Contexts for Managing Depression and Its Stigma

¶ … Contexts for Managing Depression and its Stigma among Black West Indian Canadian Women

This qualitative study by Schreiber, Noerager, and Wilson (1998) was conducted to ascertain the depression experiences of black West Indian women living in Canada in order to inform clinical practice (p. 511). The authors note there is a lack of research to assist nurses and other healthcare providers in knowing how to meet the specific needs women from non-dominant cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to expand awareness of how matters of race and culture can affect therapeutic processes (p. 510).

Data Collection Methods

Data was gathered using Grounded Theory as the chosen method of collection. Grounded theory is a research method that enables the researcher to simultaneously collect, code, and analyze data. Data collection took place in a large urban center in southern Ontario, Canada. A series of interviews with 12 Black West Indian women lasting approximately one hour were taped and transcribed at a later date. Each participant was interviewed from one to four times. Each participant received a transcribed copy of the interview to ensure accuracy.

Analysis of data was achieved through repeated reading of transcribed interviews and listening to tapes. Data from interviews was examined to discover categories or abstractions. The categories generated led to further focused data collection from participants to confirm and expand emerging categories. These categories were then coded and checked against data collected. Data was collected until no new information was forthcoming (p. 512).

Methods Used to Ensure Confidentiality

A graduate research assistant in clinical psychology of West Indian origin was recruited to explain the study, answer questions and obtain informed consent from the participants before the interviewing process commenced (p. 512).

Methods Used to Encourage Participation

Participants were recruited through word of mouth using a snow balling technique. Woman who identified themselves as having experienced or recovered from depression were sought (p. 512).

Attrition

The study made no mention of the loss of any of the 12 original participants.

Description of Data Collection Methods

The description of the methods of data collection is adequate enough so that one may replicate the study. However, the significance of the findings of this study is questionable in light of several factors. This study is limited by geographical scope; participants were from a single location in southern Ontario, Canada.