4247.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 4:30 PM

Abstract #8460

Black women's mental health: Implications for health educators

Michelle A. Hines, Community and Family Health/ Health Education, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 12701 N.50th ST, Apt C-21, Tampa, FL 33617, 813-980-6896, mhines@hsc.usf.edu

Black Women's Mental Health: Implications for Health Educators

Abstract: Black women suffer from higher rates of stress due to their lower socio-economic status, lower educational attainment and their over representation in the secondary labor force. Factors such as these can greatly impact on Black women's psychological well being. Despite the high level of stress many black women face, Black women have exhibited successful coping and adaptation skills (Neighbors & Jackson, 1996). Many of the coping techniques Black women use are social support, especially the use of the Black church as a major form of aid in coping with the stressors. A research study called the National Study of Black Americans was used to gauge stress and coping among the Black population. The study specifically looked at the role of the Black minister as a source of social support and mental health treatment alternative for Black women. Knowledge of Black women's mental health needs, can allow health educators to play an important role in the implementation of Black women's mental health in the health promotion process.

Learning Objectives: During the this session, student presenter will discuss why black women's mental health, is an important aspect of Public Health Education. The session will also state reasons why more research is needed on stress and coping within the black female population. The session will generate discussion on how and why mental health issues, can manifest itself with public health issues

Keywords: Health Advocacy, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA