Date of Conferral

9-25-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Hedy Dexter

Abstract

The rise of emotional distress and other mental health issues in the church is a significant concern. African American congregants depend more on their pastors to assist them with issues such as emotional distress, stress, finances, and marital discord. As an essential institution in the community, the church represents the ideal setting to address many of the issues experienced by congregants. Role theory was used as the theoretical framework, as roles often entail particular risks and benefits that can differ depending on human traits, historical periods, and cultural settings. The methodology was qualitative, interpretative phenomenology; interviews were conducted with African American Baptist pastors who counsel congregants with emotional distress. The research question explored the lived experiences of African American Baptist pastors as mental health providers. Responses from the in-depth, semistructured interviews were analyzed, coded, and categorized to determine themes (i.e., roles, values, and beliefs; experience as a mental health provider; and mental in the church and community). The results provided insights into how African American Baptist pastors think, feel, and view their role as mental health providers for congregants experiencing emotional distress. The results also revealed the importance of pastors knowing and acknowledging their limitations to provide adequate mental health care. To effect positive social change, African American Baptist pastors must understand how their perceptions, beliefs, stigmas, and behaviors affect their congregations and communities. Increased awareness of emotional distress experienced by their congregants will enhance pastors’ ability to effectively counsel them and reduce the stress experienced by pastors challenged by their different role demands.

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