Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study

Introduction

Background of the Study

Problem Statement

Purpose of the Study

Research Question(s) and Hypotheses

Advancing Scientific Knowledge

Significance of the Study

Rationale for Methodology

Nature of the Research Design for the Study

Definition of Terms

Assumptions, Limitations, Delimitations

Summary and Organization of the Remainder of the Study

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Introduction to the Chapter and Background to the Problem

Theoretical Foundations and/or Conceptual Framework

Review of the Literature

Summary

Chapter 3: Methodology

Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Research Question(s) or Hypotheses

Research Methodology

Research Design

Population and Sample Selection

Instrumentation OR Sources of Data

Validity

Reliability

Data Collection and Management

Data Analysis Procedures

Ethical Considerations

Limitations and Delimitations

Summary

References

Appendix A. The Parts of a Dissertation

Appendix B. IRB Approval Letter

Appendix C. Informed Consent

Appendix D. Copy of Instruments and Permissions Letters to Use the Instruments

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study

Introduction

The problem being addressed in this proposed dissertation study is to determine if and to what extent a relationship exists between the Strong Black Woman Schema and help seeking attitudes.  This research is based on the premise that mental health services are underutilized in the Black community but are still present even after controlling for socioeconomic factors (Jimenez, Cook, Bartels, & Alegría, 2013).  Although this underutilization has been noted, there is a lack of literature concerning the role that a cultural factor may play regarding help seeking. This proposed dissertation research will therefore expand the knowledge base of help seeking attitudes and the Strong Black women schema using quantitative measures.

This research will provide a unique perspective because it will utilize data from a range of age groups and diverse backgrounds. Additionally, it explores the possibility of cultural factors, such as gender role schemas, playing a role in the underutilization of mental health services. The results of this research will offer a platform for future research to further evaluate the Strong Black Woman Schema and its relationship to mental health related decision making. Furthermore, this research will provide value to the literature and expand the knowledge base by extending research on the Strong Black Woman schema from a perspective that has not been explored sufficiently.

Chapter 1 provides an introduction and rationale for the need to investigate the relationship between the Strong Black Woman Schema and help seeking attitudes. Additionally, it contains a review of previously conducted empirical research which indicates a knowledge gap in the literature. Further, the purpose statement for this study, the research questions, and hypotheses stated for this study are based on Strong Black Woman schema and dimensions of the Inventory of Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Health Service (MacKenzie et al. 2004).

Each research question focuses on the relationship between domains of the Strong Black Woman Schema and help seeking attitudes. Chapter 1 includes the background of the study, states the research problem and purpose, presents the research questions and hypotheses, and provides the rationale for the research methodology and design. The significance of the study and advancing scientific knowledge are also discussed in Chapter 1. In addition, the researcher defines key terms and discusses the assumptions, limitations, and delimitations of this study. Finally, Chapter 1 concludes with a brief summary.