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Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

Published in:

01-12-2013

Mediators of a Culturally-Sensitive Intervention for Suicidal African American Women

Authors: Huaiyu Zhang, Kiranmayi Neelarambam, Tomina J. Schwenke, Miesha N. Rhodes, Delishia M. Pittman, Nadine J. Kaslow

Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

This study explored intervention outcomes and mechanisms that could help explain why low-income, African American women with a history of intimate partner abuse and suicide attempt improve in response to a culturally-informed intervention, the Grady Nia Project. Specifically, the investigation examined whether or not the intervention had effects on the women and whether or not spiritual well-being and coping mediated the effects of the intervention on suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, data from 89 women who completed both pre- and post-intervention assessments were analyzed. During the post-intervention follow-up, women in the active intervention group reported lower levels of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms and higher levels of existential well-being and adaptive coping skills than those women randomized to the treatment as usual group. However, only existential well-being was found to mediate treatment effects on suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. Religious well-being, as well as adaptive and maladaptive coping, did not serve a mediational function. These findings highlight the importance of designing and implementing culturally-sensitive and evidence-based strategies that enhance existential well-being in this population.

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Title: Mediators of a Culturally-Sensitive Intervention for Suicidal African American Women
Authors: Huaiyu Zhang
Kiranmayi Neelarambam
Tomina J. Schwenke
Miesha N. Rhodes
Delishia M. Pittman
Nadine J. Kaslow
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1068-9583
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-013-9373-0

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Mediators of a Culturally-Sensitive Intervention for Suicidal African American Women

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