Girls and young women, especially those from underserved and under-resourced communities, face unique stressors, trauma, violence, and oppression. These factors can be compounded by the intersection of their race, gender, and other identities and experiences, which can put them at greater risk for depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts due to a lack of treatment and access to care. (See Guidelines for psychological practice with girls and women.) 

One of the unique stressors experienced by many girls, and Black girls in particular, is what’s known as “Adultification Bias.” This is a form of prejudice in which girls are viewed as being more mature than their age and held to more adult-like standards for their behavior. (See The Adultification of Black girls.) 

How can this show up in a girl’s daily life? A few examples:

  • She may be singled out for a dress code violation at school (like wearing leggings) even when peers are dressed similarly and don’t face consequences. 
  • Her assertiveness might be seen as defiance or “attitude,” resulting in harsher disciplinary actions, and leading her to internalize negative stereotypes such as the “angry black woman.”
  • Developing breasts and curves earlier than her peers may cause her to be perceived as being more knowledgeable about and ready for sexual activity than she is, which can put her at risk. Or, she may be told that she is “too big” to run and play anymore, denying her the opportunity to finish experiencing childhood.
  • She may be burdened with adult-level responsibilities at home, such as caring for younger siblings, cooking, and managing household chores.
  • She may be perceived as being less innocent and face disproportionately harsh treatment by law enforcement compared to her peers. 

Girls who experience adultification bias are often shamed or even punished when their behavior doesn’t line up with the maturity expected of them. As they grow into young women, many internalize beliefs that their role is to meet the needs and expectations of others, to not burden others emotionally by being “difficult” or “too much,” and that their success in life is a measure of how well they are able to do this.

In my clinical practice, I frequently see how these experiences shape the lives of African American women. Many were counted on to be the “dependable” older sibling or were placed in the role of co-parent in a single-parent home. By the time they reach adulthood, they are often experiencing caregiver burnout and struggle to set boundaries between their own needs and those of others. This often manifests in: 

  • Being the “strong one” for everyone else
  • Feeling overly responsible for the choices and decisions of others
  • Providing financial support to family members to the detriment of their own financial stability

What does Adultification Bias have to do with suicide prevention?

Being the “strong one” is a heavy burden to carry. It often creates a cycle that affects choices in relationships and friendships, leaving young women feeling isolated and lonely, surrounded by people who depend on them but don’t reciprocate support. The shame of not meeting others’ expectations can further damage their self-esteem. 

This often leads young women to mask their true feelings and needs and to over-function for others, causing significant inner conflict as they struggle between what they genuinely feel and what they believe they “should” feel. In times of extreme stress, anxiety, or depression this struggle can become so overwhelming that some may turn to thoughts of self-harm or suicide rather than seeking support. 

Steps to Take

It’s important to remember that the cycle of burnout, anxiety, depression, and suicide risk for young women can be prevented. Here are steps parents and caregivers can take to help: 

  • Increase awareness: Learn how racial and gender-based trauma affects mental, emotional, and academic well-being.
  • Dismantle oppression: Work to transform practices and policies that perpetuate racism and sexism.
  • Encourage play and expression: Affirm and elevate your daughter’s voice, her experiences, and her sense of agency.
  • Role-play difficult situations: Help your daughter navigate situations where she is being “adultified” or where assumptions are made about her age and maturity.
  • Reflect on your own upbringing: Consider your own family and upbringing. Were you “Adultified?” Have you struggled to find balance between meeting your own needs and the needs of your family, to set healthy emotional boundaries, or to express your authentic feelings? Understanding your past can help you avoid perpetuating these biases in your own family.

All girls and young women deserve to experience the freedom to fully express themselves emotionally and to be their authentic selves, and we all have a role to play in improving their well-being.

Additional Resources

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