"We Just Brush It Off, God's Got Us . . .": African American Adolescent Girls' Expressions of Spirituality in Response to Stressful Experiences.

Abstract

The mental health burden is increasing among the young adolescent population worldwide, with more reports of sadness and mental illness diagnoses. This study explored how African American adolescent girls use religious and spiritual practices to cope with stressful experiences. A qualitative descriptive design was used to interview 22 African American adolescent girls. Data were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison technique. The following themes emerged related to prayer, scripture, and songs: 1) Healing for themselves or others, 2) instructions on how to live, 3) provision from God, 4) protection during dangerous situations, 5) strength to endure, and 6) connectedness to God, self, and others. Adolescent girls used spirituality and religion as coping mechanisms during various life stressors while healing, reframing thoughts to a positive mindset, and seeking direction and protection. Future studies should consider incorporating spiritual and religious coping mechanisms as a mental health intervention, particularly for this population.