The intersection of religion and mental well-being amongst African-American women

ABSTRACT

A qualitative research study was conducted to understand the meaning of religion in the lives of African-American women and how it connected to their mental well-being. Stories of women in their day-to-day lives are examined using a phenomenological methodology to determine the ways in which women sought help and whether religion was a benefit to their lives. The findings established that there were diverse interpretations and methods of viewing the term religion and mental well-being. Each person had their own appraisal of what these terms meant, and how they affected them. An unexpected finding of the research was the significance of eastern meditation and Buddhist practice with women who were part of conservative Black faith communities that discouraged such practice.

KEYWORDS:

• African-American women
• religion
• mental well-being
• spirituality
• church
• God
• faith
• meditation

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, for her guidance, mentoring spirit, and belief in me. I also want to thank Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley, whose positive spirit has inspired me throughout this project. I am grateful to Dr. Ronald Hopson, Dr. Sherry Molock, and Dr. Kesslyn Brade Stennis. Their insight and wisdom have been immeasurable.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.