Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Adam Levy

Abstract

MARIAH WILLIAMS

Faith-Based Intervention: Bridging the Religiosity Gap

Religion and Spirituality (RS) has been suggested to play a positive role in the recovery process for severe mental illness. Although there is still a lot of controversy with the relationship of RS in the mental health field, previous research shows that RS promotes a healthier lifestyle, fosters a personal sense of community, and provides unique coping mechanisms for those who are in the recovery process. These findings further suggest that the need for faith-based intervention into recovery has become crucial for patients who have an intrinsic belief system. However, because there is a “religiosity gap” between the practitioner and the client, in which the professional may lack foundational knowledge of the unique RS belief system, there is a reduction in help-seeking behaviors found in those individuals. For clients seeking RS intervention, fear that a “secular” counselor would be unable to understand their RS convictions, nor be able to incorporate their beliefs into treatment, has hindered the willingness to pursue help for many. Possible solutions for bridging the religiosity gap are discussed, along with promising further implications to educate the clinician on the RS beliefs and needs of their clients.

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Faith-Based Intervention: Bridging the Religiosity Gap

MARIAH WILLIAMS

Faith-Based Intervention: Bridging the Religiosity Gap

Religion and Spirituality (RS) has been suggested to play a positive role in the recovery process for severe mental illness. Although there is still a lot of controversy with the relationship of RS in the mental health field, previous research shows that RS promotes a healthier lifestyle, fosters a personal sense of community, and provides unique coping mechanisms for those who are in the recovery process. These findings further suggest that the need for faith-based intervention into recovery has become crucial for patients who have an intrinsic belief system. However, because there is a “religiosity gap” between the practitioner and the client, in which the professional may lack foundational knowledge of the unique RS belief system, there is a reduction in help-seeking behaviors found in those individuals. For clients seeking RS intervention, fear that a “secular” counselor would be unable to understand their RS convictions, nor be able to incorporate their beliefs into treatment, has hindered the willingness to pursue help for many. Possible solutions for bridging the religiosity gap are discussed, along with promising further implications to educate the clinician on the RS beliefs and needs of their clients.