The influence of worship practices on views of the etiology and treatment of depression among Revivalist and Protestant pastors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Pentecostal or Charismatic Christianity (PCC) emphasises spiritual forces and the Holy Spirit's power. Concerns exist that PCC clergy might over-spiritualize mental illness, discouraging professional mental health treatment for their parishioners. This study assessed how PCC worship practices influenced pastors’ views on depression in Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 2018 survey included 114 Protestant pastors using a vignette from the 2006 U.S. General Social Survey. All clergy highly endorsed situational causes of depression (86% for PCC; 97% non-PCC, p =.1). Visiting a pastor was the most common treatment endorsed (93% for PCC; 95% for non-PCC, p =.3). Most pastors supported a combined religious and medical approach to depression (71% for PCC; 54% for non-PCC, p >.9). PCC-influenced pastors endorsed more spiritual and physical causes and treatments than non-PCC counterparts. The study suggests that both PCC and non-PCC-influenced Protestant clergy in this region may be effective partners for delivering evidence-based treatments for people with depression.

Duke Scholars

Author David E Eagle Duke Global Health Institute