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Expressions of Anxiety in African Americans: Ethnography and the Epidemiological Catchment Area Studies

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Abstract

High levels of anxiety have long been reported forAfrican Americans. Recent analyses of EpidemiologicalCatchment Area (ECA) data have failed to support this,although contemporary ethnographies have discussedimportant African American folk idioms of anxiety. This study compares ethnographically reported symptomsof anxiety in African Americans to those reported inthe ECA data. A multivariate analysis of femaleAfrican American and European American differences incomparable ECA and ethnographic symptoms wasperformed. Significant differences were found not inethnicity but in education levels. Alternativeinterpretations are discussed. Methodologicalproblems are discussed highlighting limitations ofboth household survey research, such as the ECAproject, and ethnography.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Catholic School of Social Service, The Catholic University of America, Shahan Hall, Washington DC, 20064, USA

    Suzanne Heurtin-Roberts, Lonnie Snowden & Leonard Miller

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  1. Suzanne Heurtin-Roberts
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  2. Lonnie Snowden
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  3. Leonard Miller
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Heurtin-Roberts, S., Snowden, L. & Miller, L. Expressions of Anxiety in African Americans: Ethnography and the Epidemiological Catchment Area Studies. Cult Med Psychiatry 21, 337–363 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005389007836

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