Older, Church-Going African Americans’ Attitudes And Expectations About Formal Depression Care

Keywords

African American; church; community based; depression; mental health; older adult

Abstract

This phenomenological study involved focus groups with church-affiliated, African American women and men (N = 50; ages 50 and older) in southeast Michigan to determine their attitudes and expectations around formal mental health care. Data analysis employed a constant comparative approach and yielded themes related to formal mental health care, along with delineating concerns about defining depression, health, and well-being. Health and well-being were defined as inclusive of physical and spiritual aspects of self. Churches have a central role in how formal mental health care is viewed by their attendees, with prayer being an important aspect of this care. Provider expectations included privacy and confidentiality; respect for autonomy and need for information, having providers who discuss treatment options; and issues related to environmental cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility. Implications include providing effective, culturally tailored formal depression care that acknowledges and integrates faith for this group.

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Publication Title

Research on Aging

Volume

40

Issue

1

Number of Pages

3-26

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027516675666

Socpus ID

85035099600 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85035099600

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