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Spirituality and Religiousness: A Diversity of Definitions

Terry Lynn Gall, Judith Malette, Manal Guirguis‐Younger

Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health July 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2011.593404 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

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Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 234
Population 234 participants of various nationalities
Citations 145
Key findings Participants largely described spirituality as an integral part of identity and as personal experience of the transcendent, defined either traditionally (God, a higher power) or secularly (unity with the greater world or mystery), while religiousness was described as an external tool for accessing spirituality and relationship to the divine. The authors argue these distinctions matter for assessment and intervention in counseling.

Abstract

This study explored the viewpoints of 234 participants from various nationalities on the definition of spirituality and religiousness. Several universal themes emerged from the phenomenological analysis of participants' definitions. Spirituality was primarily viewed as an integral part of one's identity and the personal experience of the transcendent whether it is defined traditionally as God or a higher power, or in more secular terms as unity with the greater world or mystery. In contrast, religiousness is an external tool through which individuals can access their spirituality and relationship to the divine. These results have important implications for how spirituality or religion is assessed and used in interventions with individuals in counseling.

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