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

Abstract

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.