Where Does the Church Stand in Today’s Mental Health Landscape?

Authors

Noah T. Mursu, South Dakota State UniversityFollow

Files

Description

Religious involvement in care for those living with mental illness has been going on for centuries, and perspectives on it have changed throughout the years. This literature review evaluates the place of religious groups, mainly Christian churches, in today's mental health situation by considering past and present involvement. It incorporates sources regarding different eras of mental hospital reform, modern perspectives of mental health clinicians and clergy, and the current gaps in mental health support among a variety of groups, including veterans, African Americans, and people in developing countries. This review then considers potential future involvement, especially considering how these gaps have been widened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In utilizing these sources, this review finds that effective collaborations are culturally rooted and driven by mutual respect. The results of these are collaborations that not only consider the holistic health of an individual, but also reach a population who may not otherwise receive care for their psychological needs.

Publication Date

5-2023

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Disciplines

Psychology | Religion

Recommended Citation

Mursu, Noah T., "Where Does the Church Stand in Today’s Mental Health Landscape?" (2023). Honors Capstone Projects. 17.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/honors_isp/17