Date of Conferral
7-12-2024
Date of Award
July 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Nursing
Advisor
Carolyn Sipes
Abstract
This qualitative research dissertation involved exploring the intersection of race, gender, and mental health via lived experiences of Black males who were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the unique sociocultural context of the pandemic influenced their experiences with anxiety. Using a qualitative Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis research design and semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of seven Black males living in various regions of the United States the interviews involved their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and perceptions of societal and systemic factors that affected their mental health during the pandemic. Thematic analysis via coding strategies was applied revealing nine significant themes including financial impact, health and safety anxiety, pandemic impact on mental health, coping and patterns: work environment, safety concerns and strategies and adaptation, social reflection, dynamics and isolation, educational experience and societal impact, personal identity, self-perception, mistrust and skepticism, and family and community support. Future studies will be necessary to explore Black male experiences in mental health in other environments in the United States. Findings of this study contribute to positive social change by advocating for culturally-sensitive healthcare interventions and protocols to continue eliminating the stigma of seeking mental health treatment among Black males.
Recommended Citation
WILLIAMS, CYNTHIA Lynn, "Experiences of Black Males with Generalized Anxiety Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16227.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16227
