Pentecostal perspectives on causes and cures of depression.

Abstract

Religious beliefs about mental illness represent one potential influence on the choice to utilize or avoid professional help. For example, believing that devout spirituality assures mental health and/or that mental illness indicates spiritual failure may discourage religious individuals from seeking help. Such beliefs have traditionally been attributed to Pentecostals, but no research has assessed this assumption. This study examined Pentecostal perspectives on depression's causes and treatments. Contrary to the Pentecostal theological literature, participants endorsed a variety of causal factors. Regarding cures, however, faith was endorsed as the most effective option. Implications are provided and recommendations are offered to practitioners working with Pentecostals, including consultation and collaboration with clergy and religiously sensitive psychoeducational programs.

Demon or disorder: A survey of attitudes toward mental illness in the Christian church

“…An additional limitation of the present study is that the results are based on a non-random convenience sample composed solely of Internet users. While a better sampling method is needed in future studies, the present results are consistent with previous research (Trice & Bjorck, 2006). …”

Religiosity, beliefs about mental illness, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Protestant Christians.

“…Although the sampling method used in this study had many methodological limitations, the results were consistent with those of previous studies (Trice & Bjork, 2006).…”

“…In a study examining Pentecostals' perspectives of the causes of and treatment for depression, Trice and Bjork (2006) Crisp, Gelder, Rix, Meltzer, and Rowlands (2000). Sixty-eight adult members of the church congregation completed and returned the questionnaire.…”

Perceptions of Serious Mental Illness in the Local Church

“…In this role clergy are thought to function as a referral source for psychologists, who then provide direct mental health services to the client (Benes, et al 2000). Due in part to limited training in the recognition of serious mental illness (Larson, 1969;Mannon & Crawford, 1996;McMinn et al, 2005) and/or misguided beliefs about the origin of these disorders (Hartog & Gow, 2005;Trice & Bjorck, 2006) this process is likely to be inconsistent at best and, at worst, potentially harmful.…”