Ma#hew S. Stanford, Ph.D. Chief Execu9ve Officer Hope and Healing Center & Ins9tute
The Role of Faith and Spirituality in Mental Health
Reasons for the Involvement of R/S in Mental Health
Logis9cal
Therapeu9c
Spiritual
Individuals experiencing distress are more likely to go to a clergy before any other professional group; this is especially true in minority popula9ons.
Chalfant et al., 1990; Wang, Berglund, & Kessler, 2003
Gallup Survey: R/S and Mood
BU Religion Survey: R/S and Worry
BU Religion Survey: R/S and Mental Health
BU Religion Survey: R/S and Anxiety
Benevolent God
Authorita9ve God
Distant God Cri9cal God
Froese, P., & Bader, C. (2010). American's Four Gods. New York: Oxford University
Less Judgmental More Judgmental
Less Engaged
More Engaged
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A HOLISTIC VIEW OF THE SELF
Mark 12:30-‐31 Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. … Love your neighbor as
yourself.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and man.
A HolisSc Approach to Recovery
• Mental Needs – Psychotherapy – Coping Skills – Structure and Routine – Cycles and Triggers – Mental Activities
• Spiritual Needs – Hope – Identity – Purpose – Spiritual Growth – Community
• Relational Needs – Family and Friends – Resolving Conflict – Overcoming Stigma – Opportunities to Serve – Forgiveness
• Physical Needs – Sleep – Medication – Relaxation – Nutrition – Exercise
“I was sick and you looked aUer me ... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Ma#hew 25:36,40)
living grace groups
0 5
10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Pre-‐Group Post-‐Group 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58
Pre-‐Group Post-‐Group
Spiritual Growth Score
Rogers & Stanford, 2015
Depression / Anxiety Score
Why are Faith and Spirituality Important?
� Front door to the mental health care system � Suppor9ve care and relapse management � Therapeu9c benefits � Holis9c perspec9ve � Hope that transcends circumstances � Personal spiritual growth
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care
� Availability Too Few Mental Health Professionals Serious Lack of Facilities
� Accessibility No Transportation Limited Financial Resources Lack of Knowledge and Education
� Acceptability Stigma Cultural Beliefs
Community Mental Health IniSaSve
The goal of the CMHI is to implement a system of suppor9ve mental health services throughout the community using non-‐professionals, working in collabora9on with professional mental health care providers. These free and easily accessible services will enhance the quality of life of individuals struggling with mental health problems and their families.
� Mental Health Training � Support Groups � Mental Health Coaches � Recovery Homes � Education and Awareness Seminars
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