What is it about?
Relational spirituality is a concept that focuses attention on the ways people relate to the sacred. This study examines whether different ways of relating to the sacred affect levels of depression and whether marital partners affect each other’s level of relational spirituality and depression. The results demonstrate relational spirituality is a useful framework for addressing depression in individuals as well as married couples.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
While current research indicates spirituality has a largely positive effect on mental health, there is some evidence that seems to contradict that notion. We concluded that the negative impact of spirituality may be related to the quality of their relationship with the sacred. Consequently, we set out to test the validity of our conclusions. An additional benefit of this study would be find out if the quality of a husband's relationship to the sacred could affect not only his mental health but also his partner's mental health as well and vice versa. Answers to these questions will help to close the gap in our understanding of the mechanisms by which religion/spirituality alleviates depression.
Perspectives
The experience of participating in a study of this type was particularly gratifying since it has helped me to find answers to some critical questions concerning spirituality, mental health and marital relationships. I believe every reader, whether scholar, clinician, or interested observer will find it informative and helpful.
Dr Conroy Reynolds
University of Redlands
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Relational spirituality and depression among married couples in Antigua, Mental Health Religion & Culture, July 2016, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2016.1207619.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
