Columbia, USA - A U.S. professor of health psychology said religion may help individuals adjust to disabilities and aid in rehabilitation.
Brick Johnstone of the University of Missouri-Columbia recommended religion -- already accepted in patients facing death -- can help patients with chronic disabilities such as traumatic brain injury, stroke and arthritis. For instance, patients injured as the result of the actions of others may better be able to work toward recovery using their religious beliefs to work through emotions after counselors and chaplains initiate forgiveness interventions, Johnstone said.
The article, published in the journal Disability and Rehabilitation, said although many individuals with disabilities turn to religion to help them deal with their situations -- to date, religion is infrequently discussed in rehabilitation settings and is rarely investigated in rehabilitation research.
"Although some professionals may feel uncomfortable obtaining information about patients’ religious beliefs, it is no different than inquiring about their sexual, psychological, substance use and legal histories," Johnstone said in a statement.