NO PLAGIARISM IMMEDIATE COMPLETION NEEDED.

In this chapter, the researcher is going to present the results and findings obtained from the research. The primary objective of the study was to find out the effects of pastoral counseling on mental health. The researcher conducted a research survey to obtain the relevant data that was required to achieve the research objective. The data collection tool that was used in this study was a survey questionnaire that contained a total of 21 questions. The design of the questionnaire was in line with the specific objectives of this study. This chapter will present the respondents' background information, and the findings obtained from the analysis in line with the research objectives.

4.2 Data Analysis

Descriptive statistics were used in the discussion of the findings of the research. The results were explained using percentages. The target respondents of the study were sampled using simple random sampling. However, the primary target sample was that of people who had experienced some form of mental health at a certain point in their lives. The primary criterion for sampling was that the individual participant must have attained the age of 18 years and above.

4.3 Response Rate

Herein the response rate is the total number of people who completed the survey correctly and met the requirements of the researcher. In this study, a total of 106 participants completed the study. Before the survey was conducted, the respondents were taken through the details of the survey before they could give consent or decline. The reason they were chosen to take part in the study was that they were members of the Deliverance Center for all Nations Church and that they were of 18 years and above.

Further, they were informed of the candidate undertaking the research. Additionally, the researcher told the respondents that the objective of the study was to find out whether the church members sought pastoral counseling as a remedy for addressing mental health issues and whether pastoral counseling had a positive impact on the organization. The respondents were made aware that there was no benefit whatsoever of taking part in the research, and it was voluntary. The potential risks that the respondents would experience in the study were made known to them, which were the same risks one would encounter in their daily lives. The participants were informed that the information they gave would be confidential, and no one else will access them apart from the researcher. Possible contacts were availed to the respondents in case they intended to contact a third party regarding the research.

Once the participants had been taken through the details, they were asked whether they were willing to proceed with the survey or skip it. The results are as indicated in table 4.3 below.

Table 4.3: The survey response rate table

In Table 4.3above, out of the 106 participants, 105 of them clicked that they were ready to proceed with the survey, which indicated a 99.06% response rate. Only one of them clicked skip the survey but later proceeded to complete it, making the response rate 100%. The response rate was way above the acceptable response rate of 80% in the school of Pharmacy surveys and the 60% response rate acceptable in general surveys (Fincham, 2008). Therefore, since the response rate was within the margin of the acceptable response rate, the results obtained in this survey are reliable and relatively conclusive.

4.4 Personal Information of the Respondents

The researcher intended to understand the personal details of the respondents. However, the respondents were requested to provide personal information that was relevant to the objective of the study.

4.4.1 Respondents Gender

The respondents’ gender was relevant in the study in classifying the results based on gender. The respondents were asked to reveal their gender, and the results are as indicated in the table 4.4.1 below.

Table 4.4.1: A table indicating the respective gender of the respondents.

From the table above, all 106 respondents answered this question. 90 out of the 106 respondents were female, while 16 were male. This data was in tandem with the baseline expectations. It was expected and anticipated that the females would be more than the males. Many studies conducted have shown that women are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues compared to men (KVRGIC et al., 2013; Malhotra & Shah, 2015). The reason why women are more likely to suffer from mental health issues is that they are often exposed to emotional problems and extremely stressful situations (KVRGIC et al., 2013). Therefore, the gender difference in the respondents was the best for reliable and conclusive results.

When the above information is plotted on a graph, the following figure 4.4.1 was obtained.

Figure 4.4.1: A graph of the gender distribution of the respondents

From the graph above, the percentage of the respondents that were female was 84.91%, while the men were only 15.09%.

4.4.2 Level of Education of the Respondents

The researcher sought to find out the level of education of the respondents to determine the different categories of people the respondents were based on education status. Education level was a crucial statistic in this study because several types of research have indicated that there is a close correlation between education levels and mental health. Higher educational levels lead to advancement in skills and awareness, which reduces the probability of a person to develop mental health issues (Halpern-Manners et al., 2016). The results obtained from the respondents on their levels of education are as indicated in the table 4.4.2 below.

Table 4.4.2. A table of the respondents' levels of education

From the table above, 34 respondents were college graduates, 28 respondents had a graduate degree, 23 of them had some high school education, and the last 21 of them had some postgraduate education. In terms of educational levels, the sample respondents were well distributed, with at least all categories of education levels being represented. When the above information is plotted on a graph, figure 4.4.2 below was obtained.

Figure 4.4.2. A graph of the education levels of the respondents

From the graph above, a majority of the respondents were college graduates who were 32.08% of the total respondents, 26.42% of them had a degree or beyond, 21.07% of them had some high school education. The last 19.81% had some postgraduate education.

4.4.3. Ethical/Racial Background of the Respondents

The racial background of the respondents was essential in this research. The baseline data from various studies have indicated that mental health problems, especially depression, were more prevalent on the racial minorities considered as immigrants in the United States as compared to the native Americans (Budhwani et al., 2014). For example, Black or African Americans comprise 13.2% of the entire US population. Yet, over 16.2% of them, which translates to approximately 6.8 million persons, have been diagnosed with mental health within the past one year (Mental Health America, 2018). Therefore, the racial statistic was crucial in this study. Table 4.4.3 below indicates the various races or ethnic backgrounds of the respondents.

Table 4.4.3 A Table of the different racial backgrounds of the respondents.

From table 4.4.3 above, 90 of the respondents, which comprised a majority of the respondents, were of black or African American origin. Only six respondents were of white descent. Five were Hispanic, or Latino 3 did not know their race or were not ready to disclose it; there was one native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, one Asian, and zero American Indian or Alaska Native. The data met the baseline expectations since a majority of the Black or African Americans reported mental problems at some point in their lives as exhibited by different studies and by the Mental Health America.

When the above data was plotted on a graph, the following results in figure 4.4.3 were obtained.

Figure 4.4.3. A figure of the racial background of the respondents

From figure 4.4.3 above, 84.91% of the total respondents were of Black or African American origin. 5.66% were whites, 4.72 were of Hispanic or Latino origin, 2.83% did not reveal their races, 0.94% were of Asian descent, another 0.94 were of Hawaiian or other Pacific Islands origin, and there was no American Indian.

4.5 Findings of the Study

The respondents were of diverse traits, including gender, education level, and from the different racial background. The three features above have been linked to mental health problems by various researchers. Therefore, the researcher intended to find out the respondents had been victims of the same issue. If yes, the researcher wanted to find out further whether they sought help from pastoral counseling.

4.5.1 Victims of Mental Health Issues

The researcher wanted to find out the respondents had been diagnosed with a mental health problem before. The research question used to instigate the responses was whether the respondents had struggled with any mental health problem at their level. The results obtained from this research question are as indicated in table 4.5.1 below.

Table 4.5.1. A table showing the number of respondents who have ever experienced mental problems.

From the table above, 51 respondents indicated they had never been victims of any mental problem before, 24 respondents stated that they had experienced mental health issues before. Still, they were not diagnosed, and 24 more respondents indicated they experienced mental health issues before, but they were never diagnosed. This question did not apply to one of the respondents. Additionally, six respondents skipped the question and did not provide their answers. In total, 48 respondents out of 106 had experienced a mental health condition before, while only 51 had not. Upon representing the above information on a graph for visualization, the figure 4.5.1 below was obtained.

Figure 4.5.1. A figure of the percentage of respondents that had experienced mental health issues

The results of figure 4.5.1 above indicate 51% of the respondents had not experienced a mental health problem by the time the survey was being conducted. 24% of them had experienced a mental health condition, and it was diagnosed by healthcare personnel. Besides, 24% had experienced a mental health issue before, but it was never diagnosed. The question did not apply to 1% of the respondents.

In total, the percentage of respondents who had experienced a health issue was 48%, while the percentage of the respondents who had never experienced a health issue was 51%. Translating this result into the real-world environment, it could mean that 48 out of 100 Americans have experienced a mental health issue. Since 84.91% of the respondents were black. Converting this value to 100, it becomes 84.94 people of Black or African American origin. When this value is multiplied by 48% (the percentage of respondents who experienced mental health issues before), it translates to 40.77. Therefore, it can be concluded that in every 85 black or African American origin, 41 of them have struggled with mental illness.

4.5.2 Respondents who sought help from a Psychiatrist

Once it was established that some of the respondents had experienced mental health problems at some point, the researcher went ahead to find the next cause of action that was taken by these respondents. The researcher wanted to find out the number of respondents who visited a psychiatrist for help with their mental condition. The following table 4.5.2 shows the results.

Table 4.5.2. A table showing the number of respondents who visited a psychiatrist for help with their mental health issues.

From table 4.5.2 above, 69 respondents indicated that they did not seek the advice of a psychiatrist. In contrast, 22 of them stated that they sought the help of a psychiatrist regarding their mental health condition. Nine respondents indicated that this question did not apply to them, while the remaining six did not answer the question at all. The above information is represented on the figure 4.5.2 below.

Figure 4.5.2. A figure of the percentage of respondents who visited a psychiatric for help with their mental health condition.

From figure 4.5.2 above, 69% of the respondents indicated that they did not see a psychiatrist as a treatment option for their mental health concern, 22% of the respondents stated that they saw a psychiatrist for their mental health problem. In comparison, 9% indicated that the question did not apply to them. A total of 6 respondents did not answer this question, which makes the total number of respondents on this particular question to be 100. Out of the 100 respondents, 84.91 were of Black or African American origin. Since 22% of respondents saw a psychiatrist for help with their problem, this could mean that a total of 18.68 Blacks or African Americans saw a psychiatrist for help. Therefore, it means that out of 85 Blacks or African Americans, only 19 of them saw a psychiatrist for help.

4.5.3 Respondents who sought help from a psychologist

The researcher wanted to find out the number of respondents who sought help from a psychologist regarding their mental health problems. Table 4.5.3 below represents the number of respondents who sought help from a psychologist.

Table 4.5.3. A table of the number of respondents who sought help from a psychologist.

From table 4.5.3 above, 100 respondents answered this question, while six respondents did not. The respondents who sought help from a psychologist regarding their mental health condition was 21. Respondents who did not seek the help of a psychologist were 68, while those who indicated that this question did not apply to them was 11. The information was represented in figure 4.5.3 below.

Figure 4.5.3. A figure of the percentage of respondents who visited a psychologist for help with their mental condition.

From figure 4.5.3 above, the total number of respondents was 100 since 6 of them skipped the question. The percentage of respondents who sought the help of a psychologist regarding their mental health condition was 21%. The respondents who did not seek the help of a psychologist regarding their mental health condition were 68%, while 11% of the respondents indicated that this question did not apply to them. Therefore the number of Black or African Americans who sought help from a psychologist regarding their mental health was (11% * 84.91) = 9.3. These statistics indicate that out of 85 Blacks or African Americans, only 9 of them will seek help from a psychologist regarding their mental health.

4.5.4 Types of Mental Health Problems

The researcher wanted to find out the number of respondents who had suffered from various types of mental illness. The results are as indicated in the table 4.5.4 below.

Table 4.5.4. A table of the different types of mental disorders suffered by the respondents

The researcher intended to find out the number of respondents who experienced different categories of mental health diseases. From the table 4.5.4 above, the total number of respondents who answered this question was 100 after six of the respondents skipped it. Of the 100 respondents, 57 of them indicated that they had not been diagnosed with any mental health problem by a medical or psychological professional. Twenty-eight respondents stated that they had been diagnosed with depression. Twenty-six of them indicated that they had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. In comparison, 9 respondents had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Four of them had had bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). Two of them had been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an additional two had suffered other types of mental health illnesses that were not indicated in the table; only one had suffered from delusions. In contrast, 4 of them suggested that this question did not apply to them. The researcher represented this information on a graph for visualization, and the results are as indicated in figure 4.5.4 below.

Figure 4.5.4. shows the respondents who were diagnosed with various mental illnesses by a medical professional or a psychologist.

From figure 4.5.4 above, the total number of respondents who answered this particular question was 100, with six of the skipping it. Out of the 100 respondents, 57% of them indicated they had not been diagnosed with any mental health problem by a medical or a psychological professional. 28% indicated that they had been diagnosed with depression, and 26% indicated that they had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. 9% of them had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, 4% with bipolar disorder, while another 4% indicated that this question did not apply to them. 2% of them indicated that they had been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In comparison, an additional 2% had been diagnosed with other types of mental health issues apart from the ones mentioned above. It is only 1% of the respondents that had been diagnosed with delusions.

4.5.5 Respondents’ Current Status of Mental Illness

The researcher wanted to find out the current status of the mental illness of each respondent to determine whether they obtained adequate help or not. The results obtained from the respondents are as illustrated in table 4.5.5 below.

Table 4.5.5. A table of the current status of the mental illness of the various respondents.

In the table above the total number, the total number of respondents who answered the question were 100 since six of them skipped it. Forty-two of them indicated that their current status of mental illness was somewhat stable. Thirty-eight indicated that they were very stable; ten respondents indicated that this question did not apply to them; eight respondents indicated that they were somewhat unstable. Two indicated that they were very stable. For better visualization, the researcher plotted the above information on a graph, and the results are as indicated in figure 4.5.5 below.

Figure 4.5.5. A figure of the current status of the mental illness of the various respondents.

From figure 4.5.5 above, 42% of the respondents indicated that the current condition of their mental illness was somewhat stable, 38% stated that they were very stable, 10% of them indicated that this question did not apply to them, 8% indicated that they were somewhat stable. The remaining 2% indicated that their current status of mental illness is very stable.

4.5.6 Acute Mental Illness and Ability to Understand Redemption

The researcher intended to find out whether acute mental illness hindered the respondents from understanding redemption. The results of these questions are as indicated in table 4.5.6 below.

Table 4.5.6. A table of how acute mental illness impacted the respondents' ability to understand redemption.

In the table 4.5.6 above, the total number of respondents who answered this question was 100 since six of them skipped it. From the 100 respondents, 29 of them indicated that this question did not apply to them; 20 respondents said that they strongly disagree, meaning that their acute mental illness did not make it difficult for them to understand redemption. Another 20 respondents said that they neither agree nor disagree. Sixteen respondents disagreed, indicating that their acute mental illness did not hinder their comprehension of redemption. A total of 10 respondents agreed to say that their acute mental illness made it difficult for them to understand redemption. In comparison, ten respondents strongly agreed that their acute mental illness made it difficult for them to understand redemption. The total number of respondents who claimed that their acute mental illness made it difficult for them to understand redemption was 15. The above information was plotted on the figure 4.5.6 below.

Figure 4.5.6. A figure of how acute mental illness affected the ability of the respondents to understand redemption

From figure 4.5.6 above, 29% of the respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. 20% of them strongly disagree, and another 20% of them indicated that they neither agree nor disagree, 16% of the respondents disagree, and 10% agreed to indicate that acute mental illness made it difficult for them to understand redemption while 5% strongly agreed. The total percentage of the respondents who agreed that acute mental illness made it difficult for them to understand redemption was 15%, which was a significant percentage.

4.5.7 Acute Mental Illness and Christine Spiritual Success

The researcher wanted to find out whether the respondents believed that Christine, with an acute mental illness, was able to succeed even if the illness was not treated. The results of the respondents are as indicated in table 4.5.7 below.

Table 4.5.7. A table of the respondents' belief on acute mental illness and Christine spiritual success.

From the table 4.5.7 above, the total number of respondents was 100 after six respondents skipped the question. Of the 100 respondents, 25 of them disagreed, 23 of them neither agreed nor disagreed, 18 of them agreed, 14 strongly agreed, 10 of them strongly disagreed, another ten respondents were not aware. The total number of respondents who agreed that Christians with an acute mental disability could succeed spiritually even if the illness had not been treated was 32, while those who disagreed were 35. When the above information was represented on a graph, the results were as indicated in figure 4.5.7 below.

Figure 4.5.7. A figure of the respondents' understanding of whether a Christian with an acute mental illness could succeed spiritually even without treating the disease.

From the table above, 25% of the respondents disagreed, 23% of them neither agreed nor disagreed, while 18% agree, some 4% of the respondents strongly agreed, while 10% of them strongly disagreed while the last 10% were not aware. Therefore, the total percentage of the respondents that agreed that a Christian with an acute mental illness could succeed spiritually even if the disease has not been treated was 32%. In comparison, those who disagreed were 35%. Hence, a majority of the respondents disagreed with this statement, which could infer little faith or absence of adequate evidence to back up the account.

4.5.8. Whether acute mental illness weakened the respondents’ efforts to live like a Christian

The researcher intended to find out whether acute mental illness undermines one's efforts to live as a Christian. The researcher posed this question to the respondents, and the results obtained are as indicated in the table 4.5.8 below.

Table 4.5.8 A table of the relationship between acute mental illness and one's efforts to live like a Christian.

In the table 4.5.8 above, the total number of respondents was 100 since 6 of them skipped the question. When the respondents were asked whether they think that one’s acute mental illness weakened their efforts to live like a Christian, 28 respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. The number of respondents who disagreed was 26, while 17 strongly disagreed. The number of respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed was 15. The number of respondents who agreed was eight, while those who strongly agreed were 6. The total number of respondents who agreed was 14, while those who disagreed was 43. Therefore, a majority of the respondents disagreed that their acute mental illness weakened their efforts to live like a Christian.

4.5.9. Respondents who sought Pastoral Counselling as a Treatment Option for Mental Health Concerns.

The researcher wanted to find out how many respondents had ever sought pastoral counseling as a treatment option for their mental health problems. The results are as indicated in the table 4.5.9 below.

Table 4.5.9. A table of the number of respondents who sought pastoral counseling as a treatment for their mental health concerns.

In the table 4.5.9 above, the total number of respondents who answered the question were 93 while 13 respondents skipped it. Thirteen respondents indicated yes they had sought pastoral advice as a treatment option for their mental health concerns, while 79 of them said no. 14 was a significant number of respondents, even though it was still shallow. When the results were plotted on a graph, figure 4.5.9 below was obtained.

Figure 4.5.9. A figure of the percentage of the respondents who sought pastoral counseling as a treatment option for their acute mental illness.

In the above table, 84.95% of the respondents did not seek pastoral counseling, while 15.05% of the respondents sought pastoral counseling. The results indicate that a majority of the respondents did not seek pastoral counseling for whatsoever reason. However, 15.05 was a significant percentage with the potential to grow.

4.5.10 Respondent’s Pastoral Last Counselling Session

The researcher wanted to find out when the last pastoral counseling session that the respondent had occurred. The results are as indicated in table 4.5.10 below.

Table 4.5.10. A table of the last pastoral counseling session

In the table above, the respondents were required to indicate the last time they had a pastoral counseling session aimed at treating their mental illness. In the table, 13 respondents skipped the question while 93 of them answered. Seventy-eight of the respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. Seven respondents indicated that the last pastoral session they had was over one year back. Three respondents indicated that it was six to twelve months ago, while an additional three indicated that one month or less and the final two respondents indicated that it was two to six months ago. When the above data was plotted on a graph for representing the results are as indicated in figure 4.5.10 below.

Figure 4.5.10. A figure of the last pastoral counseling session attended by the respondents.

From figure 4.5.10 above, the highest percentage- 83.87% of respondents indicated that this question did not apply to them. 7.53% of the respondents stated that it was over one year ago, 3.23% of them indicated that it was six to twelve months ago while an additional 3.23% stated that it was one month or less. The last 2.15% of the respondents indicated that it was two to six months ago.

4.5.11 Respondents Views on the Pastoral Counselling on their Mental illness

The researcher wanted to find out whether the respondents agreed that pastoral counseling sessions were beneficial to the respondents’ treatment plan. The results obtained from the questionnaire are as indicated in the table 4.5.11 below.

Table 4.5.11. A table of the respondents’ opinion on whether pastoral counseling sessions were beneficial to their treatment plan.

In the table 4.5.11 above, the total number of respondents was 93 after 13 respondents decided to skip the question. Forty respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. Nineteen respondents agreed, while 12 respondents strongly agreed. Fifteen respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. 6 respondents disagreed while one respondent strongly disagreed. The total number of respondents who agreed that pastoral counseling sessions were beneficial to their treatment plans was 31, while those who disagreed were only 7. Therefore, many respondents believe that pastoral counseling was beneficial, and this was promising. The above information was plotted on a graph for visualization; the results were as indicated in the figure 4.5.11 below.

Figure 4.5.11. A figure of the benefit of the pastoral counseling session.

From figure 4.5.11 above, 43.01% of the respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. 1.08% of them strongly disagreed, and 6.45% of the respondents disagreed. In comparison, 16.13% of the respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, 20.43% of the respondents agreed, while 12.90% of the respondents strongly agreed. The total percentage of the respondents who agreed that pastoral counseling sessions were beneficial in their treatment plan was 33.33%, while those who disagreed was 7.53%. Therefore, a good percentage of the respondents agreed, indicating that pastoral counseling sessions were beneficial.

4.5.12 Pastoral Counselling and Recurrent Struggles in Mental Illness

The researcher wanted to find out whether the respondents underwent recurrent struggles with their mental illness after a pastoral counseling session. The results are as indicated in table 4.5.12 below.

Table 4.5.12. A table of whether there were recurrent struggles with mental illness after a pastoral counseling session.

From the table 4.5.12 above, 61 respondents said that the question did not apply to them. Five respondents strongly disagreed, three disagreed, 14 neither agreed nor disagreed, seven respondents agreed while 3 of them strongly agreed. The total number of respondents who agreed was ten, while those who disagreed were 8. When the information was plotted on a graph, figure 4.5.12 below was obtained.

Figure 4.5.12. A figure of the existence of recurrent struggles after a pastoral counseling session.

In the figure above, 65.59% of the respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. 5.38% of the respondents strongly disagreed, 3.23% of them disagreed, while 15.05% of them neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, 7.53% of the respondents agreed, while 3.23% strongly agreed. The total percentage of respondents who agreed was 10.76%, while those who disagreed was 8.61%.

4.5.13 Pastoral Counselling and improvement of the symptoms of mental health

The researcher wanted to find out whether the symptoms of mental illness of the respondents improved after their last pastoral counseling, and the results are as indicated in the table 4.5.13 below.

Table 4.5.13. A table of improvement of mental health impairment after the pastoral counseling session

In the table 4.5.13 above, 13 respondents skipped the question while 69 of them indicated that the question did not apply to them. Three strongly disagreed, five respondents agreed, while eight respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, six respondents agreed, while two respondents strongly agreed. The total number of respondents who agreed that their symptoms of mental health impairment improved after their last pastoral counseling session was 8, while those who disagreed were also 8. When this information is plotted on a graph, the results are as indicated in figure 4.5.13 below.

Figure 4.5.13. A figure of the respondents' improvement in their mental health after their last pastoral counseling session.

In figure 4.5.13 above, the total percentage of employees who indicated that the question did not apply to them was 74.19%. 3.23% of the respondents strongly disagreed, 5.38% disagreed, while 8.60% neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, 6.45% of the respondents agreed, while 2.15% of the respondents strongly agreed. The total percentage of the respondents who agreed was that the symptoms of their mental impairment improved after their last pastoral counseling session was 8.60% while those that disagreed was 8.60%.

4.5.14 Respondent's views on whether others will benefit from pastoral counseling as a treatment option for mental illness.

The researcher wanted to get the respondents' opinions on whether they agreed that other people would benefit from pastoral counseling as a treatment to their mental health. The results are as indicated in the table 4.5.14 below.

Table 4.5.14. A table of the respondents' views on whether others would benefit from the pastoral counseling session as a treatment for their mental illness.

In the table 4.5.14 above, the number of respondents who skipped the question was 13. 5 respondents strongly disagreed, eight respondents disagreed while 34 respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, 29 respondents agreed, while 17 respondents strongly agreed. The total number of respondents who agreed that other people would benefit from the pastoral counseling sessions as a treatment to their mental illness was 46, while those who disagreed were 13. Therefore, it was clear that pastoral counseling was of benefit. When these results were represented on a graph, the following figure 4.5.14 was obtained.

Figure 4.5.14. A figure of respondents' views on the benefit of pastoral counseling to other people.

In figure 4.5.14 above, the percentage of respondents who strongly disagreed was 5.38%, 8.60% disagreed, while 36.56% neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, the percentage of respondents who agreed was 31.18%, while those who strongly agreed was 18.28%. The total percentage of respondents who agreed that other people would benefit from the pastoral counseling sessions if they include it as an option of treatment for their mental illness was 49.46%. In comparison, those who disagreed was 13.98%.

4.5.15 Respondents views on the local church regarding mental illness

The researcher wanted to find out the respondents' views on the local church regarding mental illness. The results are as indicated in the table 4.5.15 below.

Table 4.5.15. A table of the respondents’ opinions of the local church regarding mental illness.

In table 4.5.15 above the total number of respondents who skipped the question was 13, while a total of 40 respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. Fourteen respondents indicated that they were not aware of it. Two respondents indicated that the church was mostly unsupportive. While four indicated that the local church was somewhat unsupportive. A total of 7 respondents indicated that the local church was neither supportive nor unsupportive; 16 respondents indicated that the local church was somewhat supportive, and the final ten respondents indicated that the local church was mostly supportive. A total of 26 respondents indicated that the church was supportive in as far as mental illness was concerned, while a total of 6 respondents indicated that the local church was unsupportive. When the above data was plotted on a graph for ease of visualization, the figure 4.5.15 below was obtained.

Figure 4.5.15. A figure indicating the respondents’ views of the local church in as far as mental illness is concerned.

In figure 4.5.15 above, 43.01% of the respondents indicated that the question did not apply to them. 15.05% stated that they were not aware of it. 2.15% of the respondents indicated that the church was mostly unsupportive. 4.30 indicated that it was somewhat unsupportive. 7.53% of the respondents indicated that the church was neither supportive nor unsupportive. Further, 17.20% of the respondents indicated that the church was somewhat supportive, while 10.75% of the respondents indicated that the church was mostly supportive. The total percentage of the respondents who indicated that the church was supportive in combating mental illness was 27.95%. In comparison, 6.45% of the respondents believed that the local church was unsupportive in as far as mental illness is concerned.

4.5.16 Whether Pastoral Counselling helped the Respondents think through and leave out their faith in mental illness context.

The researcher intended to find out whether pastoral counseling sessions have helped the respondents live out their faith in the context of mental illness. The results obtained are as recorded in table 4.5.16 below.

Table 4.5.16. A table of whether the pastoral counseling sessions have helped the respondents to live out their faith in mental illness context.

In the table 4.5.16 above, a total of 13 respondents skipped the question. Fifty-nine respondents indicated that the issue did not apply to them. Seven respondents indicated that they did not know while none of them strongly disagreed. Only one respondent disagreed, and 11 neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, seven respondents agreed, while eight strongly agreed. The total number of respondents who agreed that pastoral counseling sessions helped them live out their faith in as far as mental illness was concerned was 15 respondents, while only one respondent disagreed. When the results were plotted on a graph for visualization, the figure 4.5.16 below was obtained.

Figure 4.5.16. A figure of whether the pastoral counseling sessions have helped the respondents live out their faith in as far as mental illness is concerned.

In table 4.5.16 above, 63.44% of the total respondents indicated that this question did not apply to them, 7.53% said they did not know while none of the respondents strongly disagreed. 1.08% of the respondents disagreed, while 11.83% of the respondents neither agreed nor disagreed. Further, 7.53% of the respondents agreed, while 8.60% of the respondents strongly agreed. The total percentage of respondents who agreed that the pastoral counseling sessions helped them live out their faith in as far as mental illness is concerned was 16.13%, while those who disagreed was only 1.08%.

4.5.17 Respondents perception of the areas where local churches assist people with acute mental illnesses

The researcher wanted to find out whether the local church helped people with critical mental illness in any way. The results obtained are as indicated in the table 4.5.17 below.

Table 4.5.17. A table of the respondents’ opinion on whether the local church assisted people with mental illness in any way.

In table 4.5.17 above, the number of respondents who skipped this question was 13, while seven more respondents indicated that they did not know. One respondent indicated others but did not specify. Sixty-two respondents indicated that the local church should have a counselor on staff who is skilled in mental illness, which translated to 66.67% of the respondents. Fifty-four respondents who are 58.06% of the total respondents indicated that the local church should offer seminars with topics on anxiety and depression. Sixty-one respondents who are 65.59% of the total respondents, stated that the local church should provide pieces of training to the congregation on mental illness. Sixty-four respondents, which translates to 68.82% of the respondents, stated that the church should increase awareness of the prevalence of mental illness. Sixty-five respondents, which translates to 69.89% of the respondents, indicated that the local church should help people understand mental illness and what they should expect. Sixty-seven respondents, which translates to 72.04% of the total respondents, indicated that the church should talk about mental illness openly. The final 73 respondents, which indicates 78.49% of all the respondents, indicated that the church should help families obtain resources to deal with mental illness. Graph 4.5.17 below helps in the visualization of the above information.

Figure 4.5.17 below illustrates the respective percentage of the respondents on the respective ways through which the church can help people with mental illness.

Have you ever personally struggled with mental illness of any kind?

Yes, and it was diagnosed Yes, but it was never diagnosed No N/A 0.24 0.24 0.51 0.01

Have you ever seen a psychiatrist as a treatment option for your mental health concerns?

Yes No N/A 0.22 0.69 0.09

Have you have seen a psychologist as a treatment option for your mental health concerns?

Yes No N/A 0.21 0.68 0.11

“Have you ever been diagnosed by a medical or psychological professional with any of the following conditions?”

Anxiety Disorders Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness) Delusions Depression Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Other None N/A 0.26 0.04 0.01 0.28000000000000003 0.02 0.09 0.02 0.56999999999999995 0.04

“How would you describe your current status with your mental illness?”

Very Stable Somewhat Stable Somewhat Unstable Very Unstable N/A 0.38 0.42 0.08 0.02 0.1

“My acute mental illness made/makes it difficult to understand redemption.”

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree N/A 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.16 0.2 0.28999999999999998

“I believe a Christian with an acute mental illness can succeed spiritually even if the illness has not been treated.”

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree Don’t Know 0.14000000000000001 0.18 0.23 0.25 0.1 0.1

Have you ever sought pastoral counseling as a treatment option for your mental health concerns?

Yes No 0.15049999999999999 0.84950000000000003

If so, when was the last counseling session?

One month or less Two to six months ago Six to Twelve months ago More than a year ago N/A 3.2300000000000002E-2 2.1499999999999998E-2 3.2300000000000002E-2 7.5300000000000006E-2 0.8387

Do you agree that pastoral counseling sessions are beneficial in your treatment plan?

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree N/A 0.129 0.20430000000000001 0.1613 6.4500000000000002E-2 1.0800000000000001E-2 0.43009999999999998

Following the last pastoral counseling session, do you agree that there are recurrent struggles with your mental illness?

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree N/A 3.2300000000000002E-2 7.5300000000000006E-2 0.15049999999999999 3.2300000000000002E-2 5.3800000000000001E-2 0.65590000000000004

Have the symptoms of your mental health impairment improved since your last pastoral counseling session?

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree N/A 2.1499999999999998E-2 6.4500000000000002E-2 8.5999999999999993E-2 5.3800000000000001E-2 3.2300000000000002E-2 0.7419

Do you agree others would benefit from pastoral counseling as a treatment option for mental illness?

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree 0.18279999999999999 0.31180000000000002 0.36559999999999998 8.5999999999999993E-2 5.3800000000000001E-2

“As I have dealt with mental illness, I have found the local church to be”

Mostly Supporti ve Somewhat Supportive Neither Supportive nor Unsupportive Somewhat Unsupportive Mostly Unsupportive Don’t Know N/A 0.1075 0.17199999999999999 7.5300000000000006E-2 4.2999999999999997E-2 2.1499999999999998E-2 0.15049999999999999 0.43009999999999998

Counseling sessions with my pastor haves explicitly helped me think through and live out my faith in the context of my mental illness.”

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree Don’t Know N/A 8.5999999999999993E-2 7.5300000000000006E-2 0.1183 1.0800000000000001E-2 0 7.5300000000000006E-2 0.63439999999999996

Free Response: May select multiple answers:  Do you believe local churches should assist individuals with acute mental illness in any of the following areas?”

Help families find local resources for support and dealing with the illness Talk about it openly so that the topic is not so taboo Improve people's understanding of what mental illness is and what to expect Increase awareness of how prevalent mental illness is today Provide training for the church to understand mental illness Offer topical seminars on depression or anxiety Have a counselor on staff skilled in mental illness Don't know 0.78489999999999993 0.72040000000000004 0.69889999999999997 0.68819999999999992 0.65590000000000004 0.5806 0.66670000000000007 7.5300000000000006E-2

What is your gender?

Female Male 0.84909999999999997 0.15090000000000001

What is your highest level of education?

Some high school College graduate Graduate degree or beyond Some post-graduate education 0.217 0.32079999999999997 0.26419999999999999 0.1981

What is your Ethnic/Racial background?

American Indian/Alaska Native: Asian Black/African American Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders Hispanic/Latino White N/A 0 9.3999999999999986E-3 0.84909999999999997 9.3999999999999986E-3 4.7199999999999999E-2 5.6599999999999998E-2 2.8299999999999999E-2