Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine cultural competency in healthcare for patients seeking and rejecting diagnosis and treatment for depression, anxiety, panic attacks and ADHD. The concentration of this study focuses on asking what are the primary factors leading families of minority status to seek or reject diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in minor children, and how do these factors figure into current approaches by the U.S. health authorities to address health disparities affecting this population. To conduct this research, I used qualitative content analysis of public federal government issued reports available online and public interview on personal experiences of ethnic and racial minorities with mental disorders. Results indicate there is a disconnect between U.S. health authority approaches to addressing healthcare disparities and family making decisions on seeking or rejecting diagnosis and treatment. The disconnect stems from using a general, unidimensional approach, when implicating cultural competency in research and clinical encounters. Analysis suggest multidimensional cultural competency will be effective in developing policy, providing equality care, and having successful interactions with ethnic and racial minority groups seeking mental healthcare.

Advisor

Fisher, Lisa

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Anthropology

Keywords

cultural competency, cultural perspectives, perceived discrimination, bias, retention, utilization, race, social constructs, societal-level racism, ethnic, minority, stigma, multidimensional, unidimensional, disparities, mental health, mental disorders, psychopathology

Publication Date

2017

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2017 Drucella A. Garcia