Exploring and understanding black caregivers’ perspectives on child therapy in Gauteng Province

<p dir="ltr">This research explored the perspectives of Black caregivers in Eersterust, Gauteng Province, regarding child therapy. The study aimed to understand how these caregivers perceive child therapy. The objectives were to identify the challenges they face when seeking therapeutic services for their children and examine the cultural or religious values influencing their views. The research was conducted in response to the ongoing need to improve mental health support within underrepresented communities and to ensure services are culturally relevant and accessible.</p><p dir="ltr">The research was qualitative, using an interpretivist paradigm and of the applied research type. A case study design, namely an instrumental case study design, was used, and the study population consisted of 8 Black caregivers who are caregivers to children below the age of eighteen. Purposive sampling was used to find study participants, and face-to-face interviews were used as the data collection method. A pilot study was conducted, which formed part of the main study. Trustworthiness was confirmed in the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.</p><p dir="ltr">Reflexive thematic analysis was the data analysis method while coding on a semantic, descriptive level, using a six-step approach. The ethical considerations that were detailed were avoidance of harm, no compensation, anonymity and confidentiality, informed consent and voluntary participation, adherence to the SACCSP code of ethics, and finally, analysis and reporting accuracy, including competency. Recommendations provided addressed intervention at micro and macro levels of society, including caregivers and public institutions.</p>