TY - JOUR
T1 - A spectrum of belief
T2 - a qualitative exploration of candid discussions of clergy on mental health and healing
AU - Payne, Jennifer Shepard
AU - Hays, Krystal
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2016/7/2
Y1 - 2016/7/2
N2 - Since clergy are often first responders to mental health issues, it is important to understand clergy views on handling such issues. A discussion occurred in 2012 amongst clergy involved in a popular social utility network clergy’s group. One clergyperson asked peers: “If the church is where we are to come for healing, how do we handle people who are depressed, suicidal, suffering from PTSD or anxiety?” Over 140 comments were made during 13 days, and 35 clergy from the United States, Africa, and India contributed to the discussion. Data from this conversation were examined via classic grounded theory. Analysis revealed a spectrum of beliefs that clergy hold regarding the causes and best treatments for emotional issues. Findings shed light on the candid thoughts clergy have about mental health care. The findings provide greater understanding for mental health practitioners with clients who rely on their church for emotional support.
AB - Since clergy are often first responders to mental health issues, it is important to understand clergy views on handling such issues. A discussion occurred in 2012 amongst clergy involved in a popular social utility network clergy’s group. One clergyperson asked peers: “If the church is where we are to come for healing, how do we handle people who are depressed, suicidal, suffering from PTSD or anxiety?” Over 140 comments were made during 13 days, and 35 clergy from the United States, Africa, and India contributed to the discussion. Data from this conversation were examined via classic grounded theory. Analysis revealed a spectrum of beliefs that clergy hold regarding the causes and best treatments for emotional issues. Findings shed light on the candid thoughts clergy have about mental health care. The findings provide greater understanding for mental health practitioners with clients who rely on their church for emotional support.
KW - clergy
KW - depression
KW - mental health
KW - Pastors
KW - trauma
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U2 - 10.1080/13674676.2016.1221916
DO - 10.1080/13674676.2016.1221916
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84986209204
SN - 1367-4676
VL - 19
SP - 600
EP - 612
JO - Mental Health, Religion and Culture
JF - Mental Health, Religion and Culture
IS - 6
ER -