Perceptions of Lifestyle as Mental Health Protective Factors Among Midwestern Amish

Perceptions of Lifestyle as Mental Health Protective Factors Among Midwestern Amish by Gregory Lantz MA, Spring Arbor University, 2009 BS, Michigan State University, 1985 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University November 2019 Abstract The Amish are commonly known for horse-and-buggies, simple clothing, and refusal to use electricity. Less commonly known is their rate of mental illness, which is significantly lower than the non-Amish population. The literature that points to lower depression and anxiety among the Amish does not adequately explain what elements of their lifestyle contribute to this phenomenon. Depression and anxiety are a widespread problem in the United States, increasing the importance of understanding a lifestyle that can reduce these issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the Amish way of life through the words of its members. The three research questions that drove this investigation inquired how the Amish conceptualize mental illness, if and how they seek help for mental stress, and what elements of their lifestyle may protect them from higher rates of depression and anxiety. This qualitative study employed social constructionism as the conceptual framework and positive psychology as the theoretical foundation. Data collection employed a purposeful, maximum variation sample and consisted of 14 in depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis employed phenomenological techniques as outlined by Moustakas. Elements of the Amish lifestyle contributing to positive mental health include the increasing availability of AmishThe Amish are commonly known for horse-and-buggies, simple clothing, and refusal to use electricity. Less commonly known is their rate of mental illness, which is significantly lower than the non-Amish population. The literature that points to lower depression and anxiety among the Amish does not adequately explain what elements of their lifestyle contribute to this phenomenon. Depression and anxiety are a widespread problem in the United States, increasing the importance of understanding a lifestyle that can reduce these issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the Amish way of life through the words of its members. The three research questions that drove this investigation inquired how the Amish conceptualize mental illness, if and how they seek help for mental stress, and what elements of their lifestyle may protect them from higher rates of depression and anxiety. This qualitative study employed social constructionism as the conceptual framework and positive psychology as the theoretical foundation. Data collection employed a purposeful, maximum variation sample and consisted of 14 in depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis employed phenomenological techniques as outlined by Moustakas. Elements of the Amish lifestyle contributing to positive mental health include the increasing availability of Amish focused treatment centers, bishops who encourage mental health treatment, family ties, social bonds, work ethic, and the most significant to the Amish: their faith. This study contributes to positive social change by discovering elements of Amish life that may be practical to the non-Amish. If non-Amish find positive meaning from the elements of Amish life, it may lead to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Perceptions of Lifestyle as Mental Health Protective Factors Among Midwestern Amish by Gregory A. Lantz MA, Spring Arbor University, 2009 BS, Michigan State University, 1985 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University November 2019 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my father, Terence Lantz. God blessed me with a dad that modeled a lifestyle of selflessness and love of family. I owe much of what I am today to him. I love you dad. Acknowledgments Without God guiding and directing my life, this would not have been possible. I have often said, many times, I don’t know how others make it through this life without Jesus by their side. My gratitude runs deep for my committee. My dissertation Chairperson, until her retirement was Dr. Ruth Crocker. Your patience, your knowledge, and your expertise has brought me to this point, and I thank you. Dr. Gerald Nissley, I thank you for your advice and valuable input into my writing. Dr. Susanna Verdinelli, I am so thankful you were willing to step in and take on guiding me all the way through to graduation as my Chairperson. I appreciate all that you have done and your willingness to ensure my success! To my precious familymy wife Heather, and my children Ashtyn and Koen. You were missing a husband and father during much of this process. Your support and understanding have allowed me to succeed in this entire undertaking. I love you! To my friends and co-workers. I owe a debt of thanks to each of you. Each life that I touch in the future through my education will be a life that you have also had a part in helping.