Chapter 6: Spiritual Issues in Psychiatric Nursing

Spiritual Issues in Psychiatric Nursing explores the etymological roots of psychiatry as the healing of the soul and presents theoretical frameworks, including the theistic view which connects the human spirit to a transcendent source, and the humanistic view which focuses on self-transcendence and connection to others. Significant attention is given to the psychological underpinnings of spirituality, referencing Jung’s focus on meaning, Frankl’s logotherapy regarding hope in suffering, and developmental theories connecting early trust with the concept of a divine presence. The text addresses the clinical differentiation between healthy spirituality and sick religiosity, identifying how the latter can manifest as exclusiveness or absolutism that complicates mental health. Practical assessment strategies are detailed, specifically the HOPE and FICA acronyms, to help nurses conduct spiritual histories without imposing personal values. Furthermore, the summary outlines resilience factors known as the Four B's—Being, Belonging, Belief, and Benevolence—and reviews relevant nursing diagnoses from NANDA International such as Spiritual Distress, alongside the DSM-5 category for Religious or Spiritual Problems. The chapter also discusses the challenges of providing spiritual care to patients with thought disorders like schizophrenia, where concrete thinking may hinder the understanding of symbolic religious language, and underscores the importance of collaboration with professional chaplains as part of the interdisciplinary team.