Abstract
Introduction
Attention to religion and spirituality (R/S) in mental health care has increased and may benefit treatment alliance.
Aim
To describe the association of (un)met R/S care needs with treatment alliance and compliance among mental health patients.
Methods
Patients in a Christian and a secular mental health clinic (n=201) filled in a questionnaire. Scales of met and unmet R/S care needs (range 0‐14) were regressed on the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI), Service Engagement Scale and Medication Adherence Report Scale. Ancova analyses were performed for the fourteen R/S care needs separately.
Results
In the Christian clinic, met R/S care needs were associated with a higher WAI score (p=.001) and unmet R/S care needs, with a lower WAI score (p=.000). For the Secular clinic the same trends were observed, but insignificant. Items with the strongest associations were: conversations about religious distress with a nurse (p=.000) and a similar outlook on life with practitioner (p = .001) or nurse (p = .005). (Un)met R/S care needs were not associated with treatment compliance.
Discussion and implications for practice
We recommend personalized attention to R/S in conversations. A (perceived) similar outlook on life with mental health professionals may be beneficial for religious and nonreligious patients.