Reflections on the WPA position statement on spirituality and religion |
| |
Authors: | A. J. Gray |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UKalison.gray6@nhs.net |
| |
Abstract: | ABSTRACTThe WPA position statement on Spirituality and Religion in Psychiatry is a tremendous achievement. This is a field of research which has developed greatly in the last 25 years with increasing sophistication of methodology within the biomedical paradigm. However, I will argue that the reductionism necessary for quantitative scientific research flattens out the very particularity which makes the religions potent and active. There is a need to increase the use of qualitative research methods to give a fuller account of the health impact of the deep and rich lived experience within a faith community. |
| |
Keywords: | Spirituality religion faith health care mental health psychiatry, qualitative research |
|
|