Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Social Work

Major Professor

Mary L. Held

Committee Members

Courtney Cronley, Andrea Joseph-McCatty, Joel Anderson

Abstract

This three-paper dissertation examines the factors that contribute to life satisfaction, successful aging, and readiness to engage in end-of-life (EOL) conversations for Black and African American populations. The first paper provides a comprehensive literature review of implementing faith-based health promotion in Black and African American communities and the associations between EOL care planning, religiosity and faith. This review examined existing literature and by analyzing the studies, the paper identified key findings and gaps in the literature, setting the stage for the following two papers.

The second paper delves into the concept of life satisfaction by conducting a comparative analysis between Black and White Americans and factors that contribute to their overall satisfaction in later life. The second paper was a secondary data analysis of existing data using the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data Finally, the third paper was a cross-sectional primary data collection study that examined the readiness for EOL conversations of Black and African American churchgoers and their perceived level of spiritual support (PSS) with church leaders as well as their belief in God’s control over their health status (GLOC). This dissertation contributes to existing research by expanding the understanding of the relationship between PSS and readiness for EOL conversations.

By examining the existing literature, exploring factors that contribute to life satisfaction in later life, and conducting an empirical study, this research comprehensively analyzes how faith-based health promotion programs can bridge healthcare gaps and enhance quality, culturally competent care. The results from this dissertation will be useful to practitioners, researchers, and students from interdisciplinary fields. These results may also inform practice and policy reform and future research in applying culturally competent care to underrepresented members of the community.

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