Religion in the recovery journey of individuals with experience of psychosis

Abstract

This study investigated the role of religion in recovery from psychosis. Semi-structured interviews explored the experiences of ten participants. Data analysis was informed by social constructionist grounded theory. Several processes through which religion may influence recovery were identified: use of scriptures and rituals; a genuine connection with God; the struggle to maintain rituals; guidelines for living; choice and control; relating to others; enhancing psychological well-being; and making sense of experiences. Implications are that services should address religious needs in promoting recovery. This could be achieved through environmental adaptations, collaboration with religious representatives and incorporation of religion into psychotherapeutic approaches. URL: http:/mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rpsy Psychosis Religion in the Recovery Journey of Individuals with Experience of Psychosis This study investigated the role of religion in recovery from psychosis. Semistructured interviews explored the experiences of ten participants. Data analysis was informed by social constructionist grounded theory. Several processes through which religion may influence recovery were identified: use of scriptures and rituals; a genuine connection with God; the struggle to maintain rituals; guidelines for living; choice and control; relating to others; enhancing psychological well-being; and making sense of experiences. Implications are that services should address religious needs in promoting recovery. This could be achieved through environmental adaptations, collaboration with religious representatives and incorporation of religion into psychotherapeutic approaches.

The experiences of spirituality among adults with mental health difficulties: a qualitative systematic review

“…The sub-theme of Multiple explanations describes the often contradictory explanatory frameworks that people grappled with to try to make sense of their mental health experiences (Heffernan et al ., 2016 ). Because of the lack of integration between conflicting views held by mental health services and religious organisations (Baker, 2010 ) participants sometimes struggled to arrive at an explanatory framework, which could in turn impede recovery.…”

“…Participants drew on their spiritual frameworks to develop and negotiate a spiritual identity (Drinnan and Lavender, 2006 ; Wilding et al ., 2006 ). Spirituality was seen as vital to life and enabled many participants to develop a healthier more empowered view of themselves (Wilding et al ., 2006 ; Starnino and Canda, 2014 ; Heffernan et al ., 2016 ).…”

“…People's Spiritual relationship, whether with God, a spiritual figure or a higher spiritual power was often significant for participants, being described as central to their faith or the most important relationship of their lives with crucial importance for coping during times of illness (Lilja, et al, 2016;Hanevik et al, 2017;Oxhandler et al, 2018). Heffernan et al (2016) found that the role of a genuine reciprocal relationship with a spiritual figure was so essential that it influenced many other aspects of people's experiences and that recovery was impeded when the relationship was disrupted within hospital settings. Sometimes…”

Narrative insight in psychosis: The relationship with spiritual and religious explanatory frameworks

“…With regard specifically to our exploration of spiritual and religious beliefs in this sample, our work suggests that services should explicitly ask how individuals' personal understanding of spirituality and/or religion may be part of their narrative development (McCarthy-Jones, Marriott, et al, 2013;Heffernan Neil, Thomas, & Weatherhead, 2016). Services need to develop an acceptance that individuals who have psychotic experiences may have a good rationale behind their own frameworks, which can validly include religious aspects.…”

Views of Catholic Priests Regarding Causes, Treatments and Psychosocial Consequences of Schizophrenia and Depression: A Comparative Study in Italy

“…Conversely, schizophrenia is often presented as an incurable brain disease requiring life-long pharmacological treatments to be controlled (Magliano and Marassi 2018 b; Read et al 2013 ; Kvaale et al 2013 ). Skepticism about the possibility of recovery in schizophrenia can adversely affect the hope priests may convey to churchgoers with psychotic symptoms (Heffernan et al 2016 ) and it may discourage persons with these disorders from making efforts to improve their quality of life.…”