Semester of Graduation
Spring 2027
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology Department
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis project addressed the deficit in research centering the narratives of those with serious mental illnesses within community mental healthcare. By performing a thematic analysis, the study gleaned an understanding of the relationships between explanatory models and treatment engagement for individuals with SMI. In conducting the thematic analysis, the study also sought to understand which domains of engagement (i.e., cognitive, affective, and behavioral) were most prominent in participants' responses. The Cultural Formulation Interview was developed to elicit responses about explanatory models of illness and was used during the assessment. A 16-item questionnaire was developed for use in this study to assess the domains of engagement. The Brief Symptom Inventory was administered during the interviews to measure symptom severity. Overall, this project contributed to the field of psychology by gathering data to highlight the needs of those in underrepresented communities during clinical relationships. The thematic analysis revealed that participants' engagement was primarily motivated by the fear of destabilization and a strong sense of medical insight, with cognitive engagement being the most prominent domain. Participants generally viewed pharmacological interventions positively, but symptom severity did not correlate clearly with treatment adherence. This project provides valuable insights into the unique experiences of underrepresented communities in clinical relationships, emphasizing the complex factors influencing treatment engagement.
Date
12-24-2024
Recommended Citation
Warren, Kiara, "Understanding Factors That Influence Treatment Engagement: A Qualitative Analysis of Those with Serious Mental Illness Within Community Mental Health Care" (2024). LSU Master's Theses. 6081.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6081
Committee Chair
Cohen, Alex S.
