Date of Conferral

7-2-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Shari Jorissen

Abstract

Blacks age 65+ have more mental health issues than others but underutilize mental health services because of stigma. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to identify what leaders in Black faith-based organizations believe their role is in supporting their congregants in accessing/attaining mental health services and how they provide support to their elderly congregants who may not have social support that could identify mental health issues. The health belief model and theory of planned behavior were used to explore mental health knowledge and support for the elderly congregants of faith-based organizations. Semistructured interview data from 10 Black religious leaders were analyzed using Saldaňa’s thematic coding. Results indicate that traditionally Black faith-based organization leaders feel they play a role in their congregants accessing mental health services. They may not offer internal resources but direct congregants to outside resources. Their role includes having internal mental health supports, support accessing mental health services and building community partnerships. They should identify mental health problems and assess internally, provide connections to outside mental health resources and encourage congregants to seek assistance, be more involved in the mental health of the congregants, and address mental health and support congregants by providing information/resources. Faith-based leaders are not properly trained to address mental health issues; and they provide supports by offering services and supports to keep elderly congregants involved. The results can be used to help congregants with their mental health needs and support collaboration between the church and mental health professionals.

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