A Literature Review on Pastors' Perceptions of Mental Health Issues

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This report presents a literature review on pastors' perceptions of mental health, exploring the challenges they face and the importance of seeking professional assistance. It investigates the roles of pastors in social well-being, the concept of mental health, and the influence of sociocultural and social learning theories on their attitudes. The study aims to understand why pastors might hesitate to seek help, considering societal prejudices and the impact on their followers. The report highlights the significance of pastors' mental health, the ethical dilemmas they encounter, and the need for equipping them with knowledge and support to effectively address mental health issues within their congregations. This research emphasizes the pastors' role in social well-being and the impact of their perceptions on both themselves and the people who depend on them.
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Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
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Abstract
In this chapter, we will carry out a literature review on the attitudes and perceptions of
pastors when it comes to issues related to mental health. It will also help find out why people
who work as pastors and deal with cases of extreme mental health problems need to have
prior knowledge in this field or be willing and flexible to refer professional help. This study
also aims to put light on the problems of pastors and their internal conflict when it comes to
seeking professional help, mainly influenced due to the prejudices of society. The present
work focuses on previous research works on the current context and consults various
authentic research journals to carry out a significant literature review to develop in-depth
knowledge in this regard.
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Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
Table of Content
Abstract Summary......................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Literature Review.....................................................................................................3
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................3
2. Purpose and significance of study..........................................................................................3
3. Central Research Questions...................................................................................................4
4. Theoretical Framework..........................................................................................................4
5. Research Paradigm.................................................................................................................5
6. Role of Pastors in social well being.......................................................................................5
7. Concept of Mental Health......................................................................................................7
8. Linking current research with existing literature...................................................................8
9. Literature Gap........................................................................................................................8
10. Reference...........................................................................................................................10
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Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
Chapter 2: Literature Review
1. Introduction
Literature review refers to a summary or an explanation of an already existing research
carried out by previous researchers. In this case, we will study in detail about the fact, that if
pastors do not seek professional help when it comes to mental health issues, then there might
be a chance of a probable burnout or the probability of the people being misled due to
personal prejudices. This literature review will also help outline the significance of this study
to create awareness at the same time contain theoretical framework and certain research
questions to form a literature research paradigm. (Hart, et al.2018)
Counseling and mental health problems (may it be depression or burnout) have been existent
in all parts of the world for decades. Despite the recent progress in the field of counseling and
the related profession, pastors in churches are still often the primary and one of the only
source of support that people seek when it comes to the majority. These individuals are the
ones who want to address their mental needs and take care of their mental health. (Avent, et
al.2015)
Research hypothesis:
“Pastors should opt for professional assistance to increase reliability."
2. Central Research Questions
The research aims to yield answers to central research questions such as:
Why should pastors be willing to seek professional assistance?
How does having people rely on them and listening to problems regularly, hinder or
affect their own life?
What good would a pastor seeking professional assistance,do to the people who rely
on them for support?
3. Theoretical Framework
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Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
The theoretical framework that will guide this study will consist of two well-known and
emerging theories.
The Sociocultural Theory: This theory suggests that a large and important part of the
social process is human learning.This includes the interaction between people who are
developing and understanding the culture around the place they reside in. This theory,
in particular, does not only focus on how peers and acquaintances influence an
individual's perception but also how the attitudes and cultural beliefs impact a
person's thoughts as well as insights. This theory will help us realize what role society
plays in a pastor’s decision to ask for professional assistance when it comes to dealing
with people’s emotional turmoil at the same time their own. (Swain, et al.2015)
The social learning theory: This theory often acts as a bridge between the cognitive
learning and a particular behaviorist. It defines the fact that people usually learn from
one another through the modes of imitation and observation. Its main focus is human
behavior and how humans adopt new behaviors after seeing them being performed.
This particular theory will help us understand how pastors themselves perceive the
concept of professional mental health based on their observations of the people
around them and come up to a decision of whether they should seek assistance or
refer the person to a good professional.(Akers, et al.2015.)
As people highly rely on pastors for help when it comes to dealing with mental health
issues, it is important for us to find out the initial views of the pastors, as quite a few
times of them have exhibited negative approach when it comes to mental health
assistance and lack of education in the particular field. A person having actual mental
health issues is bound to be affected by a pastor’s conservative view and prejudice and
thus may result in the person not being guided in the right way to solve his issues or
receive the proper support.With the help of these theories, we will get to know the
viewpoints of the pastor, the public, as well as the influence they have on each other’s
view.
4. Research Paradigm
We will be adopting pragmatism as our research paradigm. One of the most important
features of this particular paradigm is that it rejects the difference between anti-realism and
realism, which are some of the core debates when it comes to positivism or even
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Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
constructivism. When we adopt this approach, we believe that there is a reality, but it is
dynamic, that is,it will keep on changing based on the actions of the people and consequences
that these actions bring about. (Shusterman, et al.2016)
As we intend to understand why a particular pastor would hesitate before seeking counseling
or asking for assistance when it comes to dealing with intense issues, it is only right to
believe that there are some factors that are affecting the pastor, but these too will change over
time. Like mentioned in the above theories, behaviours of people definitely have an impact
on a pastor’s decision but the fact that behaviours will also change over time is the reality, the
work that needs to be put in here is to make sure that when these behaviours and views
change, they change in the favour of the study. Using this paradigmmeans dealing with the
thought that solving the problem is only the best idea, and to do that one must find out the
ways or means through which it can be done, change is the underlying factor. As pragmatism
makes use of mix method tactics along with design-based research as well as action research
which helps us know what way a human being would react to a particular situation it would
be ideal to consider it as the most appropriate for social research. (Russill, et al. 2016.)
5. Role of Pastors in social well being
The minister of the congregation or a Christian church would be defined as a Pastor. Pastors
serve in the form of group leaders, teachers, preachers, and others. Their main job is usually
to provide people with advice at the same time counsel the people from their congregation.
They are proper clergymen who have the pastoral care entrusted onto them by the
community. (Swain, et al. 2016.)
In the case of Evangelical Christians, they have a long history of living on the beliefs that
certain spiritual causes are the underlying reason behind mental health challenges and this has
lead to many problems as they do not believe in seeking mental health services and
assistance. But as times are proceeding and bringing change with them, it has been brought to
light then and again that mental health issues are not to be taken lightly.
The perception and willingness of a pastor to participate or even seek these mental health
services are influenced by many factors. If the case of evangelical pastors is to be considered,
the fact that a group of their leaders reacted with disdain when it came to the application of
secular psychology on the church had a major impact on the views of the others as well as the
general people that wanted to seek help. This affected the people negatively thus bringing
about serious campaigns against it.
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However, which changing times more clergy members and Christians have started taking
mental issues a lot more seriously than before. Emotional and psychological distress are some
of the main things a pastor handles, and thus it is important for churches and ministries to
equip pastors with prior knowledge or experience in this field. (Payne, et al. 2016)
Pastors have a role that does not leave much room for self-disclosure because they are
expected to be role models and set examples for their followers. The fact that this imbalance
in normal human relations and interactions might also be a cause of burnout is a problem that
should not be overlooked. It is also essential to be mentioned here that while listening to the
confession of their follower, the pastor often faces an ethical dilemma. There were many
instances when their follower confessed a crime (Jackson et al. 2017). This burden causes the
pastor to have extra stress. As their wellbeing is related to the wellbeing of society, it is
crucial for them to seek professional help and have more knowledge regarding psychology to
handle the stress.
As people believe confessing to a pastor and moving on with their life as if the problem never
existed may be the right way to proceed, but it is the pastors job to make sure that emotional
baggage that has been dumped on to them is not in vain and make full use of this opportunity
to guide a human being. While it may be difficult to do so, the main category for an attitude
that a pastor shouldposses is caring for the mental health of others while at the same time not
neglecting their own. If a person is not helped in the right way at the right time, because the
pastor avoids seeking professional help, it can also lead toscenarios where the pastors suffer
because of the guilt. (Dempsey, et al. 2016)
Because of the already embedded trust of the people on pastoral counseling and their own
personal beliefs, role of the pastor becomes significantly important when it comes to social
wellbeing and mental health, in order for the protection and betterment of the both- of the
pastor as well as the people that depend on them, it is important for them to seek proper
professional assistance or procure knowledge in the particular field to help them out in the
best way possible(ProescholdBellet al. 2015).
6. Concept of Mental Health
Cognitive, Behavioural, as well as the emotional wellbeing of a person together, constitutes
mental health. A person's daily life, as well as relationships and physical health, can be
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severely affected by their mental health. Every person has exposure to mental health
problems; it does not matter how old, rich or poor they are.
Various amounts of disorders come under this category; some of the most common ones are
anxiety disorders, mood disorders or panic disorders. As work pressures build up and people
start expecting more and more from each other, disorders like depression are unfortunately
becoming more common. (Worden, et al. 2018)
Mental health depends on the way a person perceives their life; treatments also work but are
dependent on one important factor called belief. While many treatments and in numerous
solutions to take care of mental health issues already exist, it is also important to realise what
works for someone and doesn’t. Forcing a person against their will to take up professional
help might be a way to help them but might not be progressive if the person’s perception
towards seeking this assistance is negative. One of the common practices of people all around
the world to get rid of the issues that eat up their brains is going to a pastor for help. The
things to keep in mind though are the level of knowledge a pastor holds concerning these
mental health issues to entrust them with their trust. Having conservative pastors that may
stand in the way of a person that needs proper professional help is one of the disadvantages
that come with negative approaches of the pastor. It is also true that not all cases are similar;
there have been proved to be cases where pastors are very open to mental health services and
try to help by referring the right support. (Clement, et al.2015)
We are in a time where the importance and concept of mental health is a topic that is
currently being widely addressed, in these times it is important for pastors and churches to
understand the effects of the pastoral counseling and take into account how seeking help
professionally would help the individuals as well as lessen the emotional baggage and the
burden from a pastor's shoulders.
7. Linking current research with existing literature.
Previously carried out research clearly states the negative views pastors hold against the
concept of professional help when it comes to mental problems and issues. It is quite
noticeable that it was mainly because though the study and the concept have been in the
society since ages, it was still disregarded as an actual problem. Now due to the far-spread
awareness, we know that it is currently on the rise with many people falling prey to
depression and other mental health issues. It has now become a growing concern as this issue
has comparatively reached a well noted high. Due to such cases, most of the pastors who held
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Perceptions of pastor regarding Mental Health
different views about the concept are forced to accept reality. It is seen that with time the
views of the people regarding professional help are also becoming more open and most of the
new generation prefers to opt for professional help rather than seeking assistance from a
pastor himself thus thereby reducing the burden on their shoulders.
8. Literature Gap
There is a thin line that exists between the Religious beliefs and scientific understanding in
context with dealing mental health conditions of specific individuals. In contemporary social
structure, the concept of mental illness has been precepted as a treatable ailment which needs
an appropriate diagnosis and scientific approach. The role of the pastor in the current context
is quite uncertain due to the gap that exists between the perception of mental health following
the religious perspective and scientific understanding. Catholics perceive mental health as
God's will that needs to be addressed through church prescribed methodologies and practices.
Although, there is a welcoming approach adopted by Catholic priests nowadays in context
with mental health. Catholic church adopted a more institutional approach in case of mental
illness which proved to be beneficial for people with mental illness. Although protestants are
not restricted in religious orthodoxy, the perception of mental illness is still uncertain among
them. Therefore, there is a significant gap exists between the perception or understanding of
mental illness in the case of Catholic and protestants fraternity.
There is a significant gap that has been identified in the case of the scientific approach
adopted by pastors to address the mental health issues. Lack of education and scientific
understanding are the major hindrances in the current case. Pastors lack understanding of
their roles and responsibilities while dealing with mental health issues which are directly
associated with a lack of scientific understanding and knowledge.
There are many instances where pastors are seeking professional counselling in case of
dealing with mental health conditions and further assistance. There is a significant gap that
has been identified in this case of religious beliefs and professional counselling approach.
Pastors are seeking professional counselling for self-care. Many researchers identified a
massive level of depression among pastors in the modern religious and socio-cultural context.
There is some degree of orthodoxy exist in the understanding of mental illness which is
majorly driven by religious beliefs. This creates a significant gap while addressing mental
health conditions whereas professional counsellors adopt scientific methodologies to address
the issues. Another literature gap that exists is the fact that even pastors are at a susceptible
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position which might turn out to be very stressful for them. In the presence of such a stressful
situation, the rules of self-disclosure might prove to be harmful and may even have adverse
effects on the advice or support they provide to the people trusting the pastor with their
issues. While pastors are indeed faced with problems such as loneliness and depression on
their own, not many researches often talk about it. As pastors are hardly allowed to share
their burdens, burnouts that happen are pretty standard but not well addressed.
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References
Akers, R.L. and Jennings, W.G., (2015). Social learning theory. The Handbook of
Criminological Theory, .230.
Avent, J.R., Cashwell, C.S. and BrownJeffy, S., (2015). African American pastors on mental
health, coping, and help-to seek. Counseling and Values, 60(1), 32-47.
Clement, S., Schauman, O., Graham, T., Maggioni, F., Evans-Lacko, S., Bezborodovs, N.,
Morgan, C., Rüsch, N., Brown, J.S.L. and Thornicroft, G., (2015). What is the impact of
mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and
qualitative studies. Psychological medicine, 45(1), 11-27.
Dempsey, K., Butler, S.K. and Gaither, L., (2016). Black churches and mental health
professionals: Can this collaboration work?. Journal of Black Studies, 47(1), 73-87.
Hart, C., 2018. Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination. Sage.
Jackson, K.L., (2017). A Qualitative Study Understanding the Perceptions of Black Pentecostal
Pastors towards Mental Health and Collaborating with Mental Health Counselors(Doctoral
dissertation, Ohio University).
Payne, J.S. and Hays, K., (2016). A spectrum of belief: a qualitative exploration of candid
discussions of clergy on mental health and healing. Mental Health, Religion &
Culture, 19(6), .600-612.
ProescholdBell, R.J., Eisenberg, A., Adams, C., Smith, B., Legrand, S. and Wilk, A., (2015).
The glory of God is a human being fully alive: Predictors of positive versus negative mental
health among the clergy. Journal for the scientific study of religion, 54(4),702-721.
Russill, C., (2016). Pragmatism. The International Encyclopedia of Communication Theory and
Philosophy,.1-13.
Salwen, E.D., Underwood, L.A., Dy-Liacco, G.S., and Arveson, K.R., (2017). Self-Disclosure
and Spiritual Well-Being in Pastors Seeking Professional Psychological Help. Pastoral
psychology, 66(4), 505-521.
Shusterman, R., (2016). Practicing philosophy: Pragmatism and the philosophical life.
Routledge.
Swain, D. and Collier, H.R., (2016). Experiences and perceptions of pastors in ministering
congregants with mental illness.
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Swain, M., Kinnear, P. and Steinman, L., (2015). Sociocultural theory in second language
education: An introduction through narratives (Vol. 11). Multilingual matters.
Worden, J.W., (2018). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health
practitioner. Springer Publishing Company.
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