Clergy Perceptions of Mental Illness and Confronting Stigma in Congregations

Abstract

Mental illness and stigma are key concerns in congregations and represent important threats to community health. Clergies are considered influential in how congregants think about and respond to mental health issues, especially in African American congregations. In-depth interviews with 32 African American and White clergies were conducted to understand their unique perspectives on mental health and how they interact with their congregations based on those perspectives. Findings include six themes related to mental health stigma, namely, holistic definitions of health; African Americans and different conceptions of mental health (only reported by African American clergies); code words and language; depression as a special case; perceptions of mental health counseling and treatment; and clergy strategies for addressing mental health stigma. The clergies in this study recognized their influence on ideas related to mental health in their congregations, and most expressed active efforts toward discussing mental health and reducing stigma.

Mental Health Awareness and Counseling Practice of Jamaican Clergy: An Exploratory Study

“…The clergy can be better utilized in stigma reduction and increasing help-seeking behavior. One study found that in an effort to combat mental health stigma among their congregations, clergy used a combination of communication strategies such as pertinent scriptures and language that was “real, relevant, and relational” (Campbell, 2021). Additionally, strengthening collaborative efforts between faith-based organizations and mental health practitioners would not only enhance mental health literacy of the clergy but also improve the delivery of mental health care to population groups (Brewer & Williams, 2019; Pottinger et al, 2021).…”

“…Future studies could explore the relationship between beliefs demonizing mental illness and practices that offer a spiritual solution to psychological wellness. Campbell (2021) has argued that clergy who are not mental health literate may be better at recognizing their limitations than those who are aware and thus willing to refer to a mental health professional. We found that comparatively more clergy who were low in mental health awareness indicated that they would refer the couple to a professional counselor.…”

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness and Perception Among Christian Religious Leaders in Accra Metropolis: A Qualitative Study

“…Christian religious leaders, ordained by religious institutions, are mandated to lead their congregants and in uence family formations through their operations and activities. They uniquely indoctrinate their congregants with their perception and understanding of spiritual and physical issues around them through their sermons and the in uence they wield (Anshel & Smith, 2014;Campbell, 2021). In the context of SCD prevention, they can play a crucial role in promoting genetic counseling and screening.…”