Examining the support black men with depression receive from black Baptist Pastors

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Authors
Denton, Felix Anthony
Advisor
Glowacki-Dudka, Michelle
Issue Date
2023-12
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Thesis (D. Ed.)
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Abstract

This qualitative intrinsic case study focused on the support provided to Black men from the perspective of Black Baptist Pastors. This study examined the formal, informal, and nonformal support Black Baptist Pastors provided to Black men with depression. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to obtain, interpret, and determine how Black men are receiving support for depression. The findings from this study show how Black Baptist Pastors support Black men with depression, as research reflects that Black men often do not trust other resources of support. The findings from this study also identify what resources of support are available for Black men and show what is still needed. The lens of Critical Race Theory was utilized within this study to explore the challenges, appropriateness, and the quality of the support and resources available to Black men with depression. CRT was also utilized to consider the mental health concerns of Black men that goes undetected within their community. When coupled with the bounded system within this case study, findings were examined to understand how Black men with depression are being supported by Black Baptist Pastors. Five themes emerged from the data and provided insight into the experiences of Baptist Pastors and how they provide support to Black men for depression. Those themes were challenges/vulnerabilities, mental health awareness, second-hand trauma, religious dependency, and counter space. Each participant provided data that was rich and valuable about their support role as a Pastor. The findings show how Black Baptist Pastors are supporting Black men and how the Baptist denomination influences that support. The findings also show the programs that Black Baptist Pastors put on to serve Black men with depression along with the challenges and barriers that arise when supporting Black men. This study sought to address the methods of support provided to Black men from Black Baptist Pastors as they are often viewed as first responders for mental health wellness by Black men.