Thesis Title: A Literature Review of Major Depressive Disorder Among African-American Women Victimized by Sexual Harassment During Career Advancement

Student Concentration: Health Promotion & Behavior

Thesis Chair: Dr. Carlos Pavão

Thesis Abstract: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric condition that affects mood and behavior because of chemical imbalances in the brain. When studying Major Depressive Disorder’s impact on African-American women (AAW), there could be several contributing factors to the onset of symptoms. AAW are members of the American workforce and are expected to excel and advance in their careers due to societal expectations while simultaneously battling race-based and gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment. Seeking support during victimization and regenerated symptoms of MDD may prove challenging for AAW for varying socio-cultural reasons. This review will discuss the literature examining Major Depressive Disorder, African-American women, sexual harassment, and career advancement. Minimal research surrounding this topic exists and the dynamics between Major Depressive Disorder, African-American Women, sexual harassment, and career advancement have yet to be explored.

KEYWORDS: Major Depressive Disorder, African-American Women, Sexual Harassment, Career Advancement, Social Support Theory