Citation

Palmer C, Rysiew MJ, Koob JJ. J. Ethn. Cult. Divers. Soc. Work 2004; 12(4): 49-63.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J051v12n04_03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Past research suggests that African American clients in need of mental health services are less likely to be properly diagnosed and receive appropriate treatment compared to White Americans. It has been further suggested that this may be even a greater problem for those who are both African American and female. In the current study, 2 groups of hospitalized clinically depressed females (92 African American females; 99 White females) were administered the Self-Esteem Rating Scale, Internal Control Index, and Suicide Risk Scale.

RESULTS indicated more similarities than differences between the two groups. For instance, there were no differences in locus of control or suicide risk between groups. In addition, although there were differences in self-esteem between groups, self-esteem was the best predictor of suicide risk within groups (White, R2 =42%; African American, R2 = 19%). African American females possessed higher self-esteem than White females (p =.05). For African American females age and self-esteem were positively correlated (r =.27, p =.01). Clinically depressed females could benefit from treatment focusing on improving self-esteem within a context of multicultural sensitivity. © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Females; Mental health; Self-esteem; Suicide risk; Locus of control