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Black/African American women are at high risk for depression, yet are underrepresented in psychiatric genetic research for depression prevention and treatment. Little is known about the factors that influence participation in genetic testing for Black/African American women at risk. The purpose of this study was to elicit the beliefs that underlie participation in genetic testing for depression in Black/African American mothers, a subgroup at high risk. Willingness to participate in genetic testing procedures was also determined. A qualitative, descriptive design was employed. Exactly 19 mothers aged 21–42 completed open-ended questionnaires. Directed content and descriptive analyses of the text were conducted based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Salient beliefs included: behavioral advantages—diagnosing/detecting depression (31.6%), finding cure/treatment (21.1%); disadvantages—not finding follow-up treatment/help (21.1%); salient referents, who approves—family members (47.4%), agencies/organizations (26.3%); who disapproves—church associates (21.1%). Control beliefs included: barriers—unpleasant/difficult testing procedures (42.1%), limited knowledge about the purpose of testing (26.3%); facilitator—a convenient location (21.1%). Most mothers (89.5%) indicated willingness to participate in testing. Interventions can target families, address barriers, emphasize future benefits, and use convenient locations and community-based participatory research methods. Policies can address social determinants of participation to increase inclusion of these mothers in psychiatric genetic research.

Consider culture and individualized assessments to explore feelings of anger and sadness when screening for depressive symptoms in specific sub-groups of Black single mothers. Consider the use of appropriate screening tools.

This study constructed and tested models using the mediators of resilience and self-efficacy to help explain the relationship between social support and positive health practices (PHPs) in Black late adolescents. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 179 Black college students, aged 18 to 23 years. Participants responded to four instruments; the five bivariate hypotheses were supported. Social support correlated positively with PHPs ( r = .45, p < .001), resilience ( r = .28, p < .001), and self-efficacy ( r = .40, p < .001). Resilience ( r = .31, p < .001) and self-efficacy ( r = .38, p < .001) correlated positively with PHPs. Regression analyses indicated that resilience and self-efficacy were partial, not complete mediators of the relationship between social support and PHPs. This research has relevance for practice involving Black late adolescents, with social support playing a role in promoting PHPs.

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