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Trauma, Religion, and Spirituality: Pathways to Healing

• August 2015
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18866-9_19
• In book: Traumatic Stress and Long-Term Recovery
• By Anna R. Harper, Kenneth I. Pargament

[Abstract

When disaster strikes, sacred dimensions of life are commonly brought to the forefront. This chapter explores the complex and dynamic ways in which religion and spirituality are embedded in the posttraumatic recovery process. We discuss the impact of religion and spirituality on people’s understandings of traumatic events, the selection of methods to cope with adversity and the coping methods themselves, and the short- and long-term outcomes of trauma. The chapter concludes with a summary of ways in which religion and spirituality can be integrated into the posttraumatic recovery process, accompanied by promising outcome data from spiritually--integrated intervention studies. We highlight a dual approach to religious/spiritual coping that includes maximizing the use of positive religious/spiritual coping resources and resolving posttraumatic religious/spiritual struggles. The information presented in this chapter is applicable to the work of researchers, clinicians, clergy, helping professionals, and paraprofessionals who are interested in the roles religion and spirituality might play in preventing enduring posttraumatic problems and enhancing lasting posttraumatic growth.]

[Conclusion In times of crisis, sacred dimensions of life become especially salient. Religion and spirituality are often embedded within multiple aspects of the posttraumatic recovery process, including the ways in which people understand crises, the methods they select to cope with adversity, and the short- and long-term outcomes of trauma. The relationships between religion, spirituality, and trauma are complex and dynamic. Religion and spirituality can be integrated into interventions designed to help people along in the coping process. Outcome data from spiritually–integrated interventions have been promising thus far (Bormann et al., 2006; Oemig Dworsky et al., 2012; Smith et al., 2007; Tarakeshwar et al., 2005; Wachholtz & Pargament, 2008). A dual approach to religious/spiritual coping that includes maximizing the use of positive religious/spiritual coping resources and resolving posttraumatic religious/spiritual struggles appears to be particularly effective. Researchers and helping professionals should continue to explore ways in which individuals’ religious and spiritual experiences can play a key role in treatment. For many, religion and spirituality offer promising pathways to long-term posttraumatic adjustment and growth.]