Integrating religion and spirituality with psychotherapy in a religiously diverse nation—A mixed methods study on client attitudes and experiences in Singapore

<b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to investigate clients' perspectives on the integration of religion/spirituality (R/S) with psychotherapy in Singapore, a religiously diverse nation. It was hypothesized that clients would report R/S integration to have a positive impact (H1), initiate R/S discussions (H2), and their R/S and perception of the religious context would be associated with their attitudes towards R/S integrated psychotherapy (H3). A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. <b>Methods:</b> Participants were 275 Singapore psychotherapy clients (52.3% male, 46.9% female, 8% non-binary/third gender). Mean age was 34.93 years (<i>SD</i> = 9.95). Participants completed a questionnaire comprised of demographical items, psychotherapy experiences, various R/S-related measures and qualitative questions on considerations and opinions on R/S integrated psychotherapy. <b>Results:</b> Clients reported that R/S integrated psychotherapy (RSIP) had a positive impact and that they were the main initiator. Considering R/S as supportive during adversity and perceptions of the religious context were associated with attitudes towards integration. Unexpectedly, R/S diversity appeared to have a facilitatory effect on RSIP. Qualitative findings revealed client's experiences and perspectives, including their expectations towards therapists. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the importance of therapists' R/S competency. In R/S diverse contexts, therapists may require greater sensitivity, openness, and the ability to work with clients holding diverse R/S beliefs.

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Publication Details

Journal
Psychotherapy Research
Published
2025-04-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2025.2487061
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.17

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article

Integrating religion and spirituality with psychotherapy in a religiously diverse nation—A mixed methods study on client attitudes and experiences in Singapore

Joanna Barlas, Jonathan E. Ramsay, Xiangbin Lin
1 citations
Psychotherapy Research
Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
2.17
article

Integrating religion and spirituality with psychotherapy in a religiously diverse nation—A mixed methods study on client attitudes and experiences in Singapore

Joanna Barlas, Jonathan E. Ramsay, Xiangbin Lin
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to investigate clients' perspectives on the integration of religion/spirituality (R/S) with psychotherapy in Singapore, a religiously diverse nation. It was hypothesized that clients would report R/S integration to have a positive impact (H1), initiate R/S discussions (H2), and their R/S and perception of the religious context would be associated with their attitudes towards R/S integrated psychotherapy (H3). A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. <b>Methods:</b> Participants were 275 Singapore psychotherapy clients (52.3% male, 46.9% female, 8% non-binary/third gender). Mean age was 34.93 years (<i>SD</i> = 9.95). Participants completed a questionnaire comprised of demographical items, psychotherapy experiences, various R/S-related measures and qualitative questions on considerations and opinions on R/S integrated psychotherapy. <b>Results:</b> Clients reported that R/S integrated psychotherapy (RSIP) had a positive impact and that they were the main initiator. Considering R/S as supportive during adversity and perceptions of the religious context were associated with attitudes towards integration. Unexpectedly, R/S diversity appeared to have a facilitatory effect on RSIP. Qualitative findings revealed client's experiences and perspectives, including their expectations towards therapists. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the importance of therapists' R/S competency. In R/S diverse contexts, therapists may require greater sensitivity, openness, and the ability to work with clients holding diverse R/S beliefs.

Psychotherapy ResearchVol. 36(2)
James Cook University (AU)
James Cook University
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
2.17
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