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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kimberly Farris, PhD, MSW, Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Rm 3132, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215-746-6714, farrisk@mail.med.upenn.edu

For years, mental health research has examined service use of African Americans. Findings of the literature show the use of African American clergy as a mental health resource instead of the “traditional” mental health system. The purpose of this session is to explore the use of clergy, as primary mental health care providers, as well as the use of spirituality in mental health treatment. The study that will be discussed in this session examined clergy's ability to recognize mental illnesses, how they attributed cause of the illnesses, perceived beliefs regarding their abilities for service provision, and decision making processes in attempts to provide assistance. The study's primary focus was African American clergy; however, opportunities exist to explore potential connections between clergy, spirituality, and the traditional mental health system. Sample: A convenience sample of African American clergy and seminary students were given the Clergy's Perception of Mental Illness Survey. Methods: The bio-psycho-social-spiritual model is the conceptual framework presented. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine relationships between conceptualization and causal attribution and belief about ability level and decision making process used in service provision. Results: Clergy attributing cause to spiritual reasons or other life circumstances were more likely to advise in a spiritual manner. Implications for inclusion of spirituality in public health education and practice, and mental health services research are discussed with respect to African American consumers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

(
• consider the value of African American clergy as a mental health resource to African Americans with mental illness, (
• understand the importance of opening pathways for discussions around the connections between clergy, spirituality, and traditional mental health systems, (
• gain an understanding of the application of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model as a method of looking at the interconnection of the mind, body, and spirit of an individual in mental health assessment.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered