Advisor
David Cole
Course
Practice-Informed Research in Health Systems
Document Type
Capstone
Publication Date
Fall 12-1-2024
Executive Summary
This study examines how religious and cultural factors influence the ways in which college students manage anxiety and distress, highlighting how religious beliefs can both comfort and, in some cases, contribute to distress. Through qualitative interviews, we found that students with a strong connection to their faith generally experienced lower levels of anxiety, often finding relief through prayer and other spiritual practices. In contrast, students who struggled to practice their beliefs reported higher anxiety, emphasizing the complex relationship between spirituality and mental health. We also explored the role of culture, noting that cultural backgrounds often intersect with religious practices, shaping coping strategies. Building on previous research by Luong (2020), which found that cultural values, particularly those related to collectivism and community, influence how students navigate stress, we observed that some participants relied on social support and religious networks as important coping mechanisms. The study also examined the support offered by religious communities, revealing that while these communities can provide strength and emotional regulation, experiences of discrimination within these communities can exacerbate anxiety. Prayer emerged as a common coping tool among participants, although individual relationships with a higher power varied. The findings suggest that while religious and spiritual practices can offer comfort, a lack of access to supportive religious communities or negative religious experiences may intensify anxiety. Limitations of the study include a lack of diversity in religious perspectives, as most participants identified as Christian, and challenges in accessing the university's religious studies resources. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how religiosity and cultural factors influence stress responses and mental well-being in college students. It offers insights for social work practice on how to better support clients' mental health by integrating their spiritual and cultural identities. Recommendations for institutional support and further research are provided to promote a more inclusive and culturally competent approach to mental health care in academic settings. Additionally within the appendixes one will find suggestions offered by participants as well as resources to anyone experiencing anxiety or mental health distress.
Recommended Citation
Luna, Gloria and Draper, Katie, "Religious and Cultural impacts on college students struggling with anxiety: A Mixed Methods Study" (2024). MSW Capstone Conference. 18.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/msw-conference/18
