Presenter Information

Sarah BieberFollow

Start Date

18-8-2017 10:00 AM

End Date

18-8-2017 11:30 AM

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Over the past 30 years, the field of psychology has evolved to become more receptive towards spirituality as an influential concept in the recovery of many mental health illnesses. The role of spirituality as it relates to recovery for patients living with schizophrenia, however, has not been effectively explored. In order to induce a spiritual sense, one must have an ability to think and reflect abstractly; however, this requirement conflicts with the schizophrenic mind’s preference for concrete thinking. It is questionable whether patients with schizophrenia regard the role of spirituality as it relates to their recovery in the same way as those with other mental illnesses (or no mental illness) regard its role. Objective: The aim of this integrated literature review was to explore the role of spirituality from the perspective of patients with schizophrenia. With further insight, mental health providers may be able to develop treatment plans that integrate spirituality in more meaningful and effective ways that increase quality of life for this unique patient population. Methods: A search of CINAHL, PsychINFO, HAPI, and Academic Search Complete databases was conducted. Primary research published in peer-reviewed journals was systematically searched and evaluated. A total of twelve studies met predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Overall, the literature validates the practice of spirituality in those living with and recovering from schizophrenia. Spirituality was found to provide an array of benefits including: validation of beliefs, safety, support, strength, and relief of symptoms. The literature did not, however, reveal a synthesized role of spirituality among patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Existing literature lacks significant qualitative research with a primary aim of identifying the role of spirituality from the perspective of patients with schizophrenia. Further research is required to uncover more meaningful and actionable data.

Keywords: schizophrenia; spirituality; mental illness recovery

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Aug 18th, 10:00 AM Aug 18th, 11:30 AM

The Role of Spirituality Among Schizophrenia Patients: An Integrated Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Over the past 30 years, the field of psychology has evolved to become more receptive towards spirituality as an influential concept in the recovery of many mental health illnesses. The role of spirituality as it relates to recovery for patients living with schizophrenia, however, has not been effectively explored. In order to induce a spiritual sense, one must have an ability to think and reflect abstractly; however, this requirement conflicts with the schizophrenic mind’s preference for concrete thinking. It is questionable whether patients with schizophrenia regard the role of spirituality as it relates to their recovery in the same way as those with other mental illnesses (or no mental illness) regard its role. Objective: The aim of this integrated literature review was to explore the role of spirituality from the perspective of patients with schizophrenia. With further insight, mental health providers may be able to develop treatment plans that integrate spirituality in more meaningful and effective ways that increase quality of life for this unique patient population. Methods: A search of CINAHL, PsychINFO, HAPI, and Academic Search Complete databases was conducted. Primary research published in peer-reviewed journals was systematically searched and evaluated. A total of twelve studies met predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Overall, the literature validates the practice of spirituality in those living with and recovering from schizophrenia. Spirituality was found to provide an array of benefits including: validation of beliefs, safety, support, strength, and relief of symptoms. The literature did not, however, reveal a synthesized role of spirituality among patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Existing literature lacks significant qualitative research with a primary aim of identifying the role of spirituality from the perspective of patients with schizophrenia. Further research is required to uncover more meaningful and actionable data.

Keywords: schizophrenia; spirituality; mental illness recovery