Pastors as Partners in Care: African Immigrant Pastors’ on Mental Health Care Referral Processes for Young Congregants Experiencing Symptoms of Psychosis in the US
2025

Pastors Helping Young People with Psychosis

Sample size: 16 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Myers Neely, Meeker Robert, Odeng Valerie

Primary Institution: Southern Methodist University

Hypothesis

How do African immigrant pastors support young congregants experiencing symptoms of psychosis?

Conclusion

African immigrant pastors play a crucial role in supporting young people with psychosis by combining spiritual and medical approaches.

Supporting Evidence

  • Pastors identified the importance of building supportive relationships with congregants.
  • Many pastors recognized the need for both spiritual and medical interventions for mental health issues.
  • Pastors emphasized the role of families in encouraging young people to seek help.

Takeaway

Pastors help young people who think they might be sick in their heads by talking to them and praying, and they also tell them to see a doctor if needed.

Methodology

The study involved semi-structured interviews with 16 African immigrant pastors to explore their support for young congregants with psychosis.

Potential Biases

The pastors' perspectives may be influenced by their cultural and religious beliefs, which could affect their approach to mental health.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and was conducted in a specific geographic area, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Primarily male (81%), aged 35-49 (75%), with a mix of educational backgrounds including graduate-level education.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s10597-024-01335-x

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