Reducing Barriers for African American Woman seeking Mental Health Treatment

The purpose of this research is to develop a more comprehensive

understanding of Socioeconomic and psychological factors in
reducing barriers to equal and accessible mental health care.

Research Map

Disciplines that are

potentially relevant are:
Social
Psychological
Economic

Assumptions:
Social Science
explores the
relationship of
individuals in context
with each other and
with organizations
within society.
Psychology
demonstrates the
effects of hereditary
and environmental
conditions on the
mind.
Economics
determines the
ability to have access
to goods and
services offered
without hindrance
from social or
Other
disciplines
that
cultural
bias.
could
prove
useful are:
History
Political Science
Public Administration

Perspectives:
Social and cultural
barriers such as
racism,
discrimination and
stigma effect those
seeking treatment.
Stress, low selfesteem, alcohol
and substance
abuse have
profound effects on
mental health.
Equal access to
care and treatment
should not be
based on the
Mental
health
illness affect African American woman
ability
toand
pay.

proportionately more than it affects men as well as woman of other

races and because African Americans in general are distrustful of US
Healthcare treatment and policy and many do not participate in
medical studies. The disciplines employed in this research map are
equally important and needed to substantively increase knowledge in
seeking equal services, creating awareness of symptoms and the of
decrease negative social and cultural perceptions associated with