Cause for Social Change…

When you think of a psychologist the image a person lying on a couch sharing their inner most thoughts with a person certified to by the American Psychological Association to diagnose. The work of a psychologist goes beyond four walls and a couch, for psychologists are concerned with societal issues. African American women diagnosed with breast cancer a challenged with some of the same issues concerning other ethnic groups, however African American women are not as likely to seek coping methods such as counseling to address their concerns using psychological techniques, such as mindfulness.

Anxiety…

Anxiety is a natural feeling felt by African American women battling breast cancer. The feeling of anxiety start when the words, “you have breast cancer” are uttered to follow up appointments after treatment has concluded. What if the cancer returns lingers. What exactly does anxiety look like…

Anxiety is an emotion broken down and defined by two parts, physiological and psychological (Baqutayan, 2012). Physiologically, anxiety is defined by a person physical experiences. Physiologically, anxiety can appear in the form of a person heart rate increasing, sweating, body shaking and the development of tensed muscles, to name a few (Baqutayan, 2012). Psychologically, anxiety appears in the form of apprehension, loss of autonomy or control, fear or being out of control (Baqutayan, 2012). A breast cancer diagnosis can result in a person developing feelings of concern, feelings of anxiousness increase especially after learning of the treatment plan (Baqutayan, 2012).

I felt the most anxious when I was told chemotherapy would be a part of my treatment plan. I knew radiation was going to be a part of my treatment plan from the initial conversations with my medical team, but chemotherapy was a surprise I hadn’t mentally prepared for. I knew my physical appearance would change and this change was difficult for me.

Coping with breast cancer…

African American women find difficulty seeking treatment, for African American women are more likely to rely upon spirituality and religion in coping with feelings associated with a breast cancer diagnosis (Yoo et al., 2014). There is cultural disconnect between African American women and psychology, in which contributes to the lack of African American women utilizing psychological techniques, such as mindfulness-behavior (Evans et al., 2011). 

To my surprise, black super woman syndrome is a thing and it effects the way African American women cope with health issues such as breast cancer. “Superwoman or Strong Black Woman” are terms referenced in the analysis of influential motives surrounding the health disparities of African American women. These terms have influenced the experiences of African American women in terms of methods utilized in addressing their health concerns (Giscombé, 2010). Although referred to as Superwoman, African American women are not essentially wearing an actual cape, however being considered a Superwoman is a phenomenon in respects to how African American women address stressors in their lives (Giscombé, 2010).

What is Mindfulness?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psycho-social intervention with the objective of improving one’s mental health. The unique thing about CBT is, it focuses on inspiring change to a person’s undesirable cognitive distortions and behaviors. CBT  improves a person’s emotional wellbeing through emotional regulation. This technique is completed with use of coping strategies in which target current issues. The cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, works by encouraging participants or clients to focus their attention on their beliefs/ thoughts, emotional feelings, “bodily sensations” (p. 348), and also their surroundings (Furzzetti & Erikson, 2010). Mindfulness works by focusing on the present moment, removing judgement.  

One of the main reasons African Americans are not likely to use CBT techniques, such as mindfulness is because there is a cultural disconnect. Mindfulness should be customized to address the cultural concerns of African Americans by addressing their specific health issues. Culturally-relevant mindfulness-based interventions are essential because they are especially effective in reducing health disparities, such as the rising death count associated with breast cancer.

Prior to understanding how mindfulness works, I was introduced to mindfulness in a breast cancer support group. When the concept of mindfulness was first introduced, I can remember thinking, what is mindfulness and I don’t think this will work for me. I have a difficult time centering my thoughts during a relaxing massage, so I just knew mindfulness would not work for me…but to my SURPRISE…

MINDFULNESS WORKED!

Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing Adverse outcomes; yet, racial/ethnic minorities are underrepresented in these interventions. Here’s how to represent the African American Population…

•Culturally tailor Mindfulness-based interventions to address the unique health needs of African Americans.

•Culturally-responsive modifications such, inclusion of cultural values •Include African American facilitators

•Accessible location

•Use culturally familiar terminology

•Incorporate vital cultural values regarding African American women: •Self-awareness •Interdepdence/ Working together •Story-telling/ perseverance of legacy •Religion/spirituality

Pause for the Cause…

As an African American woman surviving breast cancer and student of clinical psychology, this writer’s awareness of preventable fatalities became reason to implement perspectival change with the objective to increase the life expectancy of African American women diagnosed with breast cancer.  On November 16, 2019, the first Jonesstrong Walk/Run took place to bring awareness to breast cancer and to raise money for a local cancer resource center.

As a future clinician of the field of psychology committed to social change, one must ask, what can psychologists do implement social change in medical providers for African American women with a breast cancer diagnosis? To bridge the gap between African American women with breast cancer and medical providers, psychologists can implement trainings encouraging cultural competence for healthcare providers. In order to do so, psychologists should possess the attribute of cultural competence. The training can be addressed with the stance one must be abreast of the population and cultural beliefs in order to provide support to the population. Being abreast of cultural beliefs does not stop at one’s ethnicity, for psychologists should be aware of a person’s religion, educational background, sex/ gender, sexual orientation, and income (Pantalone et al., 2010). I’m proud to be a part of a community of medical professionals striving for multicultural competence and understanding the plight of the African American woman battling breast cancer. During the month of October of 2020, I was interviewed by a medical provider in honor of breast cancer awareness month.

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