About the project

Drawing on the framework of intersectionality in general and the Strong Black woman schema, this project investigates how and why gender and race might work together to shape the experience, treatment and outcomes associated with depression among Black women in the UK.

Through a qualitative evidence synthesis, a cross-sectional survey, focus groups and interviews, we will explore whether beliefs and expectations related to identifying as Black and a woman shape the experience of depression and whether this intersection, in turn, influences treatment and outcomes.

Findings will provide important insights into the lived experiences of Black women and help identify barriers to treatment and predictors of poor outcomes.

Why is this research important?

Common mental disorders (CMD), which include depression and anxiety, are a major global mental health concern. In Britain, women are disproportionally affected by CMD (19% women versus 12% men), and ethnicity adds a layer of disadvantage, with Black/Black British women experiencing higher rates of CMD relative to White British women (29.3% versus 20.9%). Despite this increased prevalence, Black/Black British women are less likely to seek and receive treatment and more likely to experience poor outcomes (e.g., maladaptive coping and detention under the Mental Health Act). Understanding and addressing these mental health inequalities are imperative to ensuring that all members of society can access and obtain the support needed to fare well.

Ethical Approval

BWID study received ethical approval from the Queen Mary Ethics of Research Committee, reference number: 22.016.

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Funded by the ESRC via the LISS DTP, NIHR ARC North Thames and Centre for public engagement at QMUL.
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