Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Psychology
Advisor
Greer, Tawanda M.
Abstract
This research paper will consist of an examination of African Self-Consciousness, cultural mistrust, and mental health help-seeking attitudes in African Americans. Due to the influence of attitudes on help-seeking behaviors, African Americans’ attitudes may play a significant role in their lack of mental healthcare utilization. Many factors may contribute to the negative help-seeking attitudes that some African Americans may have. African Self-Consciousness and cultural mistrust are two cultural factors that have been studied in the context of help-seeking attitudes. These factors are further explored in this paper. Implications and future directions for further integrating cultural considerations into research, clinical practice, and policy concerning African Americans’ utilization of mental health services are discussed.