Mental Health and African Pentecostalism: Unpacking the Two Sides of the Coin

There is a gap in understanding how beliefs in demonic forces affect perceptions and therapeutic methodologies. This study, therefore, examined the tensions that exist in dealing with mental health matters in African Pentecostal churches. This paper used social constructionism as a theoretical framework. Data for this study were collected through qualitative desktop analysis. The research revealed a prevalent tendency among African Pentecostal pastors to attribute mental disorders primarily to supernatural influences, including demonic possession and spiritual attacks. This perspective significantly influences mental health care approaches within these churches, often leading to excessive reliance on spiritual practices such as prayer, anointing with oil, and exorcisms. The key findings suggest that excessive spiritualization may lead to the stigmatisation of individuals with mental illness and could obstruct access to professional mental health services. This paper concludes that there is tension between neurophysiological interpretations and Pentecostal faith-based perspectives on mental health concerns. The paper recommends collaboration between the spiritual support provided by Pentecostal churches and mental health practitioners to deliver more comprehensive and culturally sensitive mental health care practices in African communities. The paper enhances scholarship by elucidating evolving African Pentecostal perspectives on mental health, underscoring the necessity for collaboration between clergy and professionals to create culturally attuned, comprehensive mental health therapies. Keywords: Mental Health, African Pentecostalism, Psychiatry, Over-Spiritualisation, Spirituality, Religion.