Mental Health and Illness Perceptions and Experiences in Canadian Christian Congregations

Abstract

Few sociological studies have explored mental health and Christian congregations. Such research is absent in Canada. Using questionnaire data with 969 Christian congregants and leaders across theological traditions in Canada, this study examines how mental health is normalized or stigmatized in Canadian congregations. We draw from symbolic interactionist theory to argue that the narratives that congregations use and the resources they draw upon to discuss and respond to mental health shape congregants’ perceptions and experiences of mental health, illness, and challenges. Our research shows that mental health and illness is both normalized and stigmatized in Canadian congregations. For instance, 67 percent (n = 637) of respondents say they would not be embarrassed if other congregants knew they were experiencing mental health challenges, while 28 percent (n = 267) report they would feel embarrassed. Yet congregations that embrace religious-only or absent narratives are more likely to have congregants who perceive or experience mental health stigma and less likely to seek church-based mental health support or to report church supports helped them versus congregations that incorporate some combination of a bio/psycho/social approach. We highlight opportunities for more comprehensive mental health supports along with strengthened equipping for churches in responding to mental health and illness.