A number of studies have suggested that religion plays a critical role in black Americans' mental health and life satisfaction, aiding their ability to cope with personal and societal stressors. However, a new study indicates that spirituality, rather than religiosity, may be the element that is essential to black women's psychological well-being.
University of Illinois researchers Tamilia D. Reed and Helen A. Neville conducted the study, which appeared recently in the Journal of Black Psychology.
Reed is a doctoral student in counseling psychology in the College of Education and a graduate assistant counselor with the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Neville is chair of the counseling psychology division and holds appointments in educational psychology and African-American studies.
While religiosity and spirituality are related, prior research has shown that black women perceive them to be distinct concepts.
Religiosity is typically defined in terms of an individual's participation in religious institutions and adherence to prescribed beliefs. Spirituality, on the other hand, involves meaning-making and relational dimensions, such as having a relationship with a higher power and being connected with other people and the universe, Reed said.
"For black women, interpreting the significance of life experiences via one's relationships may be more critical to mental health and life satisfaction than adherence to religious doctrine or engagement in religious activities," she said.
More than 160 black women participated in an Internet survey that explored their religious and spiritual values and practices. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 75 years. More than 60 percent of participants held graduate or professional degrees and identified themselves as middle class.
Read the rest here
When reading this article, the text Isaiah 26:2-4New International Version (NIV) came to me.
ReplyDelete2
"Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
3
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal".
When we keep our minds on God, we can gain peace. When you have a spiritual relationship with God constantly communion with God, it can help bring great satisfaction. Not only as being a black woman but a woman in general I have gone through so much, and it was my relationship with God that kept me mentally stable. My faith and belief that God will help and pull me through. When a trail or tribulation hits you, your faith in God (spiritual connection) is a major factor not your religious group. When we are weak; we are strong because of the spiritual connection, God's Grace is sufficient. The enemy likes to get into the mind. The Spiritual connection with God helps protect the mind. The spiritual relationship is very important to get through life experiences
My spirituality is my connection with God. However, I do feel that my spirituality contributes to the religion I have chosen. The spiritual connection is the utmost importance but having avenues such as the church are ways of sharing your spirituality with others.
ReplyDeleteCharlease Cannon PS-01