Black Americans face unique barriers and risk factors for decision-making while also bringing distinct cultural strengths that support resilience.
Unique Decision-Making Risk Factors in Black Communities
- Racial trauma: The psychological effects of racism, discrimination, and historical trauma
- Medical mistrust: Historical mistreatment in healthcare creates legitimate barriers to decision-making care
- Representation gap: Shortage of Black mental health providers reduces access to culturally affirming decision-making treatment
- Socioeconomic factors: Structural inequities increase decision-making risk factors
Cultural Strengths as Decision-Making Resilience
Strong community bonds, religious and spiritual resources, and cultural values of resilience and collectivism all serve as protective factors against decision-making.
Finding Culturally Affirming Decision-Making Care
Organizations like the Black Mental Health Alliance and Therapy for Black Girls provide directories of Black and culturally competent therapists for decision-making.
Community-Based Decision-Making Support
Faith communities, barbershops, beauty salons, and community organizations increasingly serve as entry points for decision-making support and destigmatization.