Understanding and the Role of Religious Spiritual Interventions on Healing of Psychological Traumas: A Qualitative Overview

Abstract

Background: Recent research has suggested that religious and spiritual interventions may aid in the healing process from trauma. However, the nuances of these interventions, including their potential negative impacts, require further exploration. The main purpose of this study was to synthesize the findings of existing literature regarding the roles of religion and spirituality in psychological traumas. Methods: This qualitative review employed a narrative synthesis approach guided by the PRISMA framework. A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Scopus) was conducted, utilizing a combination of keywords related to trauma, religion, spirituality, and resilience factors. Articles published in English from January 2014 to September 2024 were examined, with the final selection process yielding a total of six relevant articles. Results: The analysis identified four main themes. The positive effects highlighted included meaning-making, social support, coping mechanisms, post-traumatic growth, reduced PTSD symptoms, and adapting therapeutic interventions. Conversely, negative effects encompassed feelings of guilt and shame, delayed help-seeking, and cognitive dissonance. Additionally, the findings emphasized the necessity of indicating variability based on demographics and cross-cultural comparisons between Western, Eastern, and Indigenous healing practices. Conclusion: The review underscores the dual nature of religious and spiritual interventions in trauma recovery, presenting both beneficial and detrimental outcomes. Mental health professionals must remain sensitive to the interplay of religious beliefs and individual experiences when designing therapeutic interventions. Future research should further explore the complexities of faith within diverse populations to enhance the efficacy of trauma recovery practices. © 2025 The Author(s).