The Relationship between Religion, Substance Misuse, and Mental Health among Black Youth

• Published in: Religions (Basel, Switzerland ) Vol. 14; no. 3; p. 325
• Main Authors: Quinn, Camille R, Waller, Bernadine, Hughley, Ashura, Boyd, Donte, Cobb, Ryon, Hardy, Kimberly, Radney, Angelise, Voisin, Dexter R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.02.2023
• Subjects: African American teenagers; African American youth; African Americans; Alcohol; Analysis; Behavior problems; black youth; Computer centers; Coping; Critical race theory; Critical race theory (Law); critical theory; Demographic aspects; Drug abuse; Drug use; Drugs; Drugs and youth; Families & family life; Health behavior; Health disparities; Inequality; Juvenile drug abuse; Low income groups; Mental depression; Mental health; Protective factors; Psychological aspects; Racism; Religion; Religiosity; Religious aspects; Religious organizations; Religiousness; Research centers; Sexual behavior; Sexual health; Social aspects; Social networks; Spirituality; Substance abuse; Teenagers; Trends; Youth; United States; United States > US; critical theory; religiosity; mental health; black youth
• ISSN: 2077-1444; 2077-1444
• DOI: 10.3390/rel14030325

Studies suggest that religion is a protective factor for substance misuse and mental health concerns among Black/African American youth despite reported declines in their religious involvement. However, few studies have investigated the associations among religion, substance misuse, and mental health among Black youth. Informed by Critical Race Theory, we evaluated the correlations between gender, depression, substance misuse, and unprotected sex on mental health. Using multiple linear regression, we assessed self-reported measures of drug use and sex, condom use, belief in God, and religiosity on mental health among a sample of Black youth (N = 638) living in a large midwestern city. Results indicated drug use, and sex while on drugs and alcohol, were significant and positively associated with mental health symptoms. Belief in God was negatively associated with having sex while on drugs and alcohol. The study's findings suggest that despite the many structural inequalities that Black youth face, religion continues to be protective for Black youth against a myriad of prevalent problem behaviors.