A qualitative study of Black gospel music and spirituality in relapse prevention of cocaine dependence in urban African American women

The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the perceptions of urban African American women (UAAW) concerning factors that relate substance dependence and relapse prevention to Black gospel music and spirituality. Although previous research has shown correlations between spirituality, relapse prevention, and substance dependence recovery, a gap in the literature remains regarding the influence of Black gospel music and spirituality in the relapse prevention process. This qualitative study based on the biopsychosocial model examined the influence of Black gospel music and spirituality in relapse prevention of cocaine dependence. Eight UAAW participants who met the selection criteria were chosen from interested persons attending church services in the greater Fort Worth, Texas area. Six focus group participants who supported an individual in the relapse prevention process were also recruited. A qualitative grounded theory design was used to analyze the individual and focus group data for the emergence of themes and concepts from the interviews through use of open, focused, and axial coding. Results indicate early developmental spirituality and religiosity were resiliency factors for UAAW for maintaining sobriety later in life, while drug dependence in adolescence was related to perceived maternal absence. For UAAW, early developmental socialization influences on identity formation, specifically in relation to Black gospel music and spirituality, provide a form of social, spiritual, and emotional connection later in life that appears helpful in adult recovery from cocaine dependence. This research enhances positive social change by promoting worth, dignity, and personal growth of UAAW in recovery, as well as improving understanding of spiritual and mental health care needs within the community.