Date of Award
11-1981
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dean Rosen
Second Advisor
Bernard Lafayette
Abstract
"A Case for Family Therapy for Low-Income Families" explores the challenges faced by low-income families in accessing mental health services, particularly family therapy, and presents a model for addressing these challenges. The thesis begins by examining the relationship between social class and mental illness, noting that lower-income individuals face greater barriers to mental health care while also experiencing higher rates of mental illness. These barriers include logistical issues such as transportation, financial constraints, and scheduling conflicts, as well as systemic biases in the mental health delivery system that make it difficult for low-income families to access appropriate care.
The author, Ruth Mihevc, highlights the negative impact of socioeconomic status on mental health, pointing out that poverty and race are often intertwined in this context. The thesis reviews existing research on the culture of poverty and how it shapes behaviors and family dynamics. This culture is often misunderstood by mental health professionals, many of whom come from middle- or upper-class backgrounds and may not fully grasp the complexities of life in poverty. Mihevc argues that the middle-class bias in training and practice often results in ineffective treatment approaches for the poor.
The central focus of the thesis is on the potential for family therapy to serve as an effective intervention for low-income families. Mihevc critiques traditional psychotherapeutic methods, which may not be suitable for this population, and advocates for family therapy approaches that take into account the specific needs, stresses, and cultural dynamics of poor families. The thesis emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and culturally informed approaches by mental health professionals to improve outcomes for these families.
In conclusion, Mihevc calls for mental health practitioners to adapt their techniques to better serve low-income families, suggesting that family therapy, when properly implemented, can be a powerful tool in addressing the mental health needs of disadvantaged populations.
Recommended Citation
Mihevc, Ruth, "A Case for Family Therapy for Low-Income Families" (1981). Theses. 1105.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1105
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