Don’t Just Give Me That Old Time Religion: The Intersection of Religion and Mental Well-being Amongst African-American Women

This qualitative study explored African-American women Generation Xers' (ages 35-50) experience with religion and its connection to mental well-being. The purpose of this study was to develop a thorough understanding of the experience of African-American women with religion, and how religion may contribute to mental well-being. Using a phenomenological research design approach, the researcher examined the stories, occurrences, and help-seeking behaviors of African-American women in their day-to-day lives. The sample consisted of 20 women who identified as African-American and were interested in the topics of mental well-being and religion. The analysis of comprehensive semi-structured interviews allowed the researcher to generate new insight into the connection between religion and mental well-being. New information will inform social work practice in the development of interventions designed to increase mental well-being of African-American women. The study’s theoretical framework emerged from both womanist theology and empowerment theory with the goal of improving the lives of African-American women. The experience of religion and the women’s view of this phenomenon had a bearing on the mental well-being of the women in this study. Chapter One contains a brief introduction into the topics of religion, African-American women and mental health, the purpose for the study, the rationale for using qualitative research methods, particularly phenomenology, the theoretical framework, a statement of the problem, and the research questions. Chapter Two includes a broad review of the literature. In Chapter Three, the researcher delineates the research methods used in the study, including participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, approaches taken to increase the validity and reliability of the study, possible ethical issues, and the role and background of the researcher. Chapter Four contains the analysis of each interview, with an emphasis on the emerging patterns and themes. Chapter Five comprises a discussion of the results of the analysis. Chapter Six includes the discussion and implications for public policy, social work practice, future research, strengths, and limitations of the study. Lastly, the appendix includes copies of the internal review board approval from Howard University, consent forms, the well-being scale, the demographic questionnaire, and the flyer with the announcement of the study