Exploring the therapeutic potential of religious and spiritual practices: a qualitative inquiry of religious/spiritual experts

Exploring the therapeutic potential of religious and spiritual practices: a qualitative inquiry of religious/spiritual experts

With evidence that some religious/spiritual practices have positive effects on mental health in both clinical and non-clinical populations, it is tempting to introduce these practices into clinical mental health settings. Before using religious/spiritual practices with people with diverse or no religious/spiritual backgrounds, however, it is important to understand the relevance of the religion or spiritual tradition from which they originate. Gaining information from religious/spiritual experts about the relevance of the religious affiliation is important in considering the extent to which the mental health benefits of these practices are influenced by adherence to these traditions and, therefore, if these practices can be effectively used as mental health interventions. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with religious/spiritual experts from 12 different religions and spiritual traditions. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) “No need for any religious/spiritual beliefs”; (2) The added advantage of the religious/spiritual affiliation; (3) Concerns and recommendations. Findings revealed that, while religious/spiritual practices may support mental health when used outside the religious/spiritual context, they may be more beneficial when used within a religion and spiritual tradition. Experts emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating the practice’s acceptability within the target population. The need for mental health professionals to be trained to use religious/spiritual practices as mental health interventions was also identified.