The Need to Belong: A Theory of the Therapeutic Function of the Black Church Tradition

Abstract

A theory of belonging is used as a framework for analyzing and interpreting focus group data from 7 congregations in the Black church tradition. Findings suggest that church membership may reflect the need to belong with a group rather than to a group. Within this context multiple dimensions of the self as interdependent and independent, as well as same and different, find opportunities for expression. Positive therapeutic outcomes in affect, cognition, and behavior result. Implications for research, practice, and training are given.

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