SPIRITUALITY, RELIGIOSITY, AND MENTAL HEALTH

A BIBLIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THIS ALLIANCE IN PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE HUMAN PERSON AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and mental health, with a focus on the influence of these factors on psychological well-being, especially inthe context of elderly individuals, given their vulnerabilities. The aim of the research was to analyze how spirituality can impact mental health and the role of Hospital Chaplaincy in this process. The methodology employed was a bibliographic review, with qualitative research in books and articles accessed through the Google Scholar, SciELO, MEDLINE, and LILACS databases, using the descriptors "mental health" and "spirituality." The research addressed theories from relevant studies, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO), which emphasizes the spiritual dimension as essential in comprehensive health care, in addition to contributions from the theology of care, which underpins Hospital Chaplaincy. The latter advocates for the integration of faith into the clinical environment as a factor in emotional healing and can be considered an effective tool for integrating religiosity and spirituality in patient care, particularly in the aging process, aiming to promote psychological well-being. The analysis revealed that spirituality can act as a protective factor in mental health, providing comfort and support in coping with psychological disorders. It was found that, although the relationship between religiosity and mental health is complex, the inclusion of spiritual practices in clinical care, especially in the hospital context, can contribute to a more satisfying and adaptable aging process, providing patients, particularly the elderly, relief from psychological suffering and significant emotional support.