This study will be guided by the psycho-spiritual theory. Psycho-spiritual healing hypothesizes that every being has an internal life force and that this force gives the body the ability to healing itself instinctively (Integrated Health Service and
Educational Research Center, 2006). This life force can be used to promote true well- being and health. The psycho-spiritual model is based on the individual’s experiences of emotional health and the importance of meaning in life and illness (Lin & Bauer-Wu, 2003). According to Lancaster and Palframan (2009) the psycho- spiritual theory is a
constructive paradigm from which to understand the self in transformation because it presents a more holistic model of the self and has developed a large literature on the nature and function of spirituality beyond the context of traditional religion(p. 260).
The psycho-spiritual theory emphasizes that mental health should include both psychological and spiritual dimensions.
The psycho-spiritual theory is based on the concepts of transpersonal psychology.
According to Milburn (2011) transpersonal psychology is the fourth force of psychology, the first being the psychoanalytical, the second being behaviorism and the third humanistic. Transpersonal psychology is concerned with the experiences which identify some deeper and more enduring sense of self that is beyond the masks that people present to the outside world and is instead more concerned with the experiences that identify some deeper and more enduring sense of self that is beyond the conditioned ego (Milburn, 2011).
The psycho-spiritual theory can be understood if we look at Carl Jung`s understanding of the unconscious and the spiritual dimensions of life (Milburn, 2011). This approach of Jung states that we need to look into the original meaning of the psyche as a soul, according to this approach the psyche is not just a brain
that needs to be fixed or behavior that needs to be re-conditioned instead we must also consider the soul.
The soul is then the immortal aspect of human beings, the part that actually brings meaning and life to us, this is the part that connects us to the divine (Milburn, 2011). This theory believes that the soul compels us to become more conscious of dimensions of awareness and that we are part of a larger framework. The psycho- spiritual theory is very concerned with the holistic view of life and this includes the recognition that people are composed of a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects and each of these aspects interact and affect one another (Milburn, 2011).
The focus is then on the wholeness of a person, and how each part functions on its own but again also on how they are one.
This model has a very holistic view of illness which maintains that different factors such as physical, emotional and spiritual aspects all actively contribute to the individual’s current state (Integrated Health Services and Educational Research Centre, 2006). The psycho-spiritual theory is concerned with the beliefs and experiences specifically those with spiritual and religious content that regard individual existence as an expression of a larger reality. The psycho-spiritual theory is very concerned with those areas where psychology and spiritual concerns overlap, that are essentially where the mind, body and spirit come together.
This theory views mental illness as a state of imbalance, distortion, and discord within and between the things that constitute and makes up the human person, body, mind, and soul (Integrated Health Service and Educational Research Centre, 2006). This theory views psychology as the process of assisting individuals to
become more self-observing and better equipped to be able to let go of their self- critical judgments (Milburn, 2011).
The psycho-spiritual approach is a very positive approach to psychology and therapy because it values important spiritual principles such as love, happiness, inner peace, presence and well-being. This approach does not ignore the fact that people suffer in the face of trauma but instead it places emphasis on how this suffering may open them up to a reality where their faith can give significant meaning to the trials and tribulations of their lives (Milburn, 2011). In stark contrast to the psychoanalytic approach, the psycho-spiritual theory is very concerned with the presence and the power of presence. This approach emphasizes that when an individual is present they are able to live fully in the moment, and they are then more capable of dealing with life’s challenges, and they can then only fully be happy with themselves and others.
Treatment is dependent on restoring balance and order in and between the physical, cognitive, emotional state and spirit. This can only be achieved through self-knowledge, and this self-knowledge will enable the individual to restore the balances that was distorted. Treatment goals within the psycho-spiritual framework would include helping the individual build greater awareness and self-acceptance, changing unsatisfying patterns and behaviors, and developing the necessary skills to meet their life goals. It is therefore essential to the individual’s growth that they heal uncomfortable emotions, painful trauma and negative self- beliefs during therapy.
The following example will help to illustrate the treatment for mental illness in this approach. The psycho-spiritual approach would focus on the following three things in the treatment of anxiety (Milburn, 2011);
1. Addressing how anxiety will hold the person back in their present day life such as at work, in relationships and social situations. Addressing how this anxiety will make the person feel about themselves.
2. To shift the negative beliefs that the person holds about himself. In anxiety this would be shifting the negative, fear based beliefs into positive supportive beliefs so that the person might overcome their tendency toward fear and worry and start thinking positively.
3. Finally the focus will be on developing skills and resources to handle present day anxiety provoking situations and to strengthen the person`s sense of confidence and empowerment.
In conclusion the psycho-spiritual theory provides this study with a holistic framework that will address the various aspects of individuals including the spiritual aspects of an individual.
2.7 Conclusion
This chapter outlined the literature available on mental illness. The Western perspective on mental illness was discussed including the medical model and the psychological model of mental illness. The chapter continued with providing relevant literature on cultural and religious perspectives on mental illness. The literature reviewed also included studies conducted in South Africa and it highlights the lack of study specifically aimed at understanding mental illness from the perspectives of church leaders. Lastly, the theoretical framework of the study was discussed.
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.
Zora Neale Hurston