There is now a substantial research evidence base to demonstrate the relevance of religion/spirituality (R/S) to mental health. The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Section on Religion, Spirituality and Psychiatry (SRSP) was established in 2003.

 

The purposes of the SRSP are to:

• Encourage and accelerate research, theory, and practice in the area of religion, spirituality and psychiatry, and related areas;

• Facilitate the dissemination of data on religious and spiritual issues, in relation to psychiatry and allied domains;

• Develop and to stimulate educational and training programs and courses in order to improve knowledge, skills and professional attitude regarding religion and spirituality in psychiatric practice.

 

 

The WPA Position Statement on Spirituality and Religion in Psychiatry, approved by the WPA Executive Committee in 2015 (published as Moreira‐Almeida et al, 2016, in World Psychiatry) was drafted by psychiatrists who are members of the SRSP. Full texts of the Position Statement (in English as well as translations in additional languages) are available from . Further details on the Section and its activities are available from the Section Officers.