Date of Conferral

12-4-2024

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Tracey McElwee

Abstract

Food insecurity is an ongoing public health concern in the United States. There is limited knowledge within social work practice about the experiences of food insecurity specifically among older Black women. Historically, older Black women have faced discrimination which can also negatively impact their psychological well-being and ability to obtain an adequate food supply. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore perceptions of how psychological distress and discrimination affect Black women ages 60 and older who are food insecure in Central Texas. This study used social ecological model and intersectionality theory to identify perceived factors that affect older Black women who are food insecure at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and policy levels. Participants were selected via purposive sampling and snowball sampling and 10 semistructured interviews were conducted. Data were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis which revealed 10 themes: (a) positive and negative coping mechanisms of stress, (b) the barriers to obtaining an adequate food supply, (c) the use of food programs, (d) informal and formal support networks, (e) food shopping behaviors; (f) the safety of the community, (g) early and later age discrimination experiences, (h) emotions about discrimination, (i) mental health treatment, and ( j) discrimination when accessing federal food programs. These themes demonstrate the impact of a limited food supply, mental health symptoms, and discrimination. This study could contribute to positive social change by encouraging the use of culturally based interventions for the mental health needs of older Black women and advocating for improved food access.

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