Date of Award
University or Center
Clark Atlanta University(CAU)
School of Social Work
Social Science and Clinical Social Work
Dr. Richard Lyle
Dr. Robert W. Waymer
This study examines the perceptions of depression, spirituality, treatment modalities including both traditional and nontraditional treatments among African Americans. Two hundred and four respondents were selected for this study utilizing non-probability convenience sampling. The survey participants were composed of African Americans who attended a large metropolitan Atlanta Christian church and self-reported no history of being clinically/medically diagnosed with depression. The survey questionnaire consisted of a demographic information section and questions that defined the four variables, depression, spirituality, traditional treatment and nontraditional treatment. The responses were measured in a four point Likert scale. Phi ( ϕ) test statistic was used to test the strength of the relationships among the variables. The chi-square test statistic used to test statistical significance of the results. The findings of the study indicated that eighty percent of the participants did not report depressive symptoms. Women reported more depressive symptoms than men. Spirituality was reported as being important in managing depression. However, the majority of the survey respondents would not seek or use traditional or nontraditional treatments for depression. There was a significant statistical difference in the report of depressive symptoms between men and women. Women reported more depressive symptoms. There were no significant differences in the responses among African American men and women in regards to spirituality, traditional and non-traditional treatments.
Jester, Vickie Marie, "A study of the perceptions of depression, spirituality, and treatment among African Americans" (2010). ETD Collection for Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center. Paper 150.