Providing guidance on the health effects of religious/spiritual involvement: a national assessment of university counseling professionals

J Relig Health. 2012 Mar;51(1):198-214. doi: 10.1007/s10943-010-9345-8.

Abstract

This study assessed the perceptions and practices of a national sample of university counseling professionals (n = 306) regarding their provision of guidance on the health effects of religious/spiritual involvement. Relatively few (21%) discussed the physical health effects of religiosity/spirituality with their clients. The majority (52%) were unsure that such discussions would result in lower health risks; however, nearly half (48%) indicated that these would promote recovery. Almost two-thirds (64%) indicated that discussions of religious/spiritual involvement and health "should occur only with clients who indicate that religion/spirituality is important to them." A plurality (36%) of the respondents had received no formal training on this topic. Implications for clinical training, university counseling centers, and future research are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Counseling*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Spirituality*
  • Universities*