title: Extracting dirt from water: a strengths-based approach to religion for African American same-gender-loving men.
abstract: Religion is one of the most powerful and ubiquitous forces in African American same-gender-loving (SGL) men's lives. Research indicates that it has both positive and negative influences on the health behaviors and outcomes of this population. This paper presents a review of the literature that examines religion as a risk and protective factor for African American SGL men. A strengths-based approach to religion that aims to utilize its protective qualities and weaken its relation to risk is proposed. Finally, recommendations are presented for the use of a strengths-based approach to religion in clinical work and research.
authors.affiliation: California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, 1 Beach Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA, 94133, USA, jonathanmlassiter@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Jonathan Mathias
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lassiter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015438:Health Behavior; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors