Afro-Caribbean Women's Experiences With Emotions, Specifically Around Anxiety, After Miscarriage: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Using Bowen Family Systems Theory

Author

• Alicia Antonette McCray, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Advisor

Pei-Fen Li

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical biological, psychological, and social developmental stage marked by heightened risk for substance use and its adverse consequences (Williams, 2010). Over the past few decades, the prevalence of substance use among adolescents has remained high, posing significant public health and social challenges (Williams, 2011; SAMHSA, 2017). Adolescent substance use is linked to academic failure, poor judgment, accidents, violence, unsafe sex, increased risk of later addiction, and suicide (AACAP, 2021). Its cumulative effects impact individuals, families, and communities through emotional distress, financial hardship, legal issues, and violence (Lander et al., 2013). Traditional approaches, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and family therapy models, address some aspects of substance use but remain limited in enhancing protective factors for adolescents and families (Tambling et al., 2021). As culinary practices utilized in clinical settings have been effective in increasing psychosocial benefits (Farmer, 2018), this study explored the experiences of adolescents with substance use issues as they engaged in culinary therapy with their families. The research employed a qualitative approach with a grounded theory methodology. A theoretical map was developed through constant comparison analysis to identify three concepts: the causes of adolescents’ substance use, generational and cultural Influences, and the impacts of culinary therapy. Clinical implications indicated a broader perspective on treating substance use in the adolescent population to include more innovative approaches. Keywords: adolescent substance use, culinary therapy, experiential approach, relational healing, grounded theory

NSUWorks Citation

Alicia Antonette McCray. 2025. Afro-Caribbean Women's Experiences With Emotions, Specifically Around Anxiety, After Miscarriage: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Using Bowen Family Systems Theory. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (131)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dft_etd/131.