Praise the Pain Away: Religious Practice Engagement and Mental Health in the Black Christian Community

Abstract

Previous research demonstrates the relationship between church attendance, religiosity, and mental health in the Black Christian community. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research regarding the specific religious practices that individuals engage in that may be of benefit to their mental health. The present study aims to address this gap by surveying Black Christian adults on their religious practice behaviors during church services and in more private settings, their church climates, and their depression and anxiety symptomatology. The results showed no significant relationship between religious practice engagement during church and mental health outcomes. However, there was a significant relationship between religious practice engagement outside of church and both depression and anxiety. Furthermore, spiritual connectedness with God mediated both relationships. A discussion of these results and implications for Black churches and therapeutic settings are discussed.