Standing in the need of prayer: Beliefs about depression and treatment held among African American Christian women

This exploratory studied utilized a quantitative approach to examine beliefs about depression and treatment held among African American Christian women. The convenience sample consisted of 106 African American Christian women from three Boston area churches. Standardized instruments included Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Screen (CES-D), Robinson Resistance Modality Inventory (RRMI), and the Shepherd Scale (SS). The non-randomized Beliefs about Depression and Treatment (BHBI) was also utilized. Results from the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale indicated that depression was prevalent in the sample (n=64). Results from MANOVA and Rasch Rating Scale Models indicated that education, age and psychological resistance had a statistical and significant relationship on beliefs about the origins and existence of depression. This sample of women were found to be optimal resistors as scored from the Robinson Resistance Modality Inventory (n=82). The sample was also found to be highly evangelical Christians as measured by the Shepherd Scale. BHBI subscale revealed that study participants believed that the existence and origins of beliefs emanated from brain changes, an abuse history, a sickness needing treatment, and a health condition. Prayer and psychotherapy were reported as the most acceptable forms of treatment for depression.