Thesis (M.A. in human development)--Washington State University, May 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 58-63).

Disparities in mental health service use among People of Color (POC) adolescents with depression is a serious public health concern. Engaging and retaining POC adolescents in treatment is imperative to improving mental health outcomes. Parents/caregivers play a critical role in POC adolescent engagement in the therapeutic process, yet POC adolescents’ and parents’/caregivers’ preferences for parental participation engagement (PPE) in depression treatment are unknown. The goal of this dissertation was to investigate POC adolescents’ and parents’/caregivers’ preferences for PPE in adolescent depression treatment. A qualitative approach was used through individual semi-structured interviews with POC adolescents and parents/caregivers. A brief quantitative preferences questionnaire was also administered. Questionnaire data were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed via thematic analysis procedures. Results indicated that teen and parent/caregiver preferences for PPE included: (a) direct parental involvement, (b) indirect parental involvement, and/or (c) limited involvement. The quality of the teen-parent relationship and logistical factors informed teen and parent/caregiver preferences for PPE, with therapists having a key role in influencing these preferences and facilitating the initiation and continuation of PPE. Factors associated with the quality of the teen-parent relationship included: (a) parent mindsets and behaviors, (b) teen and parent perceptions of adolescent development, and (c) severity of teen symptoms. Themes related to the perceived outcomes of PPE included: (a) improved teen-parent communication, (b) improved parental support behaviors, (c) improved teen-parent connection and trust, (d) negative outcomes, and, (e) treatment retention. Based on these findings, implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.