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This study explores the relationship between church-based informal social support and lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts within a representative national sample of African American and Black Caribbean adults. Characteristics of church-based social support networks, as well as emotional support and negative interaction with church members were examined in relation to lifetime suicide ideation and attempts. This study used data from the National Survey of American Life (2001–2003). Frequency of interaction with church members was positively associated with suicide attempts, while subjective closeness to church members was negatively associated with suicide ideation. Emotional support, service attendance, and negative interaction with church members were unrelated to both suicide ideation and attempts. Findings are discussed in relation to research on church-based support networks, different models linking church support and suicidality, and the mechanisms by which church-based networks deter suicide ideation and attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined differences in religious participation and spirituality among African Americans, Caribbean blacks (black Caribbeans) and non-Hispanic whites. Data are taken from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative study of African Americans, black Caribbeans and non-Hispanic whites. Selected measures of organizational, non-organizational and subjective religious participation were examined. African American and Caribbean blacks were largely similar in their reports of religious involvement; both groups generally indicated higher levels of religious participation than non-Hispanic whites. African Americans were more likely than black Caribbeans to be official members of their places of worship, engage in activities (choirs, church clubs) at their place of worship and request prayer from others. Black Caribbeans reported reading religious materials more frequently than African Americans. The discussion notes the importance of examining ethnic differences within the black American population of the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a series of focus groups that were designed to explore the content domain of negative interaction in the church. Altogether, eight focus groups consisting of sixty-three older adults were conducted. The results suggest that unpleasant encounters in church settings are a significant source of concern and distress for elderly people. A three-part scheme is devised to classify types of negative interaction in the church. Also, data are provided on the coping responses used by older adults when negative interaction arises in their place of worship. The implications of these results for research on negative interaction and health-related outcomes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]