Religion and spirituality in cultural psychiatry

Religion is central to the theory and practice of cultural psychiatry because it is an important determinant of health, wellness and resilience, and it shapes illness experience, coping and recovery. Religious identity and practice can also result in stressful situations and predicaments that lead to mental health problems. This editorial essay introduces a thematic issue of Transcultural Psychiatry on religion and spirituality and outlines key components of religious competency in clinical care. Articles in this issue present new research on the role of religion and spirituality in mental health, clinical approaches to working with religious patients, the development of religious interventions, the negative effects of religious practice, and the complex interplay between religion, culture and context. Given its central role in people's lives, religion is a key consideration in psychiatric assessment and treatment and can be an important resource for mental health promotion.