Strong Black Women, Depression, and the Pentecostal Church

Depression is a global health concern and among the top two causes of disability and disease. African-Americans often seek help from the Black church, but Pentecostal churches may fail to provide effective support due to doctrinal beliefs. African-American women with depression struggle due to psychosocial implications of the diagnosis. This research study used social constructionism and the biopsychosocial model of health to explore the lived experiences of African- American women suffering from self-reported depression while attending Pentecostal churches in the Northeast United States. Fourteen women, ages 20 to 76, participated in this qualitative, phenomenological study. Data obtained from the semistructured, face-to-face interviewswas analyzed with Moustakas\u27 modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method. Findings included the following main themes: the Pentecostal church was ineffective in dealing with depression, participants drew comfort from personal faith in God, participants emoted through their behavior, most felt they had to wear a mask, traditional supports were used to deal with depression, strength was expected of them, they were blamed by the church for their depression, traumatic experiences were related to depression, and psychological harm was suffered because of Pentecostal church membership. Social change implications included the personal liberation of research participants who shared their experiences. Other implications include the potential for clergy to adopt more supportive practices for their members based on these findings and for mental health professionals to develop treatment options that are more culturally attuned and sensitive