Mental Illness Knowledge, Stigma, Help-Seeking Behaviors, Spirituality and the African American Church

Abstract

Purpose.This study examined the relationship among mental illness knowledge, stigma, help-seek-ing behaviors, and spirituality among African Americans who regularly attend church. It further assessesif demographic variables differ between African Americans who think their church should play a role inaddressing mental illness awareness and those who are not. Methods. A convenience sample of 409 AfricanAmerican church-going adults responded to an anonymous survey. Results. Knowledge about mental ill-ness was positively correlated with help-seeking behaviors (r=.227) and negatively correlated with stigma(r=-.272). Help-seeking behaviors were negatively correlated with stigma (r=-440).Conclusions. There isa need to increase knowledge about mental health signs and symptoms recognition and to decrease stigmaamong this community as these help support mental help-seeking behaviors. Respondents were supportiveof their church increasing knowledge and awareness, as well as providing mental health services.