1

The Role of Religion and Spirituality in the Resilience and Healing of African Americans in Times of Trauma

Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D.Rutgers UniversityEmail: boydfrank@aol.com

2

Religious Diversity Among African Americans Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Methodist Episcopalian Catholic Church of God in Christ Seventh Day Adventist Jehovah’s Witnesses

3

Other Religious Groups

Nation of Islam Sunni Muslim Other Muslim Groups African Religions

4

Religion and Spirituality

Diversity of Experiences Do not assume a religious affiliation or

belief system The importance of the “Church Family” The difference between religion and

spirituality ROLE OF BLACK CHURCHES IN

Trauma RESPONSE (will be discussed below).

(Boyd-Franklin, 2003)

5

Caution: Do not Assume Religious Involvement

Many African Americans are not Church Involved

Adolescents are often in rebellion against their parents’ beliefs

Spirituality vs. Religion Many African Americans have a deep

spirituality (i.e. belief in God) Others may not be spiritual or religious (Boyd-Franklin, 2003)

6

Spirituality

Survival Mechanism for African Americans

A way to address and cope with the psychological pain of racism

African Belief system: The psyche and the spirit are one.

(Boyd-Franklin, 2003)

7

Church Family

“Church Home” Minister, Minister’s Wife Deacons, Deaconesses Sunday School Close Members of the Congregation Day Care & Schools Benevolent Fund Help & Support in times of trauma

8

Church Family Support

* Many African American “Church Families” also have extended family blood ties

Visiting the Sick and Homebound The Prayer List Elder “Prayer Warriors” Transportation to Services Senior Activities Emotional, Spiritual and Instrumental

support Respite Care

9

Resilience of African Americans in the Face of Disaster, Trauma & Racism Historic resilience of Black People Survival Skills “This is not our first disaster and it won’t

be our last.” Strengths How have you overcome traumatic

experiences in the past? How have you dealt with racism in the

past? Role of Religion and Spirituality (Boyd-Franklin, 2008; Boyd-Franklin,2009)

10

Spirituality: Coping with Trauma SOME AFRICAN AMERICANS WILL USE

SPIRITUAL REFERENCES AND METAPHORS IN THERAPY

Importance in African American families Ask about spiritual beliefs Help to cope with trauma and loss Instilling a sense of hope Spiritual resilience NOTE: THESE BELIEFS MAY NOT BE

PRESENT IN ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS

(Boyd-Franklin, 2008; Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

11

Issues of Death, Dying and Traumatic Loss for African Americans

Painful History of Loss Traumatic Loss and Sudden Death Violence in so many communities Spirituality as a comfort Healing Support from the “Church Family”

12

Role of the Funeral in Healing from Loss &Trauma The Funeral has a very central role

in African American culture Very traumatic after Katrina that

survivors could not bury their dead Highly emotional service Celebration of the Life “Homegoing” Service

(Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

13

Cultural Insensitivity Regarding Issues of Death and the Funeral

After Hurricane Katrina, many first responders, including mental health responders, did not understand the importance of respect for the dead & the funeral in African American families.

“Ignore the dead; we want the living” – insensitive messages

(Dass-Brailsford, 2006)

14

Therapeutic Benefits of a Memorial Service There are circumstances where a body

is never recovered For some African American families, a

memorial service can be very therapeutic Family therapy sessions- Plan the

Memorial Family and friends have an opportunity

to share their memories of the deceased Postpone the funeral or memorial service

sometimes for a week or more in order for the extended family members to arrive

15

Spirituality: Coping with Trauma

Importance in African American families

Ask about spiritual beliefs Helps to cope with trauma and loss Use of spiritual metaphors Instilling a sense of hope Spiritual resilience

16

Core Beliefs for Overcoming Adversity

“I’m so glad trouble don’t last always” (Gospel song)

“It looks bad right now, but remember, this too shall pass.”

17

Resilience Themes in Hymns and Spirituals

“There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.”(Hymn).

“I shall not, I shall not be moved, Just like a tree, planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.”

“After you’ve done all you can, you just stand and let God see you through” (Gospel song).

“Walk together children, don’t get weary;There’s a great camp meeting in the Promised Land

“Precious Lord, take my hand” “Amazing Grace” (Mitchell & Lewter, 1986)

18

Biblical Passages for Times of Trouble “I can do all things through Christ

who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” (Psalm 23)

“Weeping may endure for a night , but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5)

19

Resilience & Spiritual Messages after Trauma

God will see you through Thus far by faith African Americans are not strangers to

hardship, trauma and disaster Perseverance Healing Forgiveness Faith and Hope

20

Reaching Out to Black Churches

Importance of establishing relationships with Black churches in the community prior to a disaster

Identify African Americans, who can introduce you to their pastors and their church families

21

Mental Health Partnerships with Black Churches During Times of Trauma

Black Churches are a natural base for Mental Health interventions in the African American community

Connections should be made prior to the disaster

Trust in the Community Minimize fear and suspicion Familiar “Church home” for

children, adults and families

22

Houston Example After Katrina African American Psychologist went to

Houston to the Astrodome after Katrina Thousands of people in this massive

shelter Red Cross responders overwhelmed Through his minister contacted local

Black Church Ministers & Church Family Members

came Choir sang-lifted the spirit of everyone

23

Black Churches as Relocation Resources

Help families find Black church families of the same denomination in the new location

Culturally and spiritually familiar surroundings during a disruptive period

Many church families have “adopted” families

(Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

24

Role of Religion and Spirituality in Healing Trauma

Faith, hope and charity The power of prayer Some African Americans may ask you to

pray with them during times of disaster, death, trauma and loss

Follow the client and family’s lead DO NOT IMPOSE YOUR OWN

SPIRITUAL BELIEFS OR PRACTICES ON THE CLIENT OR FAMILY

(Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

25

Strength-Based African American Spiritual Beliefs

DO NOT ASSUME THESE BELIEFS. “God is good all the time” “God will hold your hand as you run this

race.” “God is in charge.” “God can do anything but fail”

Mitchell and Lewter, 1986

26

Testimony Therapy

Dr. Makungu Akinyela Oral tradition Church Tradition of giving “Testimony” “We shall overcome” Sharing Triumph over Adversity “God saw me through.” Validate: “You have a very powerful

testimony. Share it with others.” Overcoming disasters, trauma and racism (Akinyela, 2007; Boyd-Franklin, 2009)

27

Normalize Feelings

African Americans have a cultural need to “be strong”

Tears may be considered weakness

Reframe as “tears of strength” or “tears of love” or “tears of strength and love”

Normalize feelings “You are a survivor”

28

Testimony of Triumphs Over Past Disasters, Traumas and Racism

Ask about experiences in the past where the person has overcome trauma, extreme loss, or racism

Explore the factors that helped the person to overcome

Validate that those strengths are within the person

29

Spirituality and Church Support in Healing Community Trauma

Important support system in times of disaster

Healing Community Trauma Even for those who are not

religious, Black churches are often a focus point in communities

For activism, advocacy Respected Leadership in Times of

Trouble

30

Healing Community Trauma: Case Example Random violence: shooting of 17

year old African American young man.

“Good Kid” Victim of Gang Violence Rushed to hospital Mother called her minister Prayed with her as her son died Mother begged sons’ friends to

“stop the violence” & not retaliate

31

Partnership between Church and Mental Health Crisis Counseling: Minister met

with school officials and mental health providers to intervene in the community & the school

Funeral: very emotional Minister at altar call asked all the

young people to come forward & pledge to stop the violence

Turn in Weapons

32

Further Community Healing Minister called for Gang Summit Worked with Mental Health

Providers to offer family therapy to mother and other relatives

Teacher at school and youth minister helped the youth to develop a memorial service and video remembrance

33

Mother contributes to community healing Gang Summit V Free (Stop the Violence) walk Foundation and scholarship

through Church in son’s name Ministry to other families affected

by community violence Mental Health Providers actively

involved in this partnership

34

Mental Health Providers Don’t be alone Reach out to other supports in the

community Try to have a member of the African

American community introduce you to key community leaders

Including Ministers Don’t Wait for a Disaster or Trauma Build Connections with Black Churches

& Community Organizations now