Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy and Integration between the Dimensions of Spirituality and Religiosity in the Treatment of Depression
Aristide Saggino, Marco Tommasi, Chiara Di Marcantonio, Maria Rita Sergi
The relationship between spirituality and religiosity and the psycho-physical well-being of individuals represents an emblematic area of interest. Several studies show how spirituality and religiosity and psycho-physical well-being are related to mental health, in particular to depressive symptoms. From a clinical perspective, these dimensions are operationalised in «spiritual and religious coping», a complex and multidimensional series of strategies that are activated when patients draw on their faith to cope with harmful events. Data show a lack of clarity of the clinical adaptation of spirituality and religiosity, through cognitive-behavioural protocols. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyse the current cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy protocols, which integrate patients’ spiritual and religious beliefs. The research was conducted using the following search engines: «PubMed», «Scopus» and «PsycInfo». Results show a protective effect of spiritual and religious dimensions on depressive psychopathology and depressive symptoms in comorbidities. The protocol demonstrates the moderate efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy, associated with spiritual and religious dimensions by analysing and modifying irrational or dysfunctional beliefs in depressive symptoms. Evidence shows the value of spirituality and religiosity in determining a protective effect on mental health and the possibility of effectively integrating spiritual dimensions into cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy.
Keywords
Spirituality, Religiosity, Cognitive-behavioural therapy, Depression, Review.
