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Instructor/Advisor

Sara McPhee Lafkas, Ed.D., LICSW

Keywords

faith-based, adolescents, young adults, coping

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health concerns among adolescents and young adults. Faith-based coping strategies—including prayer, meditation, religious community support, and scripture-based cognitive reframing—have been increasingly recognized as valuable approaches for promoting resilience and mental health well-being. This systematic literature review evaluates recent empirical studies to determine the effectiveness of these strategies in supporting the recovery of adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression. The findings suggest that symptom reduction is aided by religious community support rooted in faith traditions and intrinsically oriented religious engagement. However, variations in effectiveness are influenced by religious affiliation, individual belief strength, and integration with clinical interventions. This review also highlights gaps in current research, particularly the need for longitudinal studies, culturally inclusive analyses, and larger sample sizes. These insights provide a foundation for mental health practitioners, social workers, religious leaders, and policymakers seeking to integrate faith-based approaches into comprehensive youth mental health care.

Effective Faith-Based Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression Recovery in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

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