IMPLICATIONS OF SPIRITUAL TREATMENT ON THE HEALTH OF SPIRITIST CENTER ATTENDEES

A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The search for solutions to health problems may involve diverse trajectories and strategies. In the Brazilian context, it is common to seek health care considered popular, such as that offered in religious institutions. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of spiritual treatments reported by attendees of Brazilian Spiritist centers. This is a qualitative study conducted in two Spiritist centers located in the Brazilian Midwest. The spiritual treatment analyzed consisted of attendance at three sessions of lectures and spirit releasement, following an initial interview. A total of 51 attendees participated in the study, each interviewed individually. The interviews were subjected to thematic-reflective analysis using the ATLAS.ti software. With regard to the effects reported by participants, references were made to recovery processes of a physical nature, especially in the field of mental health. Participants reported improvements in symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation, as well as an increase in positive affects and a reduction in negative affects. Spiritual treatment was considered faster in terms of achieving results when compared to medication or psychotherapeutic treatments. A distinctive element mentioned in the context of spiritual treatment was access to information and guidance during the lectures, which allowed for behavioral changes and self-management of emotions.