Religion and Mental Health in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Religion has been an important source of resiliency for many racial and ethnic minority populations. Given the salience, socio-historical context, and importance of religion in the lives of Black and Latino Americans, this literature review focuses on the mental health and well-being outcomes of religion among Black and Latino Americans across the adult life course and specifically in later life. This review provides an overview of religious participation and religiosity levels and an in depth discussion of extant research on the relationship between the multiple dimensions of religiosity and mental health in these two populations. Racial differences between Blacks, Latinos, and non-Latino Whites are also examined. Suggestions for limitations of the current literature and future directions for research on religion and mental health in racial/ethnic minority populations, especially older minorities, are proposed.

Race and Mental Health Among Older Adults: Within- and Between-Group Comparisons

“…Notably, the articles by Taylor and Chatters (2020) on older Black Americans, Kim and colleagues (2020) on Asian American older adults, and Jimenez and colleagues (2020) on older Latinos provide extensive reviews of current research on the mental health of older adults with a focus on both between-group as well as within racial/ethnic group differences. In addition, the articles by Lincoln (2020) on obesity and mental health and by Nguyen (2020) on religion and mental health are in-depth reviews on these topics.…”

“… Nguyen (2020) focuses on research on religion and mental health among older Black and Latino Americans. Religion has been important historically for these groups as a source of strength, and religious institutions have been a consistent resource of psychosocial support and tangible assistance and for building social capital for Black and Latino communities.…”

Christian Churches and the Prevention of Preadolescent Aggression and Violence in Puerto Rico: Regional Leaders’ Perspective

“…The research literature is generally consistent in reporting the positive impact that religious involvement can have in adults’ health and well-being (e.g., Chatters, 2000 ; Green & Elliott, 2010 ; McCullough et al, 2000 ; Oman & Lukoff, 2018 ; VanderWeele, 2017 ), including among racial and ethnic minority populations (Nguyen, 2020 ). This supports the World Health Organization and others’ ever-evolving relationship with faith-based entities for public health efforts (Winiger & Peng-Keller, 2021 ).…”

Where Would You Go? Race, Religion, and the Limits of Pastor Mental Health Care in Black and Latino Congregations

“…Extant research on how churches-including both pastors and congregants-approach mental health issues has largely focused on Black congregations (e.g., Avent et al 2015;Campbell and Winchester 2020;Chatters et al 2017;Dempsey et al 2016;Hays 2015;Neighbors et al 1998). Very few studies examine the views of other racial/ethnic minority groups, and even fewer utilize a comparative framework across racial groups (Nguyen 2020). The latter would enable mental health professionals to better tailor care to underserved populations, identifying where current approaches could be expanded and where new approaches need to be developed.…”