Addressing Adolescent Religious/Spiritual Development in a Pediatric Hospital Setting: Pediatric Psychology Competencies and Collaboration with Spiritual Care

Objective: The aims of this article are to (a) provide an overview of current practice in psychology in considering religion and spirituality (R/S) when working with adolescents, (b) highlight the importance of developing R/S competencies and potential barriers to advancing these competencies, (c) discuss potential clinical implications for psychological practice in the absence of R/S competencies, and (d) offer practical models to support openness and skill in exploring R/S with adolescents. Methods: Authors include a pediatric psychologist and two hospital chaplains working collaboratively with patients medically admitted to a standalone children’s hospital. Clinical models for care and implications of engaging with R/S in the pediatric hospital setting are derived from existing literature and critical evaluation of the authors’ own experiences working with medically involved adolescents. Results: Exploration of R/S when working with an adolescent has strong implications in supporting identity development and meaning making. A medically hospitalized adolescent can feel distressed and disoriented while encountering health issues, amplifying the intensity of their questions about meaning, and in turn, increasing importance of receiving spiritually integrated care from their psychotherapeutic provider. As with other aspects of culturally competent care, comfort in exploration of R/S also can enhance understanding and support of the individual. Conclusions: R/S is for many adolescents an important aspect of their developing identity. Increasing skill and comfort in integrating R/S discussion in psychological care supports effective clinical practice.