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The impact of spirituality on mental health: a review of the literature
- Author:
- CORNAH Deborah
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 37p.
- Place of publication:
- London
A report written by Dr Deborah Cornah on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation looking at the impact of spirituality on mental health. The report aims to ‘explore the outcomes and consequences of spiritual belief or activity for mental health’. Quantitative and qualitative evidence is identified and explored in relation to a number of mental health problems. The report looks at the consequences of spiritual activity for mental health, factors mediating the relationship between spirituality and mental health, limitations of the research and provides guidance and recommendations for health professionals.
Spirituality: a road to mental health or mental illness
- Author:
- SULLIVAN W. Patrick
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 28(1-2), January 2009, pp.84-98.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The last twenty five years have seen a more hopeful outlook replace the once pessimistic assessment of the life chances of those facing serious and persistent mental health problems. Current reports by mental health consumers and recent research suggest that religion and spirituality is an important ingredient to client well-being and aids the recovery process. These findings have encouraged an increased interest in the role of both religion and spirituality in mental health practice. This article examines the state of research in this area. It describes the most prominent debates and dilemmas surrounding professional practice in this emotionally charged area. It also offers some simple suggestions to guide clinicians until more fully developed practice guidelines emerge. The author suggests that if spirituality or religion is important to individual clients, practitioners should explore how it can be used in an effective way.
The role of African-American pastors in mental health care
- Author:
- FARRIS Kimberly
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 14(1/2), 2006, pp.159-182.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
A biopsychosocial and spiritual model are used to examine the help-seeking behaviour of African-American individuals with mental illness. It addresses questions related to African-Americans under-utilization of formal mental health services and how spiritual factors contribute to their seeking help from African-American pastors. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Religion, spirituality and mental health
- Authors:
- DEIN Simon, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatrist (The), 34(2), February 2010, pp.63-64.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Research has demonstrated important associations between religiosity and well being; spirituality and religious faith are important coping mechanisms for managing stressful life events. However there is a religiosity gap between mental health clinicians and their patients, the former being less likely to be religious. In this special article, which is presented on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group, the authors discuss the differences between religion and spirituality and the role of spirituality in illness and treatment. They conclude that psychiatrists need to understand how religion and spirituality affect their patients’ lives in illness as well as health, and how spiritual and religious values can be harnessed to facilitate the healing process. They believe that an understanding of the relationship of spirituality and religion to mental health should be counted as essential to good clinical practice.
Spiritual advisors and old age psychiatry in the United Kingdom
- Authors:
- LAWRENCE Robert M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Religion and Culture, 11(3), April 2008, pp.273-286.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This survey investigates the role and views of NHS spiritual advisors across the United Kingdom on the provision of pastoral care for elderly people with mental health needs. The College of Health Care Chaplains provided a database, and questionnaires were sent to 405 registered NHS chaplains/spiritual advisors. The response rate was 59%. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out. Spiritual advisors describe their working patterns and understanding of their roles within the modern NHS, and their observations of the level of NHS staff awareness of the importance of spiritual issues in the mental health care of older adults. They provide insights into possible negative and positive perceptions of their roles at a service level, and contribute suggestions of topics relevant to shared education between pastoral care and clinical services. This survey further highlights ethical and operational dimensions at the point of integration of the work of spiritual advisors and multidisciplinary teams.
Let's get spiritual
- Authors:
- GILBERT Peter, KAUR Narinderjeet, PARKES Madeleine
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, October 2010, pp.29-33.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The authors discuss the complexities and challenges, for both service users and staff, of talking about spirituality and religion in the context of mental health services. The authors give guidelines for service users. They comment that they should be reassured that spirituality and religion are increasingly being recognised as an important part of holistic care and recovery. Service users should tell staff about their religious beliefs and what they need to explore and express these. Suggested guidance for staff is also given. Engaging with an individual’s spiritual needs is both effective and cost-effective as it will aid the individual’s recovery. Brief case examples are included.