The purpose of this critical literature review study is to review the existing research related to faith-based counseling and its specific use for treating depression symptoms among African American adults. Forty-seven peer-reviewed articles from the professional literature were selected for review based on relevance to African Americans and faith based organizations. Results of the review indicated the need to critically evaluate efficacy of faith-based programs based on scientifically determined outcomes. The implications for positive social change include increased access to affordable healthcare in a trusting environment, decreased prevalence rates for depression in African Americans, and reduction in disparities in mental healthcare delivery.
Current research has indicated that there are disparities in mental healthcare treatment that are affecting African Americans. The literature has not strongly supported the use of spiritual leaders as counselors primarily because of a lack of certification in mental health counseling among clergy. However, the literature has shown that religious faith can have a positive effect on quality of life.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
INTRODUCTION
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
BACKGROUND DATA
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW OF DEPRESSION
DISPARITY IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
FAITH-BASED THERAPY
DISCUSSION OF RELEVANT LITERATURE
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
RESEARCH DESIGN
SAMPLE
DATA COLLECTION
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
DATA ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH FINDINGS
INTRODUCTION
RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 5 INTEGRATIVE SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
REFLECTION
CONCLUSION
Objectives & Core Themes
This study aims to investigate the role of faith-based therapy as an alternative treatment for depression among African American adults, addressing the existing disparities in mental healthcare access and quality. The research seeks to determine the efficacy of incorporating spiritual beliefs and community-based support networks into therapeutic practices for this demographic.
- Disparities in mental healthcare treatment for African Americans.
- The role of the church as a supportive social and health resource.
- Evaluation of faith-based therapy and its application to depression.
- Strategies for creating partnerships between faith-based organizations and secular healthcare professionals.
- Identification of gaps in current empirical research regarding faith-based mental health outcomes.
Excerpt from the Book
Role of the Church in the African American Community
For centuries, the church has been a central point of support for the African American community. Throughout U.S. history, the church has served an important role in the lives of African Americans (Markens, Fox, Taub, & Gilbert, 2002, p. 92). NIMH (2007) conducted a survey of 3,570 African Americans, 1,621 Blacks of Caribbean descent, and 891 non Hispanic Whites 18 years of age and older regarding depression and treatment and showed that treatment rates for depression among African Americans is low. (NIMH, 2007).
The structure of the church promotes safe behaviors such as no smoking, no consumption of alcoholic beverages, encouragement of peaceful relationships with neighbors, family, coworkers, and self-control of one’s life.
Krause (2003) conducted a study to provide a better understanding of the role of faith by analyzing positive and negative aspects of religion. Krause used a conceptual model that included the constructs of church attendance, religious forgiveness, race, connectedness with others, depressed affect, and somatic symptoms. Krause also discussed religious variations by race, stating “there are both historical and cultural reasons for the distinct social emphasis in religion among older Blacks with the church becoming a social center for the Black community because of centuries of discrimination and prejudice” (p. 98). One of Krause’s findings indicated that religion is an important factor in the African American community, which fosters turning religious beliefs into action by forgiving others and promoting a bond among church members.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY: This chapter introduces the disparity in mental healthcare for African Americans and posits faith-based therapy as an accessible, culturally significant alternative for depression management.
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews existing research on depression, the role of the African American church, and the application of faith-based programs in various settings to address mental health.
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter describes the critical literature review process used to examine the relationship between faith-based therapy and depression, detailing the sample selection and analytical framework.
CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH FINDINGS: This chapter discusses findings from the literature, suggesting that faith-based initiatives can positively influence depression treatment while noting the need for more empirical data.
CHAPTER 5 INTEGRATIVE SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSION: This chapter provides a synthesis of the study, offering recommendations for building evidence-based faith-based programs and fostering collaborations with the secular healthcare sector.
Keywords
Faith-based, faith-based therapy, depression, African Americans, mental healthcare, spiritual well-being, church, healthcare disparity, counseling, community resources, pastoral counseling, holistic treatment, social change, self-efficacy, religious coping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the effectiveness of faith-based therapy as an alternative or supplementary treatment for depression among African American adults, who often face barriers to traditional mental healthcare.
What central themes are explored in this study?
Key themes include the health disparities among African Americans, the role of the church as a social support network, the integration of spirituality in psychological healing, and the necessity of evaluating faith-based programs through evidence-based outcomes.
What is the core research question addressed by the author?
The study aims to determine the relationship between faith-based therapy and depression, specifically exploring how such interventions impact the reduction of depressive symptoms in the African American population.
Which scientific method was employed for this study?
The author conducted a critical literature review, analyzing 47 peer-reviewed articles to synthesize existing research, identify gaps, and provide a framework for future faith-based mental health initiatives.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body reviews the prevalence of depression in African Americans, the historical and social importance of the church, the current scope of faith-based counseling services, and the challenges of evaluating these programs.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as faith-based therapy, mental healthcare disparities, African American health, pastoral counseling, and holistic treatment models.
How does the author define "faith-based therapy" in this context?
Faith-based therapy is defined as an initiative that utilizes religious organizations and existing spiritual beliefs as coping mechanisms to manage life stressors, rather than imposing external beliefs on the individual.
Why is the "role of the church" so significant for the target population?
The church has historically served as a central community center for African Americans, offering social networks and support systems that many individuals trust more readily than secular medical institutions.
What challenges do faith-based organizations face according to the study?
Common challenges include a lack of professional training among clergy, limited resources for outcome-based evaluation, and difficulties in documenting accountability, which often hinder their integration with the formal public health sector.
- Citation du texte
- Jacquelyn Claude (Auteur), 2011, The Role of Faith Based Therapy in Treating Depression in African Americans, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/463263
