Handling spirituality/ religion in professional training
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
With increasing research interest in the relationship between spirituality/religion
and mental health, the present study uses semi-structured interviews on a select group of Muslim
students to explore their understanding and handling of spirituality in a secular training programme.
Their understanding of spirituality, its perceived role in therapy and their training
experiences are subjected to qualitative analysis using the framework approach (Ritchie &
Spencer, 1994. In A. Bryman & R.G. Burgess (Eds), Analysing Qualitative Data. London: Routledge).
All five participants perceived spirituality as central to human functioning. Probes into
their training experience uncovered issues of bias against religious applicants, apprehension
about demonstrating religious commitment, fear of punishment for compromising religious
integrity, better rapport with Muslim patients but general uncertainty about handling spiritual
issues in therapy, and a strong desire for the integration of spirituality/religion in the program.
Description
Keywords
Muslim students, Mental health, Professional training, Spirituality
Citation
Patel, C. J., Shikongo, A. E. 2006. Handling Spirituality/ Religion in Professional Training: Experiences of a Sample of Muslim Psychology Students. Journal of Religion and Health 45(1)1-158.