Black People, Spirituality, and Mental Health

Abstract

The influence of spirituality and religiosity in the Black community has historically been significant. While spirituality and religiosity are important for the majority of Americans, compared to other races/ethnicities, Black people report the highest valuation for religion in their individual lives. Spirituality and religiosity have known protective effects on health, although, compared to the general relationship between these factors and general health care, the role of spirituality and religiosity within the mental health system is not well characterized. In significant ways for the Black community, while serving a protective and positive function, spirituality and religiosity can also create tensions for patients within mainstream mental health care systems that emphasize a biopsychosocial framework, leaving out key dimensions of spiritual well-being and formation. The complexity of the relationship between Black people's mental health and their religion and spirituality also has roots in a history of colonialism and racism. In this article, we describe some ways in which religion and spirituality have been important to the health and well-being of the Black community, as well as certain ways these factors have created tension within the community. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(12):540–544.]