A call for collaboration: Perception of religious and spiritual leaders on mental health (A Portuguese sample)

Abstract

To assess the relationship and collaborations between mental health professionals and religious and spiritual leaders, eleven representatives of ten different religious affiliations in Portugal participated in this qualitative study. Major findings reported show that, religious and spiritual leaders perceive themselves as important agents in promoting and preserving their congregants' mental health, as well as aiding their recovery processes; however this occurs without much referral to or collaboration with mental health professionals. These findings are discussed, as well as why and how a healthy collaboration between mental health professionals and religious and spiritual leaders can positively impact the psychotherapeutic relationship and clinical outcomes with religiously and spiritual clients, as recommended by several professional codes of ethics and reinforced by the existing scientific literature.

Religious Coping Styles, General Health, and Psychological Well-Being Among Mothers of Mentally Disabled Children

“…Da Silva et al indicated that religion/spirituality was significantly and directly related to psychological health. Additionally, the results of a study conducted by Freire and Moleiro [30] revealed that religion/spirituality was a powerful predictor of psychological and physical health. Moreover, Chirico [31] found that religion and spirituality can improve and promote individuals' psychological and physical health.…”

“…Da Silva et al indicated that there was a significant and direct relationship between religion/spirituality and mental health [29]. Additionally, a study conducted by Freire and Moleiro [30] revealed that religion/spirituality was a powerful predictor of psychological and physical health. Moreover, Chirico [31] found that psychological and physical health can be improved and promoted by religion and spirituality.…”