Is T h e re a B a lm in G ile a d ? T h e Im p lic a tio n s o f F a ith in C o p in g w i t h a P s y c h ia tric D is a b ility

The role of spirituality in recovery from mental illness has gained increased attention in recent years. In this article, the authors present an update on previous work exploring the role and function of religion/spirituality in the lives of people participating in a psychiatric rehabilitation program (Bussema & Bussema, 2000). Fifty-eight (58) participants age 18 to 64 completed a spirituality survey based on Pargament's five coping functions of religion. Chi-square tests for independence and independent groups t-tests were performed. Seventy-one percent of the respondents reported that their spiritual life has played a significant role in their recovery. Reported religious coping strategies are discussed within the framework of a recovery model of service delivery.