Christian Perspectives on Mental Illness in Nigeria: A Survey of Churches in Ebonyi State

Mental illness in Nigeria is frequently interpreted through spiritual and moral frameworks, with demonic possession, sin, and ancestral curses cited as primary causes by significant proportions of the Christian community. This study examines Christian perspectives on mental illness, its causes, and appropriate responses in churches in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to 200 adult church members and twenty pastors from six denominations in Abakaliki, Onueke, and Afikpo. The questionnaire assessed causal attribution of mental illness, attitudes toward psychiatric treatment, and pastoral care practices for affected individuals. Findings indicate that 61 percent of respondents primarily attribute mental illness to spiritual causes, while 39 percent acknowledge biological and psychosocial factors. Only 32 percent of respondents recommend immediate psychiatric referral as the primary response to mental illness. Pastoral prayer without referral is the most common church response. Stigmatising language about mental illness is prevalent in 44 percent of church communities. The study concludes that Christian perspectives on mental illness in Ebonyi State churches are primarily spiritualised and contribute to delayed psychiatric treatment and social stigma for affected persons. It recommends a programme of mental health literacy education for church leaders in Ebonyi State, developed in partnership with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health.

Keywords: mental illness, Christian perspectives, stigma, pastoral care, Ebonyi State