Help Seeking Attitudes of Black Men

Study Title: Attitudes Toward Help Seeking Among Black Men
Principal Investigator: Courtland C. Lee, Ph.D.
Department/Institution: Volunteer Faculty Member, Community and Trauma Counseling Program, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University

Contact Information: Phone: (215) 951-0253, Email: courtland.lee@jefferson.edu


1. Introduction and Purpose

You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Dr. Courtland C. Lee from Thomas Jefferson University. The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes that Black men have about seeking professional counseling.

You are being invited to participate in this study because you are a Black man over the age of 18.

2. Procedures

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to do the following:

Complete a three-part online survey:

1. The first part of the survey asks for your age, relationship status, occupation, education, whether you served in the military, religion/spiritual affiliation, and whether you have ever seen a professional counselor or other mental health professional.

2. The second part is a general help-seeking questionnaire that asks how likely it would be for you to seek help with a problem from a number of sources.

3. The third part of the survey is a questionnaire that asks about your attitudes towards seeking professional counseling help.

Total Time Commitment: Participation will take approximately 5 - 10 minutes.

3. Possible Risks and Discomforts

The risks associated with this study are minimal and are no greater than those you might encounter in daily life.

You might consider some survey questions to be sensitive or personal. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.

In completing the survey, you may experience sad or negative emotions as you think about problems you may have or have had and about seeking help with problems. If you have such concerns, here are some community resources you can contact that will help to ensure your health and wellbeing:

Black Men Heal 484- 297-2077
Philadelphia Mental Health Crisis Hotline 215 685-6440
NAMI General Hotline 800-950-6264
Montgomery County NAMI Office 215-361-7784

4. Benefits

Direct Benefits: There is no direct benefit to you for participating in this study.

Societal Benefits: It is hoped the information learned from this study may benefit society in our understanding of how Black men perceive mental health services and their attitudes about seeking professional counseling.

5. Confidentiality

Your survey responses will be handled as confidentially as possible.

Anonymity: Your name will not be linked to your responses; your data will be anonymous. Your name is not required anywhere in the survey.

Reporting: If results of this study are published or presented personally identifiable information will not be used.

6. Compensation

There is no compensation for participating in this study.

7. Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You are free to decline to participate, and you may stop participating at any time without penalty. If you decide to stop, any data collected up to that point will be discarded.

8. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about the study, or questions about your rights as a research part