Understanding Preferences for Addressing Spirituality Among Adults Seeking Outpatient Mental Health Care

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2020 Jun;208(6):514-516. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001164.

Abstract

Focusing on 472 religiously heterogenous adult patients seeking psychotherapy at a university-based outpatient clinic, this brief report examined (1) these patients' preferences about clinicians appreciating their religion and/or spirituality (R/S) backgrounds (spiritually affirming) and addressing spiritual concerns in treatment (spiritually integrated) and (2) role of demographic factors and psychological functioning in predicting preferences for R/S integration. Analyses revealed that more than half of patients reported moderate or greater importance for spiritually affirming care and one-third hoped to address spiritual issues. Furthermore, these factors emerged as indicators of stronger preferences for R/S integration: female sex, racial minority status (African American, Native American), history of marriage (past and present), affiliation to organized religion (Christianity, Islam), and importance placed on R/S. In general, findings suggest that most patients seeking psychotherapy in a university-based clinic in southern Alabama might desire a spiritually affirming approach, and a smaller subset prefer an approach in which R/S is integrated into treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alabama
  • Comprehension
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatients
  • Patient Preference / psychology*
  • Patient Preference / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities
  • Young Adult