Conversations and Beyond: Religious/Spiritual Care Needs Among Clinical Mental Health Patients in the Netherlands

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2020 Jul;208(7):524-532. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001150.

Abstract

This study examines religious/spiritual (R/S) care needs and their possible determinants among mental health patients in the Netherlands. Patients in a Christian (CC, n = 100) and a secular (SC, n = 101) mental health clinic completed a questionnaire. Analysis revealed three factors on the R/S care needs measure: (1) "R/S conversations," (2) "R/S program and recovery," and (3) "R/S similar outlook on life." The presence of R/S care needs was predicted by the following: site (CC versus SC), R/S involvement, and religious strain. Most commonly, unmet R/S care needs were explanation about R/S and illness by the practitioner, prayer with a nurse, conversations about religious distress with a nurse, conversation when R/S conflicts with treatment, help in finding a congregation, and contact between chaplain and practitioner. "R/S similar outlook on life" was equally important to patients with and without R/S involvement. Patients appreciate a match in worldview with health professionals, either religious or secular.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Christianity*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment
  • Netherlands
  • Pastoral Care
  • Patient Preference*
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires