A Multidimensional Look at Religious Involvement and Psychological Well-Being Among Urban Elderly African Americans.

Abstract

Although the importance of religion in the lives of older African Americans is well documented, this is the 1st study to examine the relations between religious involvement and psychological well-being among a sample comprised exclusively of older African Americans. Eighty-six participants completed multidimensional measures of religious involvement (J. S. Levin, R. J. Taylor & L. M. Chatters, 1995) and well-being (C. D. Ryff & M. J. Essex, 1992). Results indicated that several dimensions of religious involvement (Organizational, Nonorganizational, and Subjective) were associated with several dimensions of psychological well-being (Positive Relations with Others, Self-Acceptance, Environmental Mastery, Purpose in Life, and Personal Growth). Recommendations for future research and implications for counseling are presented.

African Americans in Bereavement: Grief as a Function of Ethnicity

“…African Americans also report a high degree of religious participation, religious coping, and spirituality (Taylor, Chatters, & Jackson, 2007). Particularly among older African Americans, a link has been established between religious belief and psychological well-being (Frazier, Mintz, & Mobley, 2005).…”

Dynamic Factor Analysis of Worldviews/Religious Beliefs and Well-Being among Older Adults

“…Previous research also has documented the impact of religious beliefs on mental health or psychological well-being in later life. Evidence from previous cross-sectional studies shows that there is a positive association between religious beliefs and subjective well-being indicators including life satisfaction and happiness (Blazer and Palmore 1976;Diener and Clifton 2002;Ellison et al 1989;Frazier et al 2005;Hunsberger 1985). Along similar line, belief in a just world (Lerner 1980) is positively related to a better wellbeing in old age (Dzuka and Dalbert 2006).…”

The best intentions : does positive parental religious coping moderate the relationship between parental perceived control and child anxiety in African American family dyads?

“…Predominantly, African American Churches have been viewed as a sustainer of African American culture and expression since its creation and the communal nature of congregations has shown to be a large source of social support as well (Bryant-Davis, 2005). Spirituality in African Americans has shown to be associated positively with dimensions of psychological well-being; such as positive relations with others, self-acceptance, environmental mastery, feelings of having a purposeful life, and personal development (Frazier, Mintz, & Mobley, 2005). Similarly, spirituality took on an added element of relinquishing anxious and traumatic issues to a Higher Being.…”

“…This could also be because of the powerful emphasis that the predominantly African American churches have placed on preserving personal heritage and social support while having acted as an agent of social reform and justice (Frazier, Mintz, & Mobley, 2005). Predominantly, African American Churches have been viewed as a sustainer of African American culture and expression since its creation and the communal nature of congregations has shown to be a large source of social support as well (Bryant-Davis, 2005).…”