherhood is a phenomenon experienced by women of various ages, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. The Becoming a Mother theory (BAM) by Mercer explains the complex process in which a woman transitions into motherhood. Mercer’s initial work focused on mothers who were middle to upper-class, highly educated, and partnered White women, and does not reflect the experiences of Black mothers.
Significance: Maternal identity, a woman’s internalized view of herself as a mother, is a key concept of the BAM and contributes to a mother’s psychosocial development which also influences maternal-infant bonding and infant development. Due to their culture, traditions, and experiences with discrimination, Black mothers have different perspectives on motherhood. There is a paucity of data which reflects Black women’s perspectives on motherhood but lacks a theoretical framework. Methods: By utilizing Walker and Avant’s iterative theory derivation process, the BAM theory was adapted to incorporate racial identity into the contextual concepts. In order to assess Black mothers’ experiences, research exploring their maternal identity must include concepts and definitions reflective of the influence race has on their identity. Results: Racial identity, when describing Black people in America, is the significance and meaning of self that individuals attribute to their membership within black racial groups. By modifying the BAM model to include components of Seller’s Multi-Dimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI), the experiences of Black women as they transition into motherhood can be fully understood. MMRI has been utilized in research examining the relationship between racial identity and psychological health and well-being. Discussion: The inclusion of the concept of racial identity into the BAM model may better reflect Black mothers’ experiences. Being Black is central to one’s identity and impossible to exclude from influencing one’s journey in life; the journey into motherhood for Black women is no different. By gaining knowledge about the unique needs of Black mothers, nurses can develop interventions which reimagine maternal-child nursing and positively impact Black mothers and their infants. 

Poster