title: Older, Church-Going African Americans' Attitudes and Expectations About Formal Depression Care.
abstract: This phenomenological study involved focus groups with church-affiliated, African American women and men ( N = 50; ages 50 and older) in southeast Michigan to determine their attitudes and expectations around formal mental health care. Data analysis employed a constant comparative approach and yielded themes related to formal mental health care, along with delineating concerns about defining depression, health, and well-being. Health and well-being were defined as inclusive of physical and spiritual aspects of self. Churches have a central role in how formal mental health care is viewed by their attendees, with prayer being an important aspect of this care. Provider expectations included privacy and confidentiality; respect for autonomy and need for information, having providers who discuss treatment options; and issues related to environmental cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility. Implications include providing effective, culturally tailored formal depression care that acknowledges and integrates faith for this group.
authors: 1 University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
authors: Tracy
authors: T
authors: Wharton
authors: 2 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Daphne C
authors: DC
authors: Watkins
authors: 2 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Jamie
authors: J
authors: Mitchell
authors: 2 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Kales
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D012069:Religion and Psychology
keywords: African American; church; community based; depression; mental health; older adult