LE3 .A278 2005

2005

Horvath, Peter

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of community service providers concerning depression in women. The resources and services offered by the volunteer and non-profit community organizations within Halifax Regional Municipality were also assessed. Representatives from 30 volunteer and non-profit organizations were interviewed to gain knowledge about their perceptions of the causes, prevention, and treatment of depression in urban women and the services they could offer to women in their community. The interviews were tape recorded and subjected to content and thematic analyses. The results from this study demonstrate that participants view the causes of depression and the prevention of depression from an environmental perspective. However, participants viewed treatment services corresponding more with a traditional medical/deficit model. Possible explanations for the contradiction between causes and treatment services are discussed. The results from this study confirmed that the resources offered by the community organizations are more compatible with an environmental model and the participants are willing to participate in a community project to assist depressed women.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3058