City Research Online

Abstract

Thirteen group interviews collected data from randomly recruited second and third generation black British individuals. The interview format used was largely unstructured. The participants were informed that black and ethnic minority groups are largely underrepresented
in psychological and mental health services with the ensuing topic of discussion constituting the query as to why this may be. A constructivist abbreviated version of
grounded theory was applied to the transcribed material resulting from the interviews. All together 16 categories emerged from the data. These were organised under four broad headings: External Struggle (Trauma), Internal Struggle (Trauma), Private Self and ‘It’s Good to Talk!’ A theoretical process model ensued from the data pointing towards various factors working together in affecting the prevention and obstruction of help-seeking in the studied population. Informed by external trauma factors such as the concept and occurrence of slavery, via a sense of collective memory, and lived observations of discriminatory practice and attitudes, internal trauma components of distrust, sense of powerlessness and disillusion are in their interplay suggested to be primary causes of avoidance and omission of help-seeking outside of the own group. This study has made an important contribution to the knowledge base on factors preventing help-seeking in the black British second and third generation population of today. Future studies can use the knowledge gained to further theory development in this area and expand theory development to other ethnic minority groups.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses

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