DSM-5: The intersectionality of spirituality, culture, and aging. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, Helen; Ellor, James W.; Yancey, Gaynor
• Is Part Of: Journal of religion, spirituality & aging. Volume 29:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Culture -- DSM-5 -- miracles -- religion -- spirituality; Church work with older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Religious life -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Older people -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 261.8
• DOI: 10.1080/15528030.2016.1243502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-8030

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Counselors practice with older adults whose religion and spirituality may be factors in assessment and treatment. The DSM-5 includes religion and spirituality as part of pathology or culture. This approach is supported in counselor education. Religion as a cultural derivative only reflects the human aspect of religion, not including a client's perception of divine actions possibly beyond the human experience, i.e., a miracle. How does the clinician discern if a client's experience reflects pathology or the possibility of some sort of miracle? This article includes strengths and limitations of a cultural definition of religious and spiritual experience with case applications.