Reconceptualizing church-based mental health promotion with African Americans: A social action theory approach

ABSTRACT

African Americans are at risk for poor mental health outcomes and disparities in treatment. Because of the importance of religion in the lives of many African Americans Church-Based Health Promotion (CBHP) programs have emerged as a promising way to address disparate mental health issues affecting this population. Many of the theories currently used to ground CBHP efforts focus on individual level health behavior change. This study suggests a re conceptualization of CBHP to include a focus on family, group, congregation, and community level outcomes as opposed to individual health behaviors to maximize the impact on African Americans. The case is made for the use of Social Action Theory by examining several mental health promotion programs, their theoretical foundations, and suggested SAT adaptations. Implications for the development of CBHP interventions directed towards African Americans and a focus on group and community level outcomes are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• African American
• church
• mental health
• social action theory