Perceptions of African American Christians' Attitudes Toward Religious Help-Seeking: Results of an Exploratory Study

Abstract

That religion has been a significant component of life in most African American communities for generations is a fact that has been firmly established in popular and scholarly literature alike. An accompanying reticence among members of this community to utilize the services of mental health professionals for serious personal/mental health issues for numerous, valid reasons has also been documented. Yet, what remains unknown is whether or not the historical reliance on the indigenous supports of the Black Church continues unabated or if the community is trending away from religious help-seeking. This paper presents initial findings from an exploratory study designed to assess the perceptions of African American Christians about help-seeking within the religious community.