German Psychiatrists’ Observation and Interpretation of Religiosity/Spirituality
Table 4
Psychiatrists’ attitudes and self-reported behaviors regarding ReS in clinical settings.
Questionnaire items
Analysis
Meana
Correlation with intrinsic religiosityb,c
Attitudes
In general, it is appropriate for a psychiatrist to inquire about a patient’s religion and/or spirituality.
3.18 ± 0.83
0.243*
In general, it is appropriate for a psychiatrist to discuss religious/spiritual issues, when a patient brings them up.
3.47 ± 0.63
0.135
In general, it is appropriate for a psychiatrist to talk about his or her own religious beliefs or experiences with a patient.
1.73 ± 0.75
0.281**
In general, it is appropriate for a psychiatrist to pray with a patient together.
1.30 ± 0.51
0.382***
Self-reported behaviors
d
I listen carefully and empathetically.
3.76 ± 0.46
0.242*
I try to change the subject in a tactful way.
1.82 ± 0.79
−0.273**
I encourage patients in their own religious/spiritual beliefs and practices.
3.18 ± 0.65
0.228*
I respectfully share my own religious ideas and experiences.
1.58 ± 0.73
0.332**
I pray with the patient.
1.12 ± 0.36
0.281**
I refer patients to chaplains.
2.96 ± 0.72
0.063
It is not my responsibility.
1.76 ± 0.86
−0.326**
Response categories are 1 = definitely not true, 2 = tends not to be true, 3 = tends to be true, and 4 = definitely true of me.
bCorrelation between the sum of psychiatrists’ own intrinsic religiosity scores and their response to the items.
cSpearman’s correlation (1 tailed): ***, **, *.
dPreceded by “when religious/spiritual issues come up in discussions with patients.”