Spiritual Aura: African American youth surrounded by protective light.

Unbreakable Faith: How Spirituality Fortifies African American Youth

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Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover how spirituality empowers young African Americans, providing strength and resilience in the face of adversity."


In the tapestry of human experience, religion and religiosity have long been recognized for their profound influence, especially in bolstering individuals' health and overall well-being. While these concepts are well-trodden in theoretical discourse, the nuanced realm of spirituality, though related, presents a different perspective. This is particularly true when examining spirituality as a powerful mechanism for coping with challenging social determinants and health adversities. Though less empirically studied, its potential is immense.

This article delves into the heart of spiritual coping within the vibrant lives of urban African American youth. It is based on a qualitative exploration, carefully detailing how spirituality functions as a cornerstone of resilience. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 African American youth, aged 12 to 20 years, we uncover the multifaceted dimensions of their spiritual lives.

Our exploration reveals that for these young individuals, spirituality encompasses the power of prayer, an unwavering faith in a higher power, and a deep commitment to giving back to their communities. These findings serve as counter-narratives, challenging the prevailing discourses that often overshadow the lives of urban African American youth. Ultimately, this study illuminates the crucial role of spirituality in promoting both wellness and resilience among young people, offering new pathways for understanding and addressing their unique challenges.

Why Spirituality Matters: Understanding its Role in Coping

Spiritual Aura: African American youth surrounded by protective light.

The public health domain has increasingly acknowledged the significant benefits of spirituality on health and overall well-being. While 'religiosity' and 'spirituality' are often used interchangeably, it's crucial to recognize that they are distinct yet overlapping concepts. Religiosity is defined as the formal, institutional, and outward expression of the sacred, encompassing elements such as belief in God, attendance at religious services, and the practice of prayer and meditation.

Spirituality, on the other hand, is often conceptualized as the internal, personal, and emotional expression of the sacred. It can be measured through indicators like spiritual well-being, peace derived from faith, spiritual connectedness, and spiritual coping. Some researchers prefer using 'spirituality' due to its applicability across both religious and nonreligious populations.

  • Accessing Internal Resources: Spirituality allows individuals to tap into their inner strengths, promoting resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Facilitating Resilience: It helps individuals bounce back from challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
  • Promoting Positive Health Outcomes: Spirituality contributes to overall well-being and a healthier lifestyle.
Spiritual coping involves relying on spiritual beliefs and teachings during difficult times and in managing life events. Boland (2000) suggests that spirituality allows individuals to access internal resources to cope with adversity, facilitate resilience, and promote positive health outcomes. Although religious and spiritual issues have been found to be important to adolescent populations (Bryant-Davis et al., 2012; Cotton et al., 2006; Donahue & Benson, 1995), a majority of studies examine these issues among adult populations more than among youth (Scales et al., 2014). Early psychological theorists, including G. Stanley Hall and Erik Erikson, identified religion as a central force in childhood and adolescence (Mattis & Jagers, 2001; Wulff, 1991; Youniss, 1992). Nevertheless, there still has been a paucity of social science research on youth spirituality, youth spirituality development, and youth spiritual coping, particularly based on extensive searches and reviews of the peer-reviewed literature from

Empowering Resilience: The Transformative Power of Spirituality

This exploration into the role of spirituality among African American youth illuminates its profound impact on resilience and well-being. By understanding the nuanced ways in which these young individuals harness their spiritual beliefs, practices, and communities, we can develop more effective and culturally sensitive approaches to support their journeys. As we continue to explore the depths of spirituality, let's remember the importance of fostering environments where young people can freely express and cultivate their spiritual lives, empowering them to overcome adversity and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1090198117729398, Alternate LINK

Title: “Wearing My Spiritual Jacket”: The Role Of Spirituality As A Coping Mechanism Among African American Youth

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Health Education & Behavior

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Leconté J. Dill

Published: 2017-09-07

Everything You Need To Know

1

How does spirituality manifest in the lives of African American youth, and how does it contribute to their resilience?

Within the context of African American youth, spirituality is a multifaceted concept involving the power of prayer, unwavering faith in a higher power, and a deep commitment to community service. These elements provide a framework for resilience, helping young individuals navigate and overcome challenges, and promoting overall wellness by accessing internal resources during difficult times.

2

What research methods were employed to understand the role of spirituality among African American youth, and what age range was studied?

The study involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 African American youth, aged 12 to 20 years. These interviews aimed to uncover the dimensions of their spiritual lives and how spirituality serves as a cornerstone of resilience. This qualitative approach allowed researchers to explore the nuances of spiritual coping and its impact on their well-being.

3

What is the difference between 'religiosity' and 'spirituality,' and why is 'spirituality' sometimes favored in research?

While 'religiosity' and 'spirituality' are related, they are distinct concepts. Religiosity is the formal, institutional, and outward expression of the sacred, including beliefs, religious service attendance, and prayer. Spirituality, on the other hand, is the internal, personal, and emotional expression of the sacred, measurable through spiritual well-being, peace derived from faith, spiritual connectedness, and spiritual coping. Spirituality is often preferred as it applies across religious and nonreligious populations.

4

How does 'spiritual coping' help individuals manage adversity, and what are its implications for African American youth facing challenges?

Spiritual coping involves using spiritual beliefs and teachings to manage difficult times and life events. It allows individuals to access internal resources to cope with adversity, facilitate resilience, and promote positive health outcomes. This is particularly relevant for African American youth facing urban challenges, as it provides a framework for maintaining a positive outlook and bouncing back from setbacks.

5

In what ways does focusing on spirituality challenge existing narratives about urban African American youth?

This exploration counters prevailing discourses by highlighting the positive role of spirituality in the lives of urban African American youth. By emphasizing the importance of prayer, faith, and community involvement, the study provides alternative narratives that challenge negative stereotypes and showcase the resilience and well-being fostered through spirituality.

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