Black Women’s Identity and Depression (BWID) study

PROJECT STATUS: Ongoing
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START DATE AND DURATION: October 2021
Summary

In Britain, women are more affected by common mental disorders (depression and anxiety) than men, and among women, Black/Black British individuals face higher rates compared to White British women. Despite this, they are less likely to seek or receive treatment, leading to poor outcomes.

Our project delves into why this disparity exists, examining the intersection of gender and race in shaping the experiences, treatments, and outcomes of depression among Black women in the UK. By analysing surveys and focus groups, we aim to uncover how cultural beliefs and societal expectations influence the experience of depression and subsequent treatment outcomes.

Our findings will provide crucial insights into the challenges faced by Black women and help identify barriers to treatment and predictors of poor mental health outcomes. We are collaborating with community organisations and experts by lived experience to ensure we are not reinforcing practices which continue to marginalise underserved communities.

This project will be in collaboration with an advisory group of public, patient and professional members including: Black women with lived experiences of depression; practitioners that have worked with Black women and representatives from two non-government organisations, Black Thrive (London) and Catalyst 4 Change (Birmingham). 

Follow the project via:
- Twitter @BWID_Study
- Instagram: @BWID_Study

Contact the lead researcher at: a.jieman@qmul.ac.uk.

Partners & Collaborators

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 

Black Thrive 

Catalyst 4 Change 

University of Oxford

King’s College London (KCL)

 

Lead Investigator
Investigating Team
Juliana Onwumere (KCL)
Resources
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