Culture and Spirituality in the Process of Mental Health and Recovery: Users and Providers Perspectives

Background: Spiritual beliefs are known to impact on mental well-being and recovery, yet professionals and clinicians often fail to explore user and carer perspectives on these. Aims: Explore views of ethnically diverse service users, carers, service providers including Early Intervention in Psychosis service (EIS) professionals and spiritual care team representatives on the significance of spirituality, culture and religion on mental health recovery. Method: Eleven focus groups were conducted with service users, carers, health professionals and representatives of spiritual care. Results: Thematic analysis uncovered three main themes on service users’ mental health recovery: Shame and Creating a Positive Sense of Self; Meeting Cultural, Spiritual, Religious and Individual Needs; Spiritual and Religious Beliefs impact on Well-being. Clinical Implications: Healthcare professionals should consider the impact of spirituality on services users’ mental health recovery and well-being. Further training, guidance and support are needed to increase professional competency.