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