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Depression in African American Women

Application of a Psychosocial Competence Practice Framework

University of Albany, ljones{at}albany.edu

Briggett Ford

University of Michigan, bcford{at}umich.edu

Social work interventions that emphasize culturally relevant services from a strengths-based perspective may be more appropriate than traditional mental health services for African American women who suffer from depression. An examination of the literature on epidemiology, etiology, and use of services for this population highlights the paucity of empirical studies, and an exploration of the treatment literature reveals insufficient application of culturally relevant approaches to African American women. Psychosocial competence, a strengths-based approach, and the Black feminist perspective offer the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the intersection and influence of oppression among depressed African American women and provide a useful framework for mental health practice with this population. A case vignette is provided, and future directions for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Key Words: African American women • depression • psychiatric disabilities • strengths-based approaches

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