Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Committee Members

Daniela Burnworth (Committee Member), James Dobbins (Committee Member), Martyn Whittingham (Committee Chair)

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Abstract

There is limited research on African-American college students and their participation in group psychotherapy in a university counseling center setting. This study examined the barriers to group psychotherapy for African-American college students. A 61 item survey was designed to obtain African-American college students' views on their willingness to participate in group therapy, expectations of group psychotherapy, expectations of group members, expectations of group leaders, coping skills when in distress, and multicultural considerations relating to group psychotherapy. Data collected from a sample (N = 108)was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results of the this study found that coping strategies for African-American college students were predominantly based around family and friends, facing their problems directly, faith and religion and group psychotherapy was seen as a method less desirable than many other coping methods. Results also found that barriers to group psychotherapy included fear of being judged, fear of being discriminated against, fear of being stereotyped and a number of other salient factors. More should be learned about the barriers to group psychotherapy for African-American college students so as to identify effective ways to effectively recruit and retain African-American college to group psychotherapy.

Page Count

93

Department or Program

School of Professional Psychology

Year Degree Awarded

2013


Included in

Psychology Commons

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