Developing a Manual to Address Mental Health Stigma and Barriers for African American Women
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Authors
Edwards, Cherie
Issue Date
2025-12
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
African American women , mental health stigma , Culturally responsive care , Help-seeking behavior , Faith and mental health , Group therapy interventions
Alternative Title
Abstract
This project developed and evaluated This House: A Manual for Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care, designed to address the stigma and cultural barriers African American women face when seeking mental health services. Grounded in cultural competence theory and intersectionality, the manual was created to support mental health professionals better understand and respond to the cultural narratives that shape help-seeking. A qualitative methodology was used, incorporating structured rubric reviews and a focus group discussion with African American women with lived experiences, faith-based leaders, and mental health professionals. Data from rubric evaluations and the group discussion were analyzed thematically to assess the manual’s clarity, cultural relevance, and practical usefulness. Results indicated that the manual effectively addressed key cultural barriers and was viewed as a valuable tool for improving engagement among African American women. Participant feedback informed revisions to enhance clarity, cultural depth, and applicability across clinical and community settings. Overall, the project underscores the need for culturally responsive resources that reduce stigma, increase accessibility, and support more equitable mental health care for marginalized populations, with recommendations for continued research on the manual’s impact in real-world mental health practice.