The influence of religiosity / spirituality on mental health

Abstract

Health care workers and researchers are increasingly recognizing the religiosity/spirituality (R/S) great dimension in health. It is important to note that investigations had pointed studies which found spirituality as a significant positive factor on physical health, subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction. Others also evidenced a negative burden of spirituality in mental health, through negative religious coping, negative beliefs and miscommunication. In 2008, The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) declared the spiritual wellbeing as an important health aspect, reinforcing the R/S valuation of the patients with mental disorders. Noticing the necessity of more knowledge about the subject the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) introduced a new category called "Religious and Spiritual Problems" to angle the diagnostic attention, justifying the evaluation of religious and spiritual experiences as a constituent part. Patients want the assistance team to demonstrate a holistic interest during interventions, including spiritual support during illness. Visualizing mental health assistance's future as a continuous path towards a better understanding of men's complexity and integrated health care, it seems appropriate to say that spirituality/religiosity will play a great role in this direction.