The Relationship Between Mental Health and Religion: Attitudes of College Students

Brianna Carter, Elizabeth Goff, Adrianna Potts Health Education and Promotion Students [B.S.H.S.] Faculty Mentor: Dr. Helen Bland, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Georgia Southern University

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between faith and attitudes towards mental health. The researcher hypothesized that religious beliefs would negatively impact attitudes towards mental health. In recent years, colleges have reported an increase in the severity and number of mental health problems among college students (Cook, 2007). In the general population, most religious individuals have positive attitude related the causes of mental illness, also a higher chance of recovery (Switzer & Boysen, 2009). The research design was a quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, one shot study in which the 20-question survey measured the religious beliefs and attitudes towards mental health of college students. The students had the option to choose from a Likert Scale with five responses that ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The sampling methodology used was a non-probability, sample of convenience. Descriptive and inferential statistics reported means and significant differences. Data analysis indicated that 50.5% of respondents believed that their friends will leave them if they told them about their mental health problems. Female students had stronger religious beliefs than male students, as well as students who identified themselves as African-American, and students who were 17 years old. Seniors were more likely to have favorable attitudes towards mental health, as well as those who followed Hinduism. Recommendations included utilizing religion as a resource to encourage mental health service utilization and treatment. In conclusion, the attitudes of the participants were more favorable towards mental health and more favorable towards religious faith.

Background

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between faith and attitudes towards

mental health Sub-Purposes: To determine if age the relationship between faith and attitudes towards mental health

To discover how gender affects the relationship between faith and attitudes towards mental health.To examine how race affects the relationship between faith and attitudes towards mental healthTo conclude how class year affects the relationship between faith and attitudes towards

mental healthTo observe how religious orientation affects the relationship between faith and attitudes towards mental health

MethodsThe research method for the study was quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, one-shot study (n=334).

Sampling methodology conducted in this research was non-probability, sample of convenience.The target population for this research was college students. Data collection was conducted through university classrooms throughout the Southeast region in Georgia.

Criterion Validity was established for the instrument. Internal Consistency Reliability was determined by Cronbach Alpha of 0.781

Results

Conclusion/Recommendations

Religion can have an astounding effect on the attitudes of individuals, especially with regards to mental health. The world health organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (2014). Although historically understudied and minimized by mental health professionals (Borras et al. 2007), religions are increasingly being examined for the role it plays in the treatment ofpatients with mental disorders . It is thought that the stigma placed on mental illness raises particular concerns for religious populations, when it comes to utilization and views on issues concerning mental health. There were not enough studies done on the relationship between religious beliefs and attitudes on metal health, concerning affliction or utilization to draw any conclusion using the back ground information.

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health http://jphcoph.georgiasouthern.edu/

The research conducted at an university in the Southeast Georgia region showed that religious beliefs are associated with positive attitudes towards mental health. The overall mean for religious beliefs was 26.2440, which means the participants had a favorable attitude toward faith. The overall mean for attitudes towards mental health was 23.492, which means the participants had a moderately positive attitude towards mental health. 49.2% of participants reported that their faith is not an important part of who they are as a person. 26.3% of participants disagree with the idea that patients suffering from mental illness are unpredictable. Female participants (mean=29.3373) were significantly more likely than male participants (mean=22.8609) to have a favorable attitude towards religious faith. Compared to the other races (White, Black, Asian, and Other), African-American participants (mean=29.0330) were more likely to have a favorable attitude towards religious faith. 17 year old (mean=34.5000) undergraduate students were also more likely to have a favorable attitude towards religion faith than older participants (17-24). Senior students (mean= 24.3077) had the most positive attitudes towards mental health while sophomore (23.2099) had the least positive attitudes. Participants who followed Hinduism (mean=29.000) had the most favorable attitudes towards mental health while Jewish participants (mean=22.000) had the least favorable attitudes towards mental health.

Health education specialist should understand how religious views may impact attitudes towards mental health and the utilization of professional services. Religious beliefs may determine the type of coping and help individuals will seek out when experiencing mental health problems. Depending on their belief, they may choose to forgo treatment from a mental health professional and rely on religious coping such as praying, speaking with a religious leader, studying scripture, and other similar methods. Health educators should integrate religious beliefs into therapeutic interventions that allow for a dynamic approach to encouraging mental health treatment. The researcher would change the following regarding the study and research design: obtain a sample size with demographics more proportional to the college-aged population and acquire more religious diversity in regards to participants.

Instrument

Participants