Mental health treatment and work among African American and Caribbean Black welfare recipients

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2019 Jul;25(3):342-349. doi: 10.1037/cdp0000240. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Abstract

Objective: Untreated depression among Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) participants greatly reduces chances of securing and holding gainful employment.

Method: Logistic regression models were estimated on data describing 1,000 African American and Caribbean Black TANF recipients and 2,123 African American and Caribbean Black non-TANF recipients obtained from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL).

Results: Black TANF participants were more likely than Black non-TANF participants to be depressed and treated. Treatment odds were lower for Caribbean Black than for U.S.-born Black TANF participants.

Conclusion: Results indicated that mental health treatment was likely among Black TANF participants if depression was identified. TANF participants working less than full-time did not receive as much treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black People / psychology*
  • Black People / statistics & numerical data
  • Black or African American / psychology
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Caribbean Region
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychotherapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Public Assistance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Welfare / psychology
  • Social Welfare / statistics & numerical data
  • United States
  • Vulnerable Populations