| Abstract [eng] |
Spirituality is a significant part of an individual's psychological functioning and is often associated with better mental health outcomes. However, certain aspects of the expression of spirituality, such as paranormal beliefs, may also be associated with mental health disturbances. The aim of this paper is to assess the relationship of spirituality with personality traits and psychopathology. The study sample consisted of two groups. The clinical group included 31 individuals that have been formally diagnosed with a mental health disorder consisting of 10 men, 20 women and 1 non-binary person, ranging in age from 18 to 66 years (M=33.29, SD=10.98). The comparison sample included of 37 individuals with an active interest in spirituality, consisting of 8 men and 29 women, ranging in age from 23 to 61 years (M = 42.16, SD = 11.12). Overall, 68 people participated in the research. The instruments used in the study were: the demographic data questionnaire, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory-Revised (ESI-R), and additional interview questions. The group with mental health difficulties was characterised by a significantly higher expression of psychopathology and a lower expression of spirituality compared to those with an active interest in spirituality. Decreased expression of the three dimensions of spirituality - cognitive orientation, existential well-being, and paranormal beliefs - were the most predictive of mental health difficulties. Spiritual experiences, spiritual practices, and religiosity were equally common for the majority of participants. |
