Indications of Intensified Stigma of Mental Illness Among African Americans Indications of Intensified Stigma of Mental Illness Among African Americans Carolyn D. Sullins, Ph.D., Ladel Lewis, Ph.D. Cand., Amy Helmuth, B.A. The Kercher Center for Social Research Western Michigan University Initial Questions (Who? What?) Our site serves youth aged 7-17, who are roughly half Caucasian and half African American, with very few youth of other races. Most are male (71%). 1.On what variables do African American and Caucasian youth differ at baseline? 2.Do African American and Caucasian youth improve functioning at comparable rates? Some surprising findings to these questions, particularly about family history and youth-reported presenting problems, led us to ask different questions than we originally posed. Initial Questions (Who? What?) Our site serves youth aged 7-17, who are roughly half Caucasian and half African American, with very few youth of other races. Most are male (71%). 1.On what variables do African American and Caucasian youth differ at baseline? 2.Do African American and Caucasian youth improve functioning at comparable rates? Some surprising findings to these questions, particularly about family history and youth-reported presenting problems, led us to ask different questions than we originally posed. Has your child ever lived with someone who… Does any one in your child’s biological family have a history of… Family Histories According to: Caregivers of White Youth (N =73) and Caregivers of Black Youth (N=66) Presenting Problems According to Youth (N=101)Scores on CBCL 6-18 (Admin to 149 Caregivers) Follow up Questions (Why?) 1.Why do parents of White youth report more symptoms in their children? 2.Why do White youth report more depression and anxiety than Black youth, while Black youth report more “conduct” problems? 3.Why do so many more parents of White youth report family histories of depression and other mental illnesses? Follow up Questions (Why?) 1.Why do parents of White youth report more symptoms in their children? 2.Why do White youth report more depression and anxiety than Black youth, while Black youth report more “conduct” problems? 3.Why do so many more parents of White youth report family histories of depression and other mental illnesses? Initial Results Repeated measures MANOVA showed no significant differences between African American and White youth as far improvement rates on the CBCL 6-18 between baseline and 6 months. Clinicians reported no significant differences in baseline GAF scores. However, there were some substantial differences as far as baseline CBCL 6-18 scores, youth- reported “presenting problems” and caregiver-reported family history. (See graphs). White youth also reported more anxiety according to the RCMAS. Initial Results Repeated measures MANOVA showed no significant differences between African American and White youth as far improvement rates on the CBCL 6-18 between baseline and 6 months. Clinicians reported no significant differences in baseline GAF scores. However, there were some substantial differences as far as baseline CBCL 6-18 scores, youth- reported “presenting problems” and caregiver-reported family history. (See graphs). White youth also reported more anxiety according to the RCMAS. Follow Up Discussion These findings were presented to the Cultural and Linguistic Competence Committee for further discussion. The hypothetical explanations were: 1.There may be greater stigma of depression, anxiety, and mental illness in general in the African American community. 2.African American youth, esp. males, may find it easier to disclose conduct issues than anxiety or depression. Follow Up Discussion These findings were presented to the Cultural and Linguistic Competence Committee for further discussion. The hypothetical explanations were: 1.There may be greater stigma of depression, anxiety, and mental illness in general in the African American community. 2.African American youth, esp. males, may find it easier to disclose conduct issues than anxiety or depression. Use of Findings The results were shared with the Public Education/Social Marketing work group as well as the Youth Advisory Group. In light of these findings, African Americans should be a focus of our local stigma-reduction efforts. A young African-American man is now presenting his story in a video aimed at reaching out to other youth. Use of Findings The results were shared with the Public Education/Social Marketing work group as well as the Youth Advisory Group. In light of these findings, African Americans should be a focus of our local stigma-reduction efforts. A young African-American man is now presenting his story in a video aimed at reaching out to other youth.