Noel Maturlu

Published in Issue 1.1 // LaB Press

http://dx.doi.org/10.62762/IECE.2024.000000

KEYWORDS: Spirituality, spiritual emergency, mental health, mental disorder.

Abstract

Spirituality has been described as an ambivalent experience. On the one hand, due to its soothing affective potential, spirituality has been lauded by medical science as the most protective factor against depression and other mental disorders. On the other hand, however, spirituality can lead
to spiritual emergencies and other mental disorders. This paper provides a scientific explanation of the ambivalent nature of spirituality and why spiritual emergencies and other mental disorders can be a blessing in disguise as they can significantly increase the possibility of spiritual growth and a more robust mental well-being. Implications for mental health practice is also discussed.

About the Author

Dr. Noel Maturlu Lecturer in Psychology, Health Sciences, and Business at Global Banking School and Arden University in the UK.