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Mental health literacy in religious leaders: a qualitative study of Korean American Clergy
Author(s) -
Jang Yuri,
Park Nan Sook,
Yoon Hyunwoo,
Ko Jung Eun,
Jung Hyejin,
Chiriboga David A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
health and social care in the community
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.984
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1365-2524
pISSN - 0966-0410
DOI - 10.1111/hsc.12316
Subject(s) - mental health literacy , mental health , ethnic group , middle eastern mental health issues & syndromes , psychology , metropolitan area , qualitative research , literacy , social psychology , sociology , medicine , mental illness , pedagogy , psychiatry , social science , pathology , anthropology
Although religious leaders in ethnic minority communities are often the first point of contact for mental health needs, little is known about their mental health literacy. The aim of the current study was to explore the knowledge and beliefs about depression held by K orean A merican clergy, using a qualitative approach. The Gateway Provider Model ( GPM ) and Jorm's conceptualisation of mental health literacy served as a framework for the enquiry. Seventeen clergy members serving in Korean communities in two U.S. metropolitan cities participated in an individual in‐depth interview during the spring of 2013. Using the constant comparison method, the research team coded the data independently, compared and modified codes, and derived major categories and themes in consensus approach. Eight themes emerged from the interviews, and they were grouped into five categories: (i) the ability to identify the problem; (ii) knowledge about causes and risk factors; (iii) knowledge and beliefs about treatment; (iv) knowledge about resources and services; and (v) contextual factors. Despite some variations, a majority of the participants acknowledged that depression is an important issue in the K orean A merican community and felt a sense of responsibility for the well‐being of their community members. The findings highlight the need for mental health education and training for religious leaders in ethnic minority communities to help them properly respond to community mental health needs.