Participation in Existential Groups Led by Norwegian Healthcare Chaplains—Relations to Psychological Distress, Crisis of Meaning and Meaningfulness

Abstract

Spirituality groups led by healthcare chaplains have been found to aid patients' recovery processes in US psychiatric units. In Norway, existential groups (EGs) led by healthcare chaplains and co-led by healthcare staff members are offered at psychiatric units; these groups share commonalities with spirituality groups, group psychotherapy, existential therapy and clinical pastoral care, facilitating patients' reflections regarding existential, spiritual and religious issues. The study aimed to examine associations between patients' participation and topics discussed in the EGs and their experiences of psychological distress, crisis of meaning and meaningfulness. A crosssectional design was applied among 157 patients attending EGs led by healthcare chaplains across Norway. Multivariate regression analyses assessed the strength of possible associations, adjusted for relevant demographical variables. Significant association was found between lengthier EG participation and lower levels of psychological distress, while discussion topics concerning religious and spiritual issues were significantly associated with the experience of meaningfulness.

Significance of Self-Transcendence for Rehabilitation and Relapse Prevention among Patients with Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study

“…It is likely that this can be seen on the basis of therapy and conversations with the chaplain, as well as conversations in existential conversation groups led by the chaplain. Such settings may help patients to articulate cognitive processes, their needs, and what has significance and gives them meaning (Frøkedal 2021). This ability to articulate positive urges and cravings, as well as strengths and wishes for their lives following their period of rehabilitation, may help them to avoid high-risk situations and relapse (Hendershot et al 2011).…”

‘Existential’ in Scandinavian Healthcare Journals: An Analysis of the Concept and Implications for Future Research

“…DeMarinis (2006DeMarinis ( , 2008 provided a muchcited definition (see Table 2) of 'existential health' in Pastoral Care, Existential Health and Existential Epidemiology, which emphasised the individual's way of creating meaning. This definition remains widely used and referred to in the Scandinavian research field of the psychology of religion (Frøkedal 2020;Frøkedal et al 2019;Haug et al 2016;Lloyd et al 2017;Søberg et al 2018;Sundal and Lykkeslet 2020;Ulland and DeMarinis 2014).…”

“…In arguments using existential as an umbrella concept, the concept included spiritual, religious and secular domains (DeMarinis 2003(DeMarinis , 2008Frøkedal 2020;la Cour and Hvidt 2010). 'Existential' as an overarching concept provides a framework that includes the secular domain, as well as the spiritual and religious spheres.…”