Date of Conferral
4-20-2026
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Social Work
Advisor
Curtis Davis
Abstract
Black men experience disproportionate mental health disparities, particularly in relation to depression, yet remain less likely to engage in formal mental health treatment due to cultural stigma and barriers to care. The Black church, a historically trusted institution within the Black community, may influence how depression is understood and managed. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore how Black men in Inkster, Michigan perceive the role of the Black church in influencing their understanding and management of depression. The Health, Illness, Men, and Masculinities (HIMM) framework guided this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 Black men who attended Black churches and self-identified as experiencing depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: depression as a spiritual struggle, masculinity as emotional endurance, the church as spiritual support but limited emotional resource, and fear of judgment restricting help-seeking. The findings may inform culturally responsive, faith-integrated mental health interventions to improve outcomes for Black men.
Recommended Citation
Edwards Jr., Terry, "Exploring the Black Church’s Role in the Black Man’s Experience with Depression: A Qualitative Inquiry" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 19846.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/19846
