Spiritual but not religious

In the past few decades, there has been a substantial increase in interest in scientific publications about the impact of religiosity/spirituality on health in general but also on mental health and well-being of patients. It would appear that some individuals are moving away from organized religion to a more spiritual dimension as reflected in so-called Western countries where people are increasingly describing themselves as ‘spiritual but not religious’ (SBNR), thereby differentiating their beliefs and faiths from those proposed by religious organizations and from those people without religious beliefs. More pluralistic and opened views of religiosity and spirituality are understood as a sign of personality maturity and mental health. Otherwise, available evidence supports that religious affiliation and religious attendance seems to be a protective factor to mental health. Indeed, SBNR represents a very heterogeneous group of people and more research from different cultural backgrounds is required to recognize and understand SBNR individuals. An open-minded, interested, and respectful approach to SBNR individuals is essential for addressing their religiosity/spirituality needs in mental health practice, thereby increasing therapeutic engagement and adherence.