A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences and Psychological Well-Being Among African-American Christian Evangelicals: The Role and Impact of Prayer

This descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences and psychological well-being of African-American Christian evangelicals, with a particular focus on how prayer influenced their psychological well-being. Building on the African-American community's longstanding tradition of religious participation and interaction, the study predominantly took place within urban African-American Christian evangelical communities in northwest Roanoke, Virginia. Cognitive theory, religious coping theory, and social support theory provided the theoretical framework for understanding the role and impact of prayer among African-American Christian evangelicals. Data collection involved surveys and interviews with 10 participants. Inductive coding techniques were used to identify themes, patterns, and categories within the data. The findings highlighted the significant impact of prayer on psychological well-being, demonstrating how prayer practices contribute to personal growth, emotional support, and community engagement. This study offered practical implications for mental health providers, emphasizing the importance of integrating religious and spiritual practices into therapeutic approaches for diverse populations.