Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Sandra Street

Abstract

African Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health issues but are the least likely group to seek professional mental health treatment. In addition, African Americans are more likely to experience severe mental health conditions than other races due to a greater risk of homelessness and being exposed to violence. This research study used a phenomenological qualitative methodology to explore the attitudes and lived experiences of 10 African Americans living in generational poverty in inner-city Chicago. The participants provide detailed accounts of their lived experiences with generational poverty, mental health, and the attitudes their family lineage had shared with them regarding professional mental health treatment. This research study is based on social stratification and racial segregation theories which focus on the poverty cycle in poor neighborhoods. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Using the common sense model to guide analysis, four core themes emerged: coping mechanisms, upbringing, attitude, and religion. Two subthemes were also identified: family involvement and mistrust. All of the participants expressed various levels of reluctance towards mental health treatment based on personal experiences, cultural influence, and coping mechanisms utilized by family members. Reduction in mental health care disparities can restore African Americans’ trust in clinicians and encourage African Americans to seek professional mental health treatment when needed. African Americans living in generational poverty may benefit from the results of this study by alleviating the symptoms associated with poor mental health such as psychological distress, severe depressive episodes, poverty, and violence.

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