Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Georita M. Frierson

Abstract

Previous literature has noted that African American Pentecostals (AAP) avoid seeking secular care for mental health concerns. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of AAP pastors’ beliefs and teachings associated with mental health care as well as stigmas regarding that care, using Niebuhr’s synthesis theory, Arnheim’s convergence theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory of human development. Sixteen AAP senior pastors were interviewed to explore four research questions regarding their beliefs about secular mental health care, Bible Scripture teachings, seeking support from clergy, and mental health education that may impact the acceptance of secular mental health care. Their responses were coded and analyzed for emergent themes based on Moustakas’s method and five main themes were identified in the data; (a) clergy have medical theories of mental illness despite minimal scientific training, (b) clergy integrate faith and secular medicine by advocating for a holistic approach that incorporates both, (c) stigmatization and avoidance are promoted by teachings that characterize reliance on secular medicine as a rejection of faith, (d) clergy cite biblical support, and (e) for help-seeking education should be provided to increase knowledge and acceptance of mental health care. The findings suggested that education and training for pastors and congregants in secular care may increase acceptance of secular care in AAP communities. These results can influence positive social change through developing collaborative mental health education initiatives and partnerships with AAP pastors who are willing to refer their members to secular mental healthcare professionals.

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