Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Psychology, Clinical-Community
Date of Defense
12-7-2023
Graduate Advisor
Matthew Taylor, PhD
Committee
Emily Gerstein, Ph.D.
Devin Banks, Ph.D.
Alfiee Breland-Noble Ph.D., MHSc.
Abstract
The dearth of participation in clinical research by marginalized racial and ethnic groups is a commonly cited limitation of research studies. To better understand research engagement among marginalized groups, this study proposed a mixed methods design examining the roles of mental health awareness and perceived intervention stigma on the capacity to engage in clinical research among a sample of African American faith community members. The primary aims were to: 1) examine the associations between and predictive roles of mental health awareness and perceived intervention stigma on clinical research engagement; 2) evaluate the moderating role of perceived intervention stigma; and 3) examine focus group transcripts for themes delineating facilitators and barriers to clinical research engagement. The final sample included 143 African American faith community members (Mage = 51.02, SD = 17.20; 76% female). Mental health awareness was negatively correlated with perceived intervention stigma (r = -.17) and likelihood of participating in clinical research was influenced by the interaction of mental health awareness and perceived intervention stigma (β = .08). Moderation results revealed a negative relationship between mental health awareness and clinical research at lower levels of perceived intervention stigma, a B = -.32. Qualitative findings supported the significant role played by mental health awareness and stigma in influencing community likelihood of participating in clinical research. Transcripts provided additional data outlining how research could be improved to address longstanding issues of cultural mistrust and exploitation of marginalized groups by research entities.
Recommended Citation
Harb, Camelia, "Engagement in Mental Health Research: The Role of Mental Health Awareness and Perceived Intervention Stigma in Clinical Research Engagement Among African American Faith Communities" (2023). Dissertations. 1450.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1450