[Neurosis and religiosity. Is there a causal correlation?].
The interrelation between religiosity, mental health and psychopathology is reviewed on the basis of the current literature. Attributional labels, such as the German term "ecclesiogenic neurosis" are submitted to a critical reevaluation, and their validity as a construct is questioned. Neurotic symptomatology in religious patients has to be seen against the background of their underlying pathology, their biography, and the way in which they integrate religion into their life styles. The religiosity of a patient cannot be singled out as a causative and thus primary pathogenetic factor. Rather religion has to be seen as one forming element among others contributing to the content of a neurotic process. Therapists working with religious patients should try to understand the religious background of their patients in order to help them integrate their religiosity in a larger framework of therapeutic goals.
Pfeifer
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Psychiatrische Klinik Sonnenhalde, Riehen/Schweiz.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012071:Religion and Sex; D012944:Social Support