The present findings suggest that trauma exposure results in PTSD symptoms in part through the negative cognitions of spiritual struggle. Spiritual struggle may relate to PTSD symptoms in complex ways, a consideration for future research evaluating causal direction. For instance, negative appraisals of the trauma could lead to initial symptoms of PTSD, and negative religious appraisals of the PTSD symptoms themselves could relate to their long-term maintenance. In support of the latter notion, theorists have speculated that psychopathology could impair religious functioning and give rise to spiritual struggles (Hill & Kilian, 2003). Table 2 summarizes mean differences by trauma group in potential mediator and outcome variables.
Spiritual vs Religious
These therapies can get to the underlying emotional issues that often lead to that first drink or drug. One way to address the spirituality and healing in Glenwood Springs is to connect to all of the amazing natural surroundings that it has to offer. This spiritual malady definition includes finding a sense of spirituality in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. I believe that an awakening of the spirit and an awakening to a belief in God are not mutually inclusive. Reach out to our compassionate team to begin your recovery journey.
Differences by Trauma group
I was the director in the drama of life and managing the world so I could get what I thought I needed to feel ok. Given the impact of spiritual struggle on PTSD symptoms, future research should investigate how religious and secular belief systems interact with spiritual struggle in response to trauma. For example, positive religious coping in the presence of struggle may moderate the impact of struggle on PTSD symptoms (e.g., Bjorck & Thurman, 2007), but in the absence of positive religious coping, may reflect https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/rappers-that-struggle-with-addiction/ a true absence of spiritual supports. Other cognitions that may predict spiritual struggle include pre-trauma self-appraisals (R. A. Bryant & Guthrie, 2007), attributional style (Gray et al., 2007), and coping self-efficacy beliefs (Benight & Bandura, 2004). Although the present study may provide a window through which to view relations between religious cognitions and PTSD symptoms, they may be very different for a sample of combat-exposed veterans who go on to develop chronic, debilitating PTSD.
Final Thoughts on Living the Spiritual Life and Recovery
Depending on your answers, you’ll be able to determine what type of spiritual healing modality you need. For instance, if you suffer from chronic pain (for which no other methods work) and also depression, you would need physical and mental healing – ideally some kind of holistic healer would benefit you the most. Many sensitive and receptive beings, such as empaths or old souls, are drawn to spiritual healing. For many spiritual seekers, spiritual healing becomes a regular part of their spiritual awakening path. For many people, spiritual healing is a crucial part of the spiritual awakening journey.
Prior studies have not assessed subscales of spiritual struggle separately to isolate possible differences in relationships with PTSD symptoms, and subtle differences exist among expressions of spiritual struggle, which may result in unique relationships with PTSD symptoms. Moreover, studies of spiritual struggle and PTSD to date have been cross sectional, precluding the inference of causal direction in the relationships among trauma, PTSD symptoms, and spiritual struggle (e.g., .Bradley, Schwartz, & Kaslow, 2005). Future studies should measure baseline spiritual struggle, to examine whether change in struggle predicts change in PTSD. Though spiritual struggle is generally thought to arise as a result of significant adversity, spiritual struggle due to non-traumatic stressful events could serve as a diathesis for PTSD to a subsequent traumatic event. Additionally, although the mean time between the index event and assessment of struggle and symptoms was four months, some participants may have experienced their event so recently that time was insufficient for the event to have observable effects (Maxwell & Cole, 2007).
- In general, humans, like most species, have four fundamental or primary phenotypes (even these can be subdivided), or genetic expressions, that are reflected in our chemical soup, mitochondria, cells, tissues, organs, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
- Some clients may benefit from treatments designed for spiritual struggles (e.g., Cole & Pargament, 1999; Murray-Swank & Pargament, 2005).
- This includes finding a sense of spirituality in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.
- All variables were assessed for normality, and transformations were applied as merited (see below).
- I know that sometimes I feel that am under a kind of spell that’s causing a lot of things happening that’s in negate.
- The most important thing is that you keep an open mind and heart as you continue on your sobriety journey.
- While a sense of spiritual emptiness is an experience familiar to many people, it is extremely common for those who struggle with addiction.
- If you’re struggling with the concept of God, try to find a sponsor who shares your views.