Preventing Depression: Culturally Relevant Group Work With Black Women

Recent estimates indicate that 10% to 25% of women in the United States report clinically significant depressive symptoms and that Black women are less likely to obtain care for depression and to receive appropriate treatment when they do seek care. Current mental and social health services necessitate a search for strength-based treatment models that affirm the psychosocial and cultural reality of Black women at risk of depression. The emergent psychosocial competence practice model in mental health represents an innovative paradigm with potential relevance and applicability to preventing depression among Black women. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a culturally relevant group intervention with low-income Black women aimed at reducing depression symptoms and enhancing psychosocial competence, including stress reduction, locus of control, and active coping. Directions for the development of future culturally relevant practice interventions with this population are discussed.