Help-seeking behaviors and depression among African American adolescent boys

Michael A. Lindsey, Wynne S. Korr, Marina Broitman, Lee Bone, Alan Green, Philip J. Leaf

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This study examined the help-seeking behaviors of depressed, African American adolescents. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 urban, African American boys, ages 14 to 18, who were recruited from community-based mental health centers and afterschool programs for youths. Interviews covered sociodemographic information, questions regarding depressive symptomatology, and open-ended questions derived from the Network-Episode Model-including knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to problem recognition, help seeking, and perceptions of mental health services. Most often adolescents discussed their problems with their family and often received divergent messages about problem resolution; absent informal network resolution of their problems, professional help would be sought, and those receiving treatment were more likely to get support from friends but were less likely to tell friends that they were actually receiving care. Implications for social work research and practice are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSocial Science Research
Subtitle of host publicationA Cross Section of Journal Articles for Discussion and Evaluation
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Pages212-220
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781351968393
ISBN (Print)9781936523016
StatePublished - Sep 13 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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