Date

8-29-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel L. Piferi

Keywords

stigma, stigma reduction, Christianity, integration of psychology and Christianity

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Research has shown stigma to be a significant barrier to help-seeking and effective functioning in every domain of human life. Current research has shown that attempts to enact a solution to this problem have largely failed and, in some cases, have made the problem worse. With an integrated approach incorporating the biblical perspective and supportive scientific insights, effective solutions were explored while helping to connect the Christian and scientific communities toward common goals of removing barriers for help-seekers and reducing stigma and its effects on human lives. For the current qualitative study, 10 leaders within the Christian Church were interviewed about their understanding of stigma associated with mental health and the resources needed to address the dilemma effectively. Key findings showed the biblical perspective agreed largely with the scientific literature about the topic of stigma and broadened the perspective of the individual from merely a social creature to include a deeper view of humans from the spiritual, or soul, level of existence. This perspective assumed the inherent value, dignity, purpose, and destiny of individuals, working from the inner person toward the outward, social aspects of the individual, and revealed cogency in addressing the problem of stigma. Key implications included a new era of potentially cooperative and collaborative relationships between the scientific and Christian communities, while supporting one another toward the common goal of increased effectiveness in addressing issues of mental health toward human healing and flourishing.

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