Spirituality plays a powerful role in mental wellbeing across Europe and the world. It’s not necessarily linked to religion—it’s about meaning, connection, purpose and inner peace. Let’s explore the science, lived experience and relevance of spirituality in mental health.
Scientific Insights & Research about Spirituality and Mental Wellbeing
1. Key Findings from Recent Studies
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 longitudinal and 29 intervention studies found that spiritual involvement (formal and informal) was linked to lower depression and anxiety among young people aged 10–24. Spiritual wellbeing was protective, while negative religious coping increased symptoms. Here>> BioMed Central.
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A large meta-analytic review of over 600 studies (148 in-depth studies) found overall positive associations between religiosity/spirituality and mental health, especially emotional wellbeing and reduced distress. Here>> zygonjournal.org.
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A Dutch & Belgian follow‑up study (2024, Religions) showed that the spiritual dimension of meaning in life predicted higher well‑being weeks later, while the subscales of trust and transcendent experience had nuanced associations with changes in mental distress. Here>> mdpi.com+1Nature+1.
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An ethnographic study across Spain and Portugal concluded that spiritual health is a foundational aspect of overall wellbeing, integrating personal, communal, environmental and transcendental domains, Here>> mdpi.com.
2. Why It Matters
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Spirituality is more than belief—it’s a framework that nurtures connection, resilience, identity, and emotional regulation.
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Evidence shows involvement in spiritual or religious communities is statistically associated with greater self-esteem, hope, purpose and lower rates of anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation. Here>> en.wikipedia.org+8BioMed Central+8tandfonline.com+8.
Key Benefits of Spiritual Wellbeing
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Reduced depressive and anxious symptoms
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Greater sense of meaning and life purpose
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Better emotional regulation, optimism and self-esteem
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Enhanced psychological resilience and community belonging
Applications Across Europe
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In the UK, spiritual aspects are integrated into mental health practices and community support programmes.
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Nordic countries often include spirituality in public health, ageing and social care contexts.
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In Ireland, mental health services and community groups increasingly acknowledge spiritual wellbeing as a key dimension of recovery and holistic care.
FAQ
Q: How does spirituality support mental health?
A: It helps reduce depression and anxiety, improves emotional resilience, and provides sense of purpose and connection.
Q: Do I need to be religious to benefit?
A: No. Spirituality includes personal meaning, trust, nature connection or transcendental openness—not just formal religion.
Q: Is spirituality supported by science?
A: Yes. Meta-analyses and longitudinal studies show strong links between spiritual wellbeing and mental health outcomes.
Q: Are all spiritual practices beneficial?
A: Most support wellbeing, but negative spiritual coping (e.g. guilt, abandonment) may worsen distress. Trust and personal meaning are more reliably helpful.
Q: Where can I read more?
A: Try the BMC Psychiatry systematic review, Religions 2024 article on spirituality and well‑being, and the Four Domains model paper. Here>> link.springer.com+4BioMed Central+4pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+4 and here>> pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govmdpi.com Here>> BioMed Central Here>> BioMed Central.
How Spirituality Has Supported My Mental Wellbeing
I grew up in a Christian household, in a Brazilian denomination full of dogmas and doctrinal rules I never fully agreed with. My father was a member of the Assembleia de Deus in Brazil, and until I was thirteen, I was taken to church regularly. But even then, I was uneasy with their doctrine—especially how strict it was towards women. Nowadays, I know this same denomination has evolved and become more understanding. In fact, at the age of 43, I occasionally attend a local Assembleia de Deus church here as a visitor, simply to join in singing hymns—the part I’ve always enjoyed most.
But I no longer consider myself someone with a fixed religion. I’m open to many forms of spirituality, and I no longer tie myself to rules and dogmas created by men. My relationship with God (in whom I believe) and with the Universe (divine energy) is now completely personal, and it does me a world of good. When I faced deep depression, alongside medication, it was spirituality that began to lift me up again—helping me see life with more gratitude, lightness, and hope.
Spirituality gives us faith, whatever we choose to call divine in our lives. It’s this faith that brings us a certain lightness, certainty, and hope that, despite the storms we face, things will eventually settle, and troubled waters will become calm. So even though I grew up in a religion that once imposed things I didn’t like, I’ve grown up and redefined my relationship with the divine so that it’s become an ally, not a burden. Part of this is down to an internal filter I’ve developed: I take what is useful to my soul and let go of what hurts.
If you’re living without spirituality and that’s working for you, that’s perfectly fine. If you believe spirituality helps you “hold the bull by the horns,” as a Brazilian poet once said, then welcome to my world. We’re in this wild, invisible thing called faith together—trusting in something greater than ourselves.
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