{"title":"Does sexual identity and religious practice have implications for individual’s subjective health and wellbeing? Secondary data analysis of the Community Life Survey","authors":"D. Wilkinson","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2021.2019206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2021.2019206","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The health and wellbeing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individual's has gained attention in recent years, particularly the unique stressors associated with health. Few studies have explored implications of sexual identity and religious status on mental health and wellbeing. A secondary data analysis was performed on the Community Life Survey. A multivariate interaction was found between age, religious practice and sexual identity when considering wellbeing. An ANOVA of wellbeing scores revealed a significant difference between sexual identity groups, LGBT group scoring lowest, with a significant interaction between religion and sexual identity. General health generated a significant difference between groups for religious practice. Understanding and challenging cultural norms in service settings is key for policy and practice. LGBT individuals' are at greater risk of lower wellbeing and increase dissatisfaction.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"563 - 577"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46707795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Culture and help-seeking behaviour in the rural communities of Limpopo, South Africa: unearthing beliefs of mental health care users and caregivers","authors":"Nontembeko J. Bila, Charlene. L. Carbonatto","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2022.2097210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2022.2097210","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The study employed a qualitative approach to explore the cultural beliefs of mental health care users (MHCUs) and caregivers regarding help-seeking behaviour in the rural communities of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Forty participants were interviewed, comprising 30 MHCUs and 10 caregivers. Mental illness was ascribed to witchcraft (uvuloyi) and help was mostly sought from traditional and religious healers as the first steps on the path of help-seeking, whereas Western forms of care were usually considered as a last resort. The factors found to influence help-seeking behaviour amongst the participants included lack of knowledge regarding mental illness; traditional beliefs; stigma and discrimination; and the side effects of the antipsychotic medication. The study suggests the importance of psychoeducation for caregivers and the community regarding mental illness and cultural competence in serving communities with cultural beliefs about mental illness. Media platforms should be utilised to raise public awareness. The study also suggests collaboration between different stakeholders working with MHCUs.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"543 - 562"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49316314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lockdown experience, beliefs in and practice of spirituality: Implications for health and self-protective behaviours","authors":"U. N. Biswas, Parisha Jijina","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2022.2027354","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2022.2027354","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The research aims to understand the relationship between spiritual beliefs and practices with perceived general health and adherence to recommended self-protective behaviour during lockdown period of COVID 19 pandemic. Additionally, the study intends to find out the differences among socio-demographic segments of the Indian society across these variables. Online survey was carried out with 1,416 willing adult participants from different socio-demographic segments. Findings suggest that irrespective of age and faith, participants used spirituality as a method of coping. Various socio-demographic segments of the population differed in their self-protective behaviors, perceived general mental health, and practice of spirituality. Regular practice of spirituality was positively correlated with self-protective behaviors and perception of better general mental health. Findings suggest that improved understanding of behavioral responses of different socio-demographic segments under conditions of uncertainty would enhance the cultural competence of the intervention design and aid personalized care under uncertain and crisis situations like COVID-19.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"609 - 626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46213979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zeinab El-Dirani, Lynn Adam, Mohamad El-Hashash, Fadel Shihimi, J. El-Khoury
{"title":"Fasting while on antipsychotics: an exploration of the decision-making process of Muslim patients during Ramadan","authors":"Zeinab El-Dirani, Lynn Adam, Mohamad El-Hashash, Fadel Shihimi, J. El-Khoury","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2022.2053084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2022.2053084","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Adherents to the Muslim faith are expected to abstain from drinking or eating during daylight hours. Exclusions to fasting apply, including for medical reasons. There is no consensus on the specific implications for psychiatric conditions. This qualitative study explores the decision-making process of Muslim patients on antipsychotic treatment with regard to fasting during Ramadan. The sample consisted of eleven outpatients actively treated at three psychiatric clinics in Lebanon. They were asked about the different factors that influence their decision to fast or not. Most participants prioritized their personal interpretation of the religious dogma. The opinion of the psychiatrist was important but not always readily available. The wider community, including religious figures, had the least influence. The findings highlight an important role for psychiatrists in proactively supporting patients in their decision on fasting in Ramadan.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"32 39","pages":"592 - 608"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41244498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. N. Ibenwa, Theodore U. Uzoh, C. Orjiakor, S. K. Nwonyi, P. Mefoh
{"title":"Readiness to change cannabis use: contributions of dispositional mindfulness and spirituality in a Nigerian sample","authors":"C. N. Ibenwa, Theodore U. Uzoh, C. Orjiakor, S. K. Nwonyi, P. Mefoh","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2021.2020736","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2021.2020736","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study investigated the contributions of trait dispositional mindfulness and spiritual experience in predicting readiness to change cannabis use. Participants were 157 cannabis users (age range = 17–44 years; mean age = 24.50 years; SD = 4.28). Participants completed the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Spiritual Experience Index-Revised. Multiple regressions and correlations were used for data analysis, and the results showed that two dimensions of mindfulness – non-judging of inner experience and non-reactivity, positively predicted the three levels of readiness to change. Spiritual experience has a differential influence on the behaviour; while spiritual support negatively predicted recognition, ambivalence, and taking step, spiritual openness was positively related to the three levels of readiness to change. It was concluded that the utilisation of some mindfulness and spiritual concepts would be of benefit in the rehabilitation of individuals who abuse cannabis.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"479 - 491"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43786021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Worship choices and wellbeing of Australian churchgoing Catholics during COVID-19 church closures","authors":"P. Martyr","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2022.2066645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2022.2066645","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Catholic worship prioritises in-person ritual contact, but due to COVID-19, most Australian places of worship closed during 2020. An online survey of 1173 Australian churchgoing Catholics using the Spiritual Well Being Scale found no significant difference in Existential and Religious Wellbeing scores between groups who were still experiencing church closures and those who could attend church again. In those still experiencing church closures, standard multiple regression revealed significant and positive relationships between age and virtual worship engagement and both Existential and Religious Wellbeing scores. However, in those who could attend church once more, pre- and post-closure Mass attendance rate, and both virtual and real-life worship during church closures were all predictive of higher Existential and Religious Wellbeing scores. These results support the provision of access to both virtual and real-life worship during church closures, and their positive effects on both existential and religious wellbeing in a churchgoing Catholic population.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"14 6","pages":"531 - 542"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41288491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Jidong, T. Ike, R. Tribe, Aneta D. Tunariu, P. Rohleder, Andrew Mackenzie
{"title":"Berom cultural beliefs and attitudes towards mental health problems in Nigeria: a mixed-methods study","authors":"D. Jidong, T. Ike, R. Tribe, Aneta D. Tunariu, P. Rohleder, Andrew Mackenzie","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2021.2019205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2021.2019205","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Beliefs and attitudes are essential in mental health discourse. However, cultural beliefs and attitudes towards mental health problems (ATMHPs) among the Berom people of Nigeria are under-researched. The present studies made original contributions using the Cultural Identity Model (CIM) as predictors to investigate ATMHPs, and semi-structured interviews to further explain the potential impact of cultural beliefs on MHPs. In study-1, N = 140 participants responded to questionnaires on ATMHPs and were analysed using multivariate multiple regression in RStudio. Study-2 interviewed N = 13 participants (n = 7 laypeople; n = 6 practitioners). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Study-1 findings showed CIM as a non-significant predictor of ATMHPs. However, in study-2, four themes emerged: Cultural beliefs that MHPs are caused by spiritual forces; Berom indigenous preference for traditional healing; Christian religious healing in Berom communities; and Western-trained mental health practitioners' perception of lay service-users. The authors concluded that the Berom traditional and Christian religious healings are beneficial.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"504 - 518"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45074714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Mohaghegh, M. Eslami, M. Dadfar, David Lester, A. Ayten, Amin Rashidizadeh, F. Shirzad
{"title":"The impact of religiosity on the disability, psychological well-being, and somatic health of multiple sclerosis patients","authors":"F. Mohaghegh, M. Eslami, M. Dadfar, David Lester, A. Ayten, Amin Rashidizadeh, F. Shirzad","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2022.2051462","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2022.2051462","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to predict disability, psychological wellbeing, and somatic health in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with the mediating variable of religiosity. A sample of 128 patients was recruited, and were administered the Expanded Disability Status Scale, the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, and a Self-Rating Scale of Religiosity. Religiosity did not predict disability, psychological well-being, or somatic health. Religiosity was positively associated with MS duration and disability, but only in male patients. The predictors for predicting psychological wellbeing were age, disability, and somatic health. Patients with moderate/severe MS (EDSS >3) obtained higher mean scores on religiosity compared to patients with mild MS (EDSS ≤3) and, therefore, the severity of MS was a significant moderator between religiosity and psychological well-being. The findings suggest the importance of focusing on the type of religiosity, God representation, and attachment to God for clarifying the link between psychological well-being and religiosity among patients.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"519 - 530"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45004553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Naeimi, M. Soleimani, Kelly-Ann Allen, S. Motalebi
{"title":"Examining the moderating role of religiosity in the relationship between death anxiety and depression in Iranian community-dwelling older adults","authors":"M. Naeimi, M. Soleimani, Kelly-Ann Allen, S. Motalebi","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2022.2041583","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2022.2041583","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The present study examines the moderating role of religiosity in the association between death anxiety and depression among Iranian community-dwelling older adults. This study recruited 340 participants using a cluster sampling method. The data were collected using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale, Goldberg Depression Questionnaire, and Allport-Ross Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale. The moderating role of intrinsic (death anxiety × intrinsic: β = -.048, p = .388) and extrinsic (death anxiety × extrinsic: β = -.011, p = .831) religiosity in the relationship between death anxiety and depression was not confirmed. The findings did not support the moderating role of religiosity in the relationship between death anxiety and depression. Further studies are recommended to confirm these results.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"25 1","pages":"492 - 503"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47354115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Zarzycka, A. Tychmanowicz, Tomasz Korulczyk, J. P. Bjorck
{"title":"Religious support and psychological functioning in a Polish sample","authors":"B. Zarzycka, A. Tychmanowicz, Tomasz Korulczyk, J. P. Bjorck","doi":"10.1080/13674676.2021.2014798","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2021.2014798","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Catholicism is the predominant religion in Poland, but formal religious participation has decreased in recent years. Given this decline, we examined the current relevance of religious support (i.e., support perceived from church leaders, fellow Catholics, and God) to psychological functioning among Polish Catholics. We translated the Religious Support Scale (RSS) into Polish and examined two Polish Catholic samples. In Study 1, we examined the Polish RSS’s internal structure via exploratory factor analyses and assessed reliability. Based on favourable results, we examined religious support’s association with psychological functioning, controlling for instrinsic religiousness. Religious support remained significantly associated with psychological well-being after controlling for religiousness. In Study 2, we further supported the Polish RSS’s reliability, factorial validity, and convergent validity. Moreover, religious support remained significantly related to well-being even after controlling social support variance, further suggesting that religious support continues to be relevant among Polish Catholics.","PeriodicalId":47614,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Religion & Culture","volume":"26 1","pages":"375 - 391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42560581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}