Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Daniele Lyman-Torres
Second Supervisor
Dr. Donna Riter
Abstract
The prevalence of mental illness due to untreated childhood trauma continues to be a concern, particularly for Black people. The consequence of obtaining formal treatment is perceived to be discriminatory and stigmatizing in the Black culture. Instead, the preferred method of treatment is religious coping. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine how Black clergy leaders support the long-term impact of trauma in the Black community. The primary source of data collection was semi-structured interviews. These interviews captured the essence of how Black clergy leaders described their preparedness to effectively advise, and counsel congregants on mental health issues. Clergy leaders were asked two general questions to help guide their narratives about whether they believed they possessed the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively advise, and counsel those in need. Three themes emerged from the research question. The findings from this study revealed the need for formal education and training on mental health to successfully meet the needs of congregants. To affect sustainable change in Black communities, mental health literacy must be treated as a vital resource that equips clergy leaders with tools designed to destigmatize mental illness, promote healing and lead with a holistic pastoral care approach.
Recommended Citation
McCullough, Loretha J., "An Examination of how Black Church Leaders Support the Long-Term Impact of Trauma in the Black Community: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study" (2025). Education Doctoral. Paper 621.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/621
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.