Reviewer 5: Xxxx X. Xxxxx, PhD comments Sample Clauses

Reviewer 5: Xxxx X. Xxxxx, PhD comments. The proposed project addresses a significant Public Health problem (depression) in a vulnerable population (African-American Women). The proposal is interesting, important and well written. The scientific premise for developing a culturally specific intervention for African-American women is generally strong; however a more nuanced review of the literature on depression among African-Americans is warranted. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx’x entire environmental affordances model is based on the fact that a number of studies found that African-Americans had lower levels of major depression compared to Whites. Thus, some acknowledgement that not all studies find higher rates of depression among African- Americans compared to Whites is needed. A major strength of the approach is the incorporation of culturally relevant constructs, such as Strong Black Women Stereotype/Superwoman Schema and Stigma. However, these were mentioned in the background section, but did not feature prominently in the intervention and there was no mention of how these constructs might interact with the traditional theoretical models guiding the intervention (e.g. the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior). The Investigators report that they will hire facilitators and recruiters from the target population and mention that they will partner with HBCUs, sororities, etc. It would also be helpful to have letters of support from individuals in leadership positions at organizations that serve the target population.