Papers and Reports by Jennifer Shepard Payne
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Culture, Health & Sexuality: An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care, Jan 6, 2014
Adult men of different ethnic backgrounds who experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may vary i... more Adult men of different ethnic backgrounds who experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may vary in their reports of the psychological and behavioural impact of CSA on their lives. Empirical studies rarely examine the impact of race/ethnicity or cultural context on the psychological and behavioural struggles of adult male CSA survivors. This study utilised qualitative content analysis to examine the reported CSA-related psychological and behavioural challenges of 150 US men, with equal numbers of
Blacks, Latinos and non-Latino Whites. Interview data revealed some ethnic differences: Black men more frequently denied having present day adverse effects than other groups. However, Black men who did report negative consequences of CSA
discussed difficulties with substance use and hyper-sexualised behaviour more often than other ethnicities. Latino men reported anger, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, flashbacks and communication problems more often than the other two groups. Black and Latino
men also discussed guilt/shame issues and sexual identity concerns more often than Whites did. In contrast, White men more frequently discussed issues related to low self esteem, loneliness and isolation. These findings suggest that ethnically diverse men
may respond differently to CSA experiences and that considerations need to be taken into account when providing healthcare to men with CSA histories.
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Will a pastor refer to a mental health center? If they feel qualified to intervene themselves, th... more Will a pastor refer to a mental health center? If they feel qualified to intervene themselves, they may not. Because pastors often provide grief counseling, it is important to understand the decisions they make when intervening with depressed individuals. A random sample of 204 Protestant pastors completed surveys about their treatment practices for depression. Fisher’s exact analyses revealed that more pastors with some secular education yet no degree felt that they were the best person to treat depression than pastors who had no secular education or pastors who had at least a secular bachelor’s degree. However, the level of theological education did not influence beliefs about the pastor being the best person to treat depression. In addition, neither secular nor theological education level influenced pastors’ views on referring people to mental health centers for depression treatment. Based on findings, this paper discusses implications for best practices in training pastors on depression and other mental health topics.
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Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, Oct 8, 2012
Studies show that depressed African Americans are more likely to be misdiagnosed than are depress... more Studies show that depressed African Americans are more likely to be misdiagnosed than are depressed Caucasians. A randomized sample of 239 California licensed clinical social workers and licensed marriage and family therapists were shown experimentally designed clinical videos and asked to make diagnostic judgments. Clinicians were randomly assigned to view 1 of 4 videos of 2 young adult male actors, 1 African American and 1 Caucasian, playing the part of a depressed client engaging in a first-time therapy session. Each actor played 2 roles: a depressed man with classic symptoms of a major depressive disorder (MDD) and a depressed man displaying symptoms that meet the MDD criteria described in the literature as African American cultural expressions of depression. Results indicate statistically significant differences in the identification of mood disorder; licensed clinicians under diagnosed unipolar mood disorder more frequently when clients of either race presented with culturally expressed depression symptoms. Implications for clinical social work and mental health practice with African American males are discussed.
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Journal of Public Health, 2010
Background: US Department of Health and Human Services reported that the lack of English language... more Background: US Department of Health and Human Services reported that the lack of English language proficiency and the shortage of providers who possessed appropriate language skills were identified as major barriers to mental health service use for approximately half of the population of Asians and Pacific Islanders. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of lifetime mental health service use in relation to English language proficiency among Asian Americans.
Methods: Data from 2095 Asian participants from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: Respondents with better English language proficiency and with a mental health diagnosis were more inclined to use mental health services. Participants who were born in the USA, who were widowed, separated or divorced, who sought comfort from religion, who reported worse physical and mental health self-ratings were more likely to use mental health services. The lack of health insurance coverage was not a significant predictor.
Conclusions: The public health implications for behavioral health include the need to educate health-care providers working with Asian Americans regarding the benefits derived from seeking services and making interpreter services available in a culturally sensitive environment.
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Community Mental Health Journal, Jan 1, 2009
Depression is a major, preventable problem in the United States, yet relatively few individuals s... more Depression is a major, preventable problem in the United States, yet relatively few individuals seek care in traditional mental health settings. Instead, many choose to confide in friends, family, or clergy. Thus, it is important to discover how clergy perceive the definition of and etiology of depression. The author conducted a survey with 204 Protestant pastors in California. Multinomial logistic regression revealed a statistically significant difference in how depression is perceived based on race. Caucasian American pastors more readily agreed with the statement that depression was a biological mood disorder, while African American pastors more readily agreed that depression was a moment of weakness when dealing with trials and tribulations. Also, mainline Protestants more frequently disagreed with statements about spiritual causes of depression than Pentecostals and non-denominational pastors. The findings suggest that racial and religious affiliational influences shape how pastors view, and ultimately intervene, in the area of depression.
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Journal of African American Studies, Jan 1, 2008
A qualitative analysis was completed on sermons from ten African-American preachers of the Pentec... more A qualitative analysis was completed on sermons from ten African-American preachers of the Pentecostal faith to determine if and how they discussed depressive symptoms, based on the statements they made in the pulpit about depression, sadness, and grief. Messages surrounding views about mental health treatment were also explored. Findings illustrate that African-American Pentecostal preachers in the study preached sermons suggesting that long term depression is a weakness, and promoted the notion that “saints don’t cry”. Also, their sermons were dispassionate about psychotropic medication use and the use of psychiatrists. Implications for mental health practice with African-American preachers and parishioners are discussed.
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Papers by Jennifer Shepard Payne
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Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 2016
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Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 2012
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Journal of Religion and Health, 2013
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Journal of Public Health, 2010
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Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2014
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Pastoral Psychology, 2021
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Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, 2020
Many individuals who experience mental and emotional problems prefer support from clergy instead ... more Many individuals who experience mental and emotional problems prefer support from clergy instead of formal mental health services. Because clergy are often sought out by those with mental illnesses, it is essential to understand their perspectives about mental and emotional problems and identify the individual characteristics that influence these perspectives. This study utilized qualitative data from a conversation among pastors in an online social networking group to examine the characteristics of clergy who held affirming attitudes toward professional mental health services. Thirty-five pastors participated in the discussion, generating more than 140 comments over 13 days in response to the question: ''If the church is where we are to come for healing, how do we handle people who are depressed, suicidal, suffering from PTSD or anxiety?'' Thematic analysis was conducted, and results suggest four characteristics common among clergy: personal experiences with mental and emotional problems, transparency in sharing their stories, personal help-seeking, and humility. These four characteristics may influence clergy members' present-day understanding and responses to mental and emotional problems. Implications for spiritual care professionals and mental health professionals are presented.
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Pastors serving low-income urban areas are first-responders to emotional issues by default, since... more Pastors serving low-income urban areas are first-responders to emotional issues by default, since fewer mental health resources are available. Thus, it is important to understand how pastors serving urban resource-poor areas reflect on their counseling role. Forty-eight Black, Hispanic, and White pastors with urban congregations in Los Angeles or Chicago reflect on their pastoral calling and its relation to their counseling role. Through phenomenology, the pastors' lived experiences as they counseled in an urban context were explored. Analysis revealed complex feelings about their counseling role in light of their resource-poor environments. Recommendations are provided based on the findings.
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Many studies state that African Americans are under-diagnosed with major depressive disorder
when... more Many studies state that African Americans are under-diagnosed with major depressive disorder
when compared to whites, yet little research exists on the specific differences in symptom expression in African Americans. Even fewer studies explore gender-based differences in depressive symptom expression between African Americans. This manuscript reviews literature on African American symptom expression differences through a social determinants of health framework. While commonalities exist, the differences in symptom expression between African
American women and men should not be ignored. Based on research information presented, implications for social work and mental health intervention are discussed, and best practice recommendations are provided.
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Research consistently shows that African Americans with major depressive disorder are underdiagno... more Research consistently shows that African Americans with major depressive disorder are underdiagnosed. One reason for underdiagnosis is that various social determinants influence depressive symptom presentation. This study draws from a random sample of 218 California licensed clinical social workers and licensed marriage and family therapists who were presented with experimentally designed clinical videos online and asked to make diagnostic judgments. Clinicians presented with videos of a male client with depressive symptoms influenced by social determinants were less accurate in their diagnoses than clinicians presented with videos of a depressed male client expressing classic depressive symptoms. A qualitative analysis of clinicians’ statements about their diagnoses revealed that they often saw culturally influenced depression symptoms as related to a behavioral disorder or a personality disorder rather than a mood disorder. Based on these results, best practice recommendations are presented for clinicians who assess African American men with depression.
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Digital Media by Jennifer Shepard Payne
A documentary exploring the complexity of addressing mental health issues in the Christian church... more A documentary exploring the complexity of addressing mental health issues in the Christian church. Ten church members (pastors, church leaders, and laity) from three predominantly African American churches in Los Angeles California consider issues and pose potential solutions.
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Papers and Reports by Jennifer Shepard Payne
Blacks, Latinos and non-Latino Whites. Interview data revealed some ethnic differences: Black men more frequently denied having present day adverse effects than other groups. However, Black men who did report negative consequences of CSA
discussed difficulties with substance use and hyper-sexualised behaviour more often than other ethnicities. Latino men reported anger, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, flashbacks and communication problems more often than the other two groups. Black and Latino
men also discussed guilt/shame issues and sexual identity concerns more often than Whites did. In contrast, White men more frequently discussed issues related to low self esteem, loneliness and isolation. These findings suggest that ethnically diverse men
may respond differently to CSA experiences and that considerations need to be taken into account when providing healthcare to men with CSA histories.
Methods: Data from 2095 Asian participants from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: Respondents with better English language proficiency and with a mental health diagnosis were more inclined to use mental health services. Participants who were born in the USA, who were widowed, separated or divorced, who sought comfort from religion, who reported worse physical and mental health self-ratings were more likely to use mental health services. The lack of health insurance coverage was not a significant predictor.
Conclusions: The public health implications for behavioral health include the need to educate health-care providers working with Asian Americans regarding the benefits derived from seeking services and making interpreter services available in a culturally sensitive environment.
Papers by Jennifer Shepard Payne
when compared to whites, yet little research exists on the specific differences in symptom expression in African Americans. Even fewer studies explore gender-based differences in depressive symptom expression between African Americans. This manuscript reviews literature on African American symptom expression differences through a social determinants of health framework. While commonalities exist, the differences in symptom expression between African
American women and men should not be ignored. Based on research information presented, implications for social work and mental health intervention are discussed, and best practice recommendations are provided.
Digital Media by Jennifer Shepard Payne
Blacks, Latinos and non-Latino Whites. Interview data revealed some ethnic differences: Black men more frequently denied having present day adverse effects than other groups. However, Black men who did report negative consequences of CSA
discussed difficulties with substance use and hyper-sexualised behaviour more often than other ethnicities. Latino men reported anger, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, flashbacks and communication problems more often than the other two groups. Black and Latino
men also discussed guilt/shame issues and sexual identity concerns more often than Whites did. In contrast, White men more frequently discussed issues related to low self esteem, loneliness and isolation. These findings suggest that ethnically diverse men
may respond differently to CSA experiences and that considerations need to be taken into account when providing healthcare to men with CSA histories.
Methods: Data from 2095 Asian participants from the National Latino and Asian American Study were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: Respondents with better English language proficiency and with a mental health diagnosis were more inclined to use mental health services. Participants who were born in the USA, who were widowed, separated or divorced, who sought comfort from religion, who reported worse physical and mental health self-ratings were more likely to use mental health services. The lack of health insurance coverage was not a significant predictor.
Conclusions: The public health implications for behavioral health include the need to educate health-care providers working with Asian Americans regarding the benefits derived from seeking services and making interpreter services available in a culturally sensitive environment.
when compared to whites, yet little research exists on the specific differences in symptom expression in African Americans. Even fewer studies explore gender-based differences in depressive symptom expression between African Americans. This manuscript reviews literature on African American symptom expression differences through a social determinants of health framework. While commonalities exist, the differences in symptom expression between African
American women and men should not be ignored. Based on research information presented, implications for social work and mental health intervention are discussed, and best practice recommendations are provided.