Article
An Examination of the Relationship between Religious Beliefs, Behaviors, Commitment, and Connection and Addiction among African American Women
Social Work & Christianity
(2019)
Abstract
This study examines the religious/spiritual practices of 106 African American women when addiction is present. Stratified sampling was based on addiction status: no addiction (n=58); addiction to one of either alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine (n=22); and addiction to two or more of the substances (n=26). Using items from the Religiosity Scale to assess belief in God, religious behaviors, commitment and connection, analyses revealed that the majority of the women (84%) believe God exists and is active in their lives. However not all demonstrated formal religious behaviors or have a commitment or connection to religious activities. Women addicted to two or more substances were more likely to report religious behaviors, commitment, and connection such as regular personal religious-based reading/studying and having a feeling of religious commitment compared to women with no or only one addiction. Women with co-occurring addictions may utilize religious-based practices in an attempt to alleviate their emotional pain. Further exploration of religious/spiritual practices and co-morbid substance addiction is needed, as this research may be vital to implementing effective interventions with this population.
Keywords
- African American,
- women,
- religiosity,
- addictions,
- mental illness
Disciplines
Publication Date
September 21, 2019
DOI
10.34043/swc.v46i3.81
Citation Information
Sha Lai Williams, Joseph G. Pickard and Sharon D. Johnston. "An Examination of the Relationship between Religious Beliefs, Behaviors, Commitment, and Connection and Addiction among African American Women" Social Work & Christianity Vol. 46 Iss. 3 (2019) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shalai-williams/16/