Religiosity, Spirituality, and Trauma Recovery in the Lives of Children and Adolescents

Spirituality and religion are important but often neglected areas of clinical exploration. In recent years there has been some growth in traumatic studies' literature with regard to religion and spirituality in the provision of mental health services. However, while these studies demonstrate the importance of religious and spiritually competent care, much of the research involved refers to adults and has less emphasis on how children and adolescents utilize these constructs. In particular, a review of the literature reveals a limited body of research that explores how children apply religion and spirituality when coping with traumatic events. This literature review aims to contribute to the existing knowledge base by exploring the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of children and adolescents who have been, or are currently subjected to traumatic experience. It aims to delineate ways to incorporate and acknowledge the religion and spirituality of children and adolescents who are trauma survivors in treatment.