Journal of Nursing, Social Studies, Public Health and Rehabilitation X:X | DOI: 10.32725/jnss.2026.010

The role of spirituality in the recovery process of people with mental illness: a scoping review

Magdalena Urbanová^{1, *}, Alena Hricová ORCID...²

¹ University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Theology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

² University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Institute of Social and Special-paedagogical Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Goal: This study aimed to map the role of spirituality in the recovery process among adults with serious mental illness and to identify the main themes described in the literature.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies examining the relationship between spirituality or religiosity and recovery or quality of life were included. Data were synthesised using narrative and thematic analysis within the CHIME framework.

Results: 42 studies were analysed. Spirituality emerged as an important source of meaning, hope, identity, coping, and social support. It contributes to resilience, reinterpretation of illness experience, and supports personal recovery.

Conclusion: Spirituality represents an important yet still often under recognised dimension of care. The findings from these methodologically and substantively diverse studies suggest that it may be useful to consider incorporating spirituality into clinical practice and further developing spiritually oriented interventions.

Keywords: CHIME; Mental illness; Personal recovery; Religiosity; Scoping review; Spirituality

Conflicts of interest:

Ethical aspects and conflict of interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Received: January 28, 2026; Revised: April 22, 2026; Accepted: May 22, 2026; Prepublished online: May 26, 2026