Religion and mental health: a narrative review with a focus on Muslims in English-speaking countries

Ibrahim, Ahmed Fekry

doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.34

Cited by 13 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…It has been documented that daily prayers have been a consistent predictor in well-being promotion (Sayeed & Prakash, 2013 ; Pajevic et al, 2017 ). Ibrahim and Whitley ( 2021 ) asserted that both private and public religiosity can be a constant resource for resilience, and mental health promotion where private prayers, such as reading the Qur’an can provide ontological security during difficult life situations and transitions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ibrahim and Whitley ( 2021 ) asserted that health professionals can utilize Islamic religiosity or spirituality to foster effective recovery in patients or clients where appropriate. Moreover, Miller and Chavier ( 2013 ) reported that therapists have been successfully integrating prayers in the therapeutic process while maintaining ethical boundaries.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Oftentimes, Muslim women feel shame and fear about disclosing their mental health conditions, as such disclosures could jeopardize their marital prospects within the community (Bagasra & Mackinem, 2014 ). However, there are growing number of researchers who indicate that religious activities and rituals play a role of comfort and reflection when women immigrants experienced acculturative stress and psychological distress (Ibrahim & Whitley, 2021 ; Silva et al, 2017 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prayers and Mindfulness in Relation to Mental Health among First-Generation Immigrant and Refugee Muslim Women in the USA: An Exploratory Study

2022

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The goal of our study was to explore how first-generation immigrant/refugee Muslim women experience prayer and mindfulness in relation to their mental health. Participants were nine women from an urban city in the Midwestern USA. The women completed a structured demographic survey and a virtual semi-structured interview in a focus group. Using qualitative thematic analysis, we obtained four overarching themes from the data: (a) Prayer helps to build community, (b) Prayer promotes wellbeing, (c) Prayer increases faith, and (d) Prayer encourages intentional awareness. The findings demonstrate that prayer involves awareness and has a strong influence on the mental health of the women participants.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prayers and Mindfulness in Relation to Mental Health among First-Generation Immigrant and Refugee Muslim Women in the USA: An Exploratory Study

2022

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“…Spiritual struggles are crucial to understand and work through because lack of resolution can lead to negative coping such as addiction, depression, anxiety, etc. Research suggests that those with a clear sense of meaning-whether that comes from committed religion or committed atheism-have better mental health (Pargament et al 2005;Weber et al 2012;King et al 2013;Sedlar et al 2018;Peres et al 2020;Ibrahim and Whitley 2020). Opinion diverges on the mental health of SBNRs (Farias et al 2012;Saunders et al 2020;Granqvist et al 2014).…”

Section: Going Forwardmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)

Mercadante

2020

Religions

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Spiritual struggles are a distinct problem which have implications for psychological, social, emotional and physical health. They are not unique to religious persons; instead both the religiously unaffiliated (Nones) and those who call themselves “Spiritual but not Religious,” (SBNR) have struggles with existential issues common to all humans, and which can be identified as “spiritual”. Nones are a very diverse group and different types of Nones struggle differently. This qualitative study, based on interviews in North America with over 100 Nones, particularly SBNRs, explains the types of spiritual struggles, with many examples and illustrative quotes. Nones’ key struggles are in the areas of Self and Self-in-Relation. This is a vastly under-researched topic which will only grow in importance, given the rapid and continuing rise of the None population. The topic is of concern to social scientists, but is equally important for psychologists, counselors, medical personnel, chaplains and others in the helping professions given that Nones will come to them for assistance.

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“…Research highlights a positive association between religion and prevention of, and recovery from, mental health difficulties. This includes moderate associations between religiosity and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide (Ibrahim & Whitley, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The parenting process in Syrian refugees: A grounded theory study.

Huntley¹,

Ulph²,

El-Khani³

et al. 2021

Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology

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A key concern of peace psychology is to develop a robust evidence base that informs those working with groups who have experienced the impact of war and conflict (Cohrs et al., American Psychologist, 2013, 68, 590). With rates of refugees forcibly displaced now the highest on record the development of psychosocial interventions designed to promote well-being is essential (Hynie, Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 2018, 24, 265; UNHCR, UNHCR projected global resettlement needs, 2020). This is highly relevant for refugee parents who must parent through multiple adversities and transitions. Effective parenting is an important protective factor for the psychological functioning of refugee children. The design of support for families, to be available during displacement and the integration process, is essential because inclusion and participation in new settings Syrian refugee parenting through transition; from being forced to leave Syria to eventually being resettled in the U.K. In-depth interviews with six professionals who worked with refugee parents and six Syrian refugee parents were conducted and analyzed. Secondary data with narratives from three Syrian parents and transcripts from a parent focus group of nine parents were analyzed. We theorized an active process of resilient parenting in recovery. The process comprised of three phases: Contracting, reforming, and moving forward. Parents moved between phases at different points in their journey. A core role for language was identified. The findings suggest that the development and use of resilience-based narratives may be helpful. This would represent a relatively resource-light intervention to support parental capacity. Public Significance StatementA central aim of peace psychology is to produce evidence and theory that could mitigate the impact of conflict and violence. An important area is in policy development and the provision of services to address the impact of conflict upon refugees and their children. We are currently witnessing what has been referred to as a displacement crisis, with the highest level of forced displacement on record. Approximately half of the current refugee population are children under 18 years of age. There is an increasing global concern for this group. Quality of parenting is recognized as an important protective and promotive factor for their well-being. Our study offers a theory that conceptualizes the parenting process of Syrian refugees forced to flee their country and resettle in the U.K. Our findings provide support for the development of resilience-based interventions to support refugee parents' capacity. These approaches could be informed by relational and solution-focused concepts. Interventions that draw upon the strength-based narratives that parents already use with their children would be relatively resource-light. They would move away from a narrow, distress focus by including protective and promotive factors.

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Religion and mental health: a narrative review with a focus on Muslims in English-speaking countries

Cited by 13 publications

References 43 publications

Prayers and Mindfulness in Relation to Mental Health among First-Generation Immigrant and Refugee Muslim Women in the USA: An Exploratory Study

Prayers and Mindfulness in Relation to Mental Health among First-Generation Immigrant and Refugee Muslim Women in the USA: An Exploratory Study

Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)

The parenting process in Syrian refugees: A grounded theory study.

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