The Value of Religion and Spirituality in the work and Personal Recovery of peer Support Specialists: an Exploratory Study in Israel

We examined the role of spirituality in the recovery process in mental health care in Israel in the context of the October 2023 war, specifically as this role is perceived by peer support specialists. Peer support, based on principles of mutual connection, experiential knowledge, and empathy, focuses on empowering individuals and promoting the recovery process. Spirituality is a significant tool in this process. We administered questionnaires to a sample of 34 peer support specialists in Israel to understand their perceptions of the role of spirituality. Our findings showed a complex relationship between belief in a higher power and recovery, with some participants reporting feelings of guilt that hindered healing. The impact of spiritual experiences remained stable over time, with many participants maintaining their belief systems. The study highlights the challenges of integrating spirituality into peer support in Israel, particularly because of the different cultural and religious dynamics of religious and secular populations.