Mental health, religion and spirituality: Attitudes, experience and expertise among mental health professionals and religious leaders in Somerset

Abstract

This article reviews the relationship between mental health and religion/spirituality over the last twenty years as a background to exploring the current attitudes, experience and expertise of mental heath professionals and religious leaders in Somerset. The results of two research questionnaires are compared, there is a literature review, and conclusions are drawn to help provide a fuller picture of the current religious and spiritual services available to users of the mental health services. These provide useful pointers to improve these services and to understand the professional and institutional barriers to such improvements.