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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rhonda Mattox, MD¹, Greer Sullivan, MD, MPH¹, Jean McSweeney, RN, PHD², and Jennifer Ivory³. (1) Division of Health Services Research, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, 1901 Saratoga Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116, 501-240-4295, mattoxrhondaj@uams.edu, (2) Department of Nursing, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, (3) College of Public Health, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205

Qualitative analysis: Comparison of Christian faith leader's portrayal of mental illness in televised sermons on two religious networks

Significance: Mental illnesses are leading causes of disability in the United States. Although safe, effective treatments are available to treat mental illness, many affected do not access medical treatment or delay seeking care. Reluctance to seek treatment may be due in part to misperceptions and stigma shaped by media portrayal and normative influences like community and faith-based leaders. Objective: This study examines Christian faith-based religious leaders' portrayal of mental health problems in televised sermons broadcast on two Christian networks during primetime hours. Methods: Televised sermons were videotaped over 2 weeks daily on two religious broadcasting stations from 5pm-10pm on weekdays and Sundays 8am-2pm. 90 random sermons were screened and sermons containing references to physical or mental health were transcribed verbatim and entered into Ethnograph for analysis. Using content analysis and constant comparison techniques, data clusters were isolated, aggregated to form categories, and combined to form overarching themes. Preliminary Results: Depression and anxiety were the most frequent symptoms referenced. Seeking formal medical care was generally not presented negatively but was not mentioned. Etiologies of psychiatric symptoms were attributed to non-biological causes. Prayer, scripture recitation or reading, faith, and cognitive reframing were offered as effective tools to heal mental health symptoms. Implications: Individuals viewing these sermons were more likely to be exposed to non-biological causes as etiologies and receive information about supernatural healing, cognitive restructuring, and spiritual exercises to address common mental health symptoms.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to

• Identify multidimensional aspect of religiosity and assess patient's level of religiosity
• Identify common themes conveyed in sermons that patients may be exposed in Christian congregations that may shape patients conceptualization of symptoms of mental illness
• Recognize potentail barriers to treatment adherance in patients with increased religiosity
• Review methods to reduce barriers to treatment adherance in religious patients

Keywords: Adherence, Barriers to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered