Empirically supported religious and spiritual therapies.
This article evaluated the efficacy status of religious and spiritual (R/S) therapies for mental health problems, including treatments for depression, anxiety, unforgiveness, eating disorders, schizophrenia, alcoholism, anger, and marital issues. Religions represented included Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Buddhism. Some studies incorporated a generic spirituality. Several R/S therapies were found to be helpful for clients, supporting the further use and research on these therapies. There was limited evidence that R/S therapies outperformed established secular therapies, thus the decision to use an R/S therapy may be an issue of client preference and therapist comfort.
Hook
Joshua N
JN
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
Worthington
Everett L
EL
Davis
Don E
DE
Jennings
David J
DJ
Gartner
Aubrey L
AL
Hook
Jan P
JP
D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality