Ethno-cultural Beliefs Among a Group of Native Black Americans Regarding Metnal Health and Mental Illness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the mental health belief system of a group of native Black Ameri"cans within the · ethnocul tura 1 context of the urban Georgi a communi·ty in whi.ch they 1 ive. From the point of view of the people, o~ ernie perspective 9 an ethnographic analysi·s was made of the cultural themes regardi.ng the definftion of mental health and illness 9 and .the causes, treatments/curess and prevention of mental illness. All data were gathered by one researcher in a county populated by 189,686 residents, of whom about a third were Black (Georgia 1980 Census). From this population9 a purposive and convenience- sample of twenty adult informants were chosen for intensive; guided open-ended interviews. Participant observation and informal interview techniques were also utilized to obtain data. While analyzing the data, the researcher noted a similarity between the categories of the cultural themes and those described in the holistic health care model --the concept of the five human dimensions. That is, there ·is a blending of the physical 9 emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual dimensions in the informant's belief system regarding mental health/illness. The importance of a balance between the mental, physical· and spiritual aspects of an individual is a. recurrent theme underlying beliefs about prevention, causes, and treatment of m·enta 1 i 11 ness. One's ability or inability to cope with the stressors (noxious) in life was the predominant theme.· This inability may be due to an individual's genetic make-up, environment~~ ethno-cultural background (being Black), low self-concept, conflicting role expectations~~ and low socioeconomic status. Spi.ritual beliefs -- inclusive of religion, rootworkinq, palm reading, possession of evil spirits -- were also a central cultural theme shown to be related to the extent an ;·ndi.vidual allows these spiritual beliefs to influence his/her· life, That i's 9 the relative strength and influence of one's spjritual belief (faith) dtrectlj influences the effects the doctrines of this belief will have on perceptions of mental health/illness. Also affected by these spiritual beliefs are the resources an individual chooses for mental Health advice~ The fami~y, previous experiences· and an individual ts personal philosophy of life were also found to be influential in this deci.si·on. However, the decis·i-on to remain mentally healthy or mentally ill was seen to be the. prime res pons i bi 1 i ty of the i ndivi dua 1 . Despite the stressors 0f 1 i fe whether physical, emotional~ intelle~tual, soci~l and/or spiritual.-unless they are overwhelmingly incapacitating, an individual is expected to overcome them. Data indicate informants are dissatisfied with professional health care services offered in this community, stating that these services- do not meet indivi dua 1 needs, are no_t culturally ori e~ted,. and a .. rushed feeling•• is experienced when these services are utilized, A preference for a therapist from the same cultural background was said to be ideal, if this person is quaTified, but not necessary if the therapist is caring and interested in the informants as individuals. The implications this study has for nursing and other health care providers., education and research are discussed and exploredv Assessment of the mental health belief system of these native Black Americans provides data· useful in the planni·ng and implementation of culture specific aspects in client care to encourage client satisfaction. The need for further research is discussed. ·