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Research Proposal

Doreen Okeh
Independent Research G/T
2018-2019

Research Title​: It's All in Your Head​: The Importance of Normalizing Mental Health within the
African American Community

Overview of Research
This research comprises of information addressing the perception of mental health within the

African American community, and the need to rid it of its toxic and damaging stigma. Areas of

investigation which have been studied include the black demographic and its lack of financial

means, the strong religious implication interwoven in their culture, as well as the judgement of

afflicted individual seeking treatment. In addition, the African American community is in the

midst of other significant crises which direct the focus away from mental health. The issue of the

lack of normalization of mental health inside the black community is one which needs to be

addressed with utmost urgency.

Research Question and Hypothesis


● Why are African American views of mental illness negative and so opposed to treatment?
● African American individuals suffering from psychological ailments are hesitant to seek
treatment due to a lack of financial means, stigma in seeking professional assistance, and
faith and spirituality which can hinder an individual later in life.

Background and History of the Issue

Mental health has existed for thousands of years; however, it had not become a relevant issue

until the early 20th century. In the past, mental illness was treated with much shame, reproach,

and fear. Doctors used dangerous and ineffective methods of treatment so as to aid the patient;
however, these often rendered the patient immobilized or mentally handicapped rather than

bringing the individual peace of mind. Although it has slowly become a more comfortably

discussed topic in modern society, the advances in treatment have nonetheless omitted African

Americans entirely and have failed to provide accessible mental care to the black youth care in

alignment with their lifestyles.

From the unconfronted issues of a black individual's past then stems a path for more issues

down the line. Specifically within the black community, mental illness is hardly discussed due to

its taboo-like nature and general misunderstandings. It is categorized as a sign of weakness

within an individual, which is an untolerated trait. Also, there is a multitude of other prevalent

issues which the black community faces such as racism, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and

police brutality. This negative perception keeps individuals from seeking the proper treatment

which is needed. This causes them to rely solely on their faith for healing without seeking

consultation from formal medical treatment, since over 80 percent of black individuals consider

themselves religious.

Problem Statement and Rationale

Mental illness within itself is incredibly important. Each day, however, it seems as if both the

qualifications and legitimacy of mental illness is overlooked due to its debatable diagnosis and

discreet facade. No matter how well concealed, each individual has his/her own disparities with

which they suffer with; however, African American individuals are the lynchpin of untreated

mental illness. It is the gradual culmination of neglect of black youth mental health and

additional pressures growing up black where children are immediately seen as “so mature”
which both contribute to early set damage in the mind of a young black individual. This is an

issue of importance because African Americans are the second-largest racial minority group in

America and the most in need of mental care, but statistically shown to be the least present in

regards to professional care outside of a religious atmosphere. This further emphasizes the need

for refinement in the care of blacks in the realm of mental health.

Basis of Hypothesis

Mental health and the cognitive well-being of an individual has always been a primary focus area

of interest. However, African Americans require more care due to the underrepresentation of the

demographic in the realm of treatment and proper mental care, and its apparent gap in most

statistics regarding treatment. In the search for a topic, it was ensured that staying in the study of

mental health was a prime area of focus, discovering its true definition and qualifications in order

for it to be officially considered an ailment. In addition, behind the inconsistencies of statistics

between racial groups, minorities as whole suffer the most from mental illness in the United

States, but black people are the largest demographic to suffer from these ailments and not receive

proper treatment. Studies have shown that the unaddressed mental issues of young black

individuals later leads to anger, issues with authority figures, and the downward spiral of

incarceration. This research is an effort to combat the toxic stigma enveloping and preventing

blacks from seeking treatment and a declaration for the need to normalize black mental health,

which therefore liberates African Americans to a stable and sound mind for their futures.
Operational Definitions

​ he psychological well-being of the mind in regards to all individuals.


● Mental Health: T

​ he psychological well-being of the mind in


● Black/African American Mental Health: T

regards specifically towards African American individuals; the cognitive well-being of a

black individual or one of African American Descent.

● Psychological Treatment: ​Any means of care which an afflicted individual seeks so as to

improve their mental health. This includes (but is not limited to): therapy sessions,

support groups, counseling sessions, hypnotism, etc.

Research Design

The leading choices of research will be descriptive research using qualitative data, focusing on

the systematic description of mental illness within the black community, the factors which hinder

individuals from seeking professional help. Also, it will be examined how untreated mental

health disparities at a young age can hinder blacks the future through the study of their

demographic. Quantitative research will also be used in order to gather more statistics of blacks

in comparison to other racial groups. In addition, to further research interviews of black

individuals who have suffered or are coping with mental illness will be included so as to gain

more personal insight on this sensitive but necessary topic. Also, mental health professionals

such as therapists, youth organizations, and psychologists will aid in acquiring​ a deeper

understanding of mental health and its lasting effects on the individual, both short-term and long

term.
Product Overview

The research accumulated in the year-long period will result in a digital presentation comprising

of the secondary and primary research gathered. It will include interviews from knowledgeable

professionals, statistics, and powerful visuals; assisting in informing others about this crucial

topic, and hopefully inspiring hesitant individuals who are suffering in silence to seek the proper

care that is needed in order to acquire a better quality of life. In addition to directing uncertain

individuals, this research can aid in informing the general public in the vitality of normalizing

mental health, ultimately dissolving the ignorance surrounding the subject.

Logistical Considerations

Certain factors which must be considered in the digital presentation is a fully-functioning device

to present and project it on, as well as easy accessibility to the presentation. In addition,

technological difficulties must be considered; knowing how to handle them and equally knowing

how to prevent them. Transportation must be considered as well, travelling to the presentation

site and back. Finally, the printing and distribution of presentation evaluation forms after the

presentation will be beneficial in order to improve future presentations.

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