Attitudes and Beliefs of African American Women Regarding Mental Health Services: A Womanist Exploration

Abstract

Although studies indicate the influence of cultural beliefs on attitudes toward mental health and depression care services, there is a need to focus on the process of how culture plays a role in perceptions of mental health and depression care [1]. The purpose of this study is to explore, utilizing qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups), how cultural beliefs influence 40 African American women in their perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about mental health services and mental health assistance-seeking behaviors, specifically regarding depression care. Participants’ narratives reveal a clear preference for service provider-client race concordance. Participants’ narratives also reveal cultural and communal stigma and gender socialization to be a “Strong Black Woman” as deterrents to mental health assistance seeking behaviors. Recommendations for incorporating the role that ethnocultural beliefs and values of different culturally-gendered groups regarding mental health and assistance-seeking behaviors be included in social work and allied health professions [2].