Mental Health Professionals’ Perspectives of the Role of Spirituality, Religion and Culture on the Mental Health of African Australians
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21748190 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bekithemba Sibanda (0009-0007-1622-0605, Federation University), Bindu Joseph (0000-0002-2872-1892, Federation University), Michael Olasoji (0000-0003-2919-6580, Federation University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-24 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1557-1912 • E-ISSN: 1557-1920 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10903-026-01920-0 |
| PMID | 42032387 |
| OpenAlex | W4415478203 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 35 |
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries, with nearly half its population identifying as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD). Among this diversity, African Australians now number nearly 400,000, reflecting global migration trends. Research indicates that people from the Horn of Africa and East Africa are at higher risk of developing psychosis, yet they face significant disparities in mental health care access and quality in Australia. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of 15 healthcare professionals who have worked with African Australian service users. Using semi-structured interviews, Thematic Analysis (TA) and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) the study explores the influence of spirituality, religion, and culture on mental health outcomes. Three key themes as well as subthemes merged: the service user experience (including both positive and negative influences), Intersecting Systemic and Community-Based Barriers to Mental Health Care (Systemic Barriers, Language and Mental Health Literacy, Family and Community Influence on Care Decisions, Internalised Stigma, Dishonour, and Diagnostic Labelling) and Systemic Inadequacies in Addressing Cultural Diversity (Lack of Engagement with Family, Community, and Spiritual Leaders, Diversity in the Mental Health Workforce, Cultural Training for Staff, Need for African Peer Support Workers / Cultural Liaisons, Cultural Formulation and Diagnostic Limitations). The findings highlight a growing disconnect between mainstream mental health services and the specific needs of African Australians. Participants stressed the importance of culturally informed assessments, community engagement, and the inclusion of African liaison officers and workers with lived experience to improve trust and care delivery. They also advocated for increasing workforce diversity and enhancing cultural competence training for practitioners. Such training should include understanding religious and cultural values, using interpreters effectively, and involving families in treatment planning. Overall, the study reveals the urgent need for a culturally responsive mental health framework that addresses systemic barriers and promotes equitable care for African Australians
Cultural competence · Cultural diversity · Mainstream · Mental health · Population · Qualitative research · Sociocultural evolution · Thematic analysis · Workforce · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Migration, Health and Trauma · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Research and scholarly methods
Views of mental health practitioners on spirituality in clinical practice, with special reference to the concepts of spiritually competent practice, availability and vulnerability
Strategies to improve access to mental health services
An ethnographic study of schizophrenia in Zimbabwe
The Need for Integration of Religion and Spirituality into the Mental Health Care of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in Australia
Transcultural Nursing Practice Described by Registered Nurses and Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality
Somali Immigrant Perceptions of Mental Health and Illness
‘We don’t have to go and see a special person to solve this problem’
The relationship between religiosity/spirituality and quality of life among female Eritrean refugees living in Norwegian asylum centres
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards suicide among immigrants from the horn of Africa in Victoria, Australia
Mental health professionals’ perspectives on the relevance of religion and spirituality to mental health care
Migrants and Service Providers’ Perspectives of Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services in South Australia
The Role of Religion in Buffering the Impact of Stressful Life Events on Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Episodes or Adjustment Disorder
Post-Migration Stressors and Mental Health for African Migrants in South Australia
Alcohol, Other Drugs Use and Mental Health among African Migrant Youths in South Australia
The Role of Culture, Religion, and Spirituality on the Mental Health of Africans in Australia
Intergenerational Conflicts, Cultural Restraints and Suicide
Conceptualisations of mental illness and stigma in Congolese, Arabic-speaking and Mandarin-speaking communities
Putting your feet in gloves designed for hands’
Analysing one dataset with two qualitative methods
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia
Ethnonursing
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |