Cultural Determinants of Pain Experience and Suicidality in Black Women: Informing Personalized Pain Interventions and Psychiatric Nursing Care
Vanessa Oliphant, Gabriella Martinez, Courtney Harold, De’ja Broyles, Jennifer Williams, Paul Nabity, Donald McGeary, Meredith StenslandObjective:
This discussion paper explores the intersection of cultural factors and Black women’s experiences with chronic pain and suicidality. It aims to inform the continued development of tailored pain interventions and culturally responsive psychiatric nursing care.
Methods:
Using existing literature, we identified six domains of cultural factors potentially influencing Black women’s pain experiences and suicide risk. The six domains were conceptually organized into two categories: culturally specific risk factors and culturally specific protective factors.
Results:
In terms of risk factors, the endorsement of the superwoman schema, intersectionality, and history of medical mistrust were identified. For protective factors, spirituality, culture, and reliance on social support were identified.
Conclusions:
Drawing on the disciplines of African American Studies, Black Psychology, and Clinical Health Psychology, we provide clear recommendations for the development of culturally tailored interventions that can uniquely address Black women’s pain and suicide-related experiences while receiving psychiatric nursing care.