Spirituality and Mental Health: A Chinese Perspective

Abstract

Although spirituality and mental health were considered two separate worlds in the past, it is becoming increasingly apparent that spirituality is an important aspect of mental health. The concept of spirituality continues to evolve and now encompasses personal quests and non-materialistic values, one's core belief systems, the pursuit of peace and purpose in life, connection to self and others, and self-transcendence. These spiritual values are deeply influenced by one's culture. To be able to provide culturally sensitive care to people from diverse cultures, it is necessary to better understand and appreciate their spiritual belief systems. This understanding can provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to patients' psychological imbalance and help-seeking behaviors and inform treatment plans that are coherent with their world-views and preferences. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(12):535–539.]