The Repository @ St. Cloud State

Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

4-2025

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Styleguide

apa

Degree Name

Social Work: M.S.W

Department

Social Work

College

School of Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Moriarty, Sheila M

Second Advisor

Togo Malm, Patience

Third Advisor

Tademe, Tamrat

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

CULTURAL IDENTITY MENTAL HEALTH SOMALI COMMUNITY

Abstract

Mental health remains a critical concern among Somali immigrants, yet cultural beliefs, stigma, and limited access to care significantly impact their help-seeking behaviors. This study explores the perceptions and barriers Somali immigrants face when accessing mental health services. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 10 Somali immigrants to gather in-depth insights into their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to cultural stigma, religious coping mechanisms, and systemic barriers in mental health care.

Findings reveal that mental illness is often perceived as a spiritual affliction, leading many Somali immigrants to seek support from religious and community leaders rather than professional mental health providers. Language barriers, financial constraints, and a lack of culturally competent services further hinder access to care. Despite these challenges, participants expressed a willingness to engage in mental health services if they aligned with their cultural and religious values.

This study underscores the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to Somali immigrants. Healthcare providers should incorporate faith-based approaches and community engagement strategies to foster trust and encourage help-seeking behaviors. Addressing these barriers can enhance mental health outcomes and improve service utilization among Somali immigrant populations.

Comments/Acknowledgements

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Sheila Moriarty, Ph. D, MSW, LISW, and her team members - Dr Patience Togo Malm, Ph D., MSW, LISW and Dr Tademe Tamrat for their invaluable guidance, patience, and constructive feedback throughout the research process. Their expertise and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping this study.

I am deeply grateful to the participants of this study for their time, honesty, and willingness to share their experiences. Their contributions have provided critical insights into the topic and made this research possible.

Lastly, I acknowledge the support of my colleagues and peers, whose discussions and feedback have helped refine my thoughts and strengthen the quality of this work.

This research would not have been possible without the collective efforts of those mentioned above, and I remain profoundly thankful for their support.

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