Abstract
There is a growing evidence which suggests that religion and spirituality are positively correlated with mental health. However, despite the encouraging research support for inclusion of religion and spirituality in mental health, there is a lack of readiness. Majority of therapists are neither trained nor ready to include religion and spirituality in psychotherapy, and clients' attitudes and perceptions are generally ignored. This study aims to: (a) explore the clients' attitudes and perception towards inclusion of religion and spirituality in psychotherapy, and (b) assess the correlation between level of religiousness and perception towards the inclusion of religion and spirituality in psychotherapy. To assess the level of Islamic religiousness and attitudes towards the inclusion of religion and spirituality in psychotherapy, Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (PMIR) and Client Attitudes toward Spirituality in Therapy Survey (CAST) were used respectively, along with the Global Religiousness Scale. The sample comprised of 96 Muslim clients who had either received or were receiving psychotherapy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results of the study strongly indicated a preference towards inclusion of religion and spirituality in psychotherapy. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between the religious dimension of the CAST with the PMIR r(81)= 323, p<.01. These findings suggest large, prospective, multicenter studies to explore clients' preferences and identify training related features that influence psychotherapy. Further research regarding the spiritual and religious issues in psychotherapy, specifically in the Saudi cultural context is also recommended.