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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Lani V. Jones, PhD, LICSW, School of social Welfare, University at Albany-SUNY, Richardson Hall, 135 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12222, (518) 442-5324, ljones@albany.edu
Black women are at a higher risk than their White counterparts for experiencing factors of stress and negative outcomes in areas such as health, education, and psychological well-being (Becker, Hill, Jackson, Levine, Stillman & Weiss, 1992; Mays, 1995; Neighbors & Jackson, 1996). The effects of these oppressive conditions include a seriously distorted view of self and others, feeling of hopelessness, over reliance on maladaptive coping strategies, and isolation (Miller, 1988).
Few public health social work intervention models target the specific mental health needs of Black women or show effective treatment outcomes (Lewis & Ford, 1991; Padgett, Patrick, Burns & Schlesinger, 1994). Group work interventions, on the other hand, addresses the knowledge gap by incorporating the unique history, experiences and specific needs of Black women (Hopps & Pinderhughes, 1999; Francis-Spence, 1994; Gutierrez, 1990).
Utilizing an experimental design with pre/post measures and a control group, this study examines the effectiveness of a culture specific, psycho-educational group intervention model with 60 Black women aimed at reducing psychological stress and enhancing psychosocial competence. The results indicate that the group intervention model with Black women is useful in reducing self reported stress, gaining external locus of control, and increasing active coping.
Session participants will be able to: 1) describe strategies on how to develop interventions from a racially and culturally specific framework, 2) discuss the implications for reducing psychological distress and enhancing the sense of control and mastery for Black women and 3) articulate how a culturally responsive group intervention improves community practice.
Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to
Keywords: Depression, African American
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.