Social Psychological and Spiritual Discomfort: Legitimization of the Need for Transcendence and Psychological Listening

Abstract This study explores the interplay between social psychological distress and spiritual suffering, examining the motivations leading individuals in Italy to seek support from spiritual figures rather than mental health professionals. Grounded in a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach and using a mixed-method research design, the study’s data were collected through standardized psychological scales and semistructured interviews with 35 adult participants who had sought help from an exorcist or a spiritual and pastoral guide. Quantitative findings revealed that religion and transcendence serve as coping strategies, significantly correlating with lower psychological distress. Additionally, early-life emotional neglect and exposure to traumatic experiences were associated with existential suffering. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four key themes: existential distress, exposure to trauma, the need to feel understood and accepted, and faith as a resilience source. While many participants benefited from spiritual support, they also sought mental health assistance, underscoring the necessity of integrating spirituality into psychological care. The research highlights the significance of transcendence, self-transcendence, and spirituality in fostering well-being and mitigating existential distress. These findings advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between spiritual caregivers and mental health professionals to address existential suffering comprehensively.