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The effects of mental illness on families within faith communities
- Authors:
- ROGERS Edward B., STANFORD Matthew, GARLAND Diana R.
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Religion and Culture, 15(3), 2012, pp.301-313.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
It is understood that families are negatively affected when a member has a mental illness. This study investigated the experiences and values of families caring for a mentally ill loved one within the context of a Christian faith community. Almost 6,000 participants in 24 churches representing four Protestant denominations completed a survey describing their family's stresses, strengths, faith practices, and desires for assistance from the congregation. Findings showed mental illness in 27% of families, with those families reporting twice as many stressors on average. Families with mental illness present scored lower on measures of family strength and faith practices. Help with mental illness was a priority for those families affected by it, but ignored by others in the congregation. These findings indicate that mental illness is not only prevalent in church communities, but is accompanied by significant distress that often goes unnoticed. The authors concluded that partnerships between mental health providers and congregations may help to raise awareness in the church community.