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Including the 'spiritual' within mental health care in the UK, from experiences of people with mental health problems.

Forrester-Jones, R., Dietzfelbinger, L., Stedman, D., Richmond, P. (2017) Including the 'spiritual' within mental health care in the UK, from experiences of people with mental health problems. Journal of Religion and Health, 57 (1). pp. 384-407. ISSN 0022-4197. E-ISSN 1573-6571. (doi:10.1007/s10943-017-0502-1) (KAR id:63724)

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Abstract

Spirituality as a dimension of quality of life and well-being has recently begun to be more valued within person-centred treatment approaches to mental health in the UK. The aim of this paper is to provide indicators of the extent to which accessing a spiritual support group may be useful within mental health recovery from the view point of those in receipt of it. The study design was a small scale exploratory study utilising mixed methods. Quantitative methods were used to map the mental health, general well-being and social networks of the group. These were complimented by a semi-structured open-ended interview which allowed for Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the life-history accounts of nine individuals with mental health problems who attended a ‘spirituality support group’. Data from unstructured open-ended interviews with five faith chaplains and a mental health day centre manager were also analysed using thematic analysis. The views of 15 participants are therefore recounted. Participants reported that the group offered them: an alternative to more formal religious organisations, and an opportunity to settle spiritual confusions/fears. The ‘group’ was also reported to generally help individual’s subjective feelings of mental wellness through social support. Whilst the merits of spiritual care are appealing, convincing services to include it within treatment may still be difficult.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s10943-017-0502-1
Uncontrolled keywords: Spirituality, Mental health, Social support, Qualitative
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Rachel Forrester-Jones
Date Deposited: 04 Oct 2017 09:22 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Jul 2023 11:04 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/63724 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Forrester-Jones, R..

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