The role of explanatory models and professional factors in Singaporean clergy referral intentions to mental health professionals

Abstract

Little has been done to consider how practitioners from different mental health sectors relate to each other, with even fewer studies examining this relationship through referral practices. Among religiously affiliated populations, clergy continue to be an important source of mental health care although they are unlikely to make referrals to mental health professionals. This study examines the case of clergy referral intentions to mental health professionals for several scenarios of mental health concern in Singapore and attempts to identify possible barriers to such referrals. Using a self-administered, mailed survey to a representative sample of clergy, it was found that explanatory models associated with mental disorder as well as professional role identity, professional competence and professional networks were important in predicting referral intentions. Several education-related variables as well as religious conservatism were also useful in the statistical analysis.