MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND THE EFFECT ON CONGREGATIONS

Minority populations are less likely to seek out professional services for their mental health (MH) compared to Caucasians. Religious leaders and clergy members are often sought out for guidance for these populations. The objective is to determine how to bridge the gap between minorities and mental health professionals utilizing religious leaders. This study hypothesizes that religious leaders who engage in MH-related activities experience more visits from congregation members about MH issues. Also hypothesized was that MH promotion activities and having congregation member visits will predict the likelihood of clergy referring people out to MH professionals. The National Survey of Religious Leaders, developed by Duke University Professor Mark Chavez and colleagues, surveyed 1600 religious leaders throughout the United States through online questionnaires. For this secondary analysis, variables representing MH training, promotion, congregation visits, and MH referrals were analyzed. A Pearson correlation test found that visits from congregation members was positively related to giving MH-related sermons (r=.29, n=1558, p\u3c.001), leading MH-focused prayer (r=.22, n=1558, p\u3c.001), and learning about MH (r=.25, n=1562, p\u3c.001). Multiple linear regression was used to test if MH training, speaking about MH (through ministry), and being visited by congregation members for guidance was significantly predictive of referrals to MH professionals (F(3,1480)= 235.85, p\u3c.001, R2 =0.32) These findings support both hypotheses and provide more context in support of ways clergy may help minorities in seeking mental health professionals. The implications of this study are important when seeing the role and importance of religious leaders in relation to mental health, especially being an initial person of support for individuals struggling with their mental health