Date of Conferral

5-8-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

So`nia Gilkey

Abstract

African American women experience trauma at disproportionately higher rates than any other group, yet limited studies focus specifically on African American women with self-reported co-occurring substance use disorder and PTSD and their experiences in seeking and remaining in outpatient treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how this group defines trauma, its impact on their treatment experiences, and the sociocultural factors that influenced their decisions to seek help and remain in treatment. The research questions posed asked about the experiences of African American women over 31 years of age with co-occurring substance use and PTSD, how they defined trauma and the role trauma plays in their treatment, and the sociocultural factors that impact their decision to seek help and remain engaged in treatment. This study was guided by contemporary trauma theory, which suggests that individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle to manage its effects, making it challenging to stay engaged in treatment. Data was collected using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with five African American women over 31. Atlas.ti web qualitative data analysis software was used to identify codes that resulted in three main themes, including psychological and emotional responses to trauma, the role of trauma in treatment mistrust, and treatment preferences. Additionally, four subthemes emerged, including a broad definition of trauma, help-seeking and treatment engagement, mental health diagnosis, and therapist matching. This study has the potential to contribute to positive social change by adding to the limited body of literature on how trauma can influence this population's ability to remain engaged in treatment and improve treatment completion.

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