Religion, spirituality, and pediatric mental health: a scoping review of research on religion and spirituality in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from 2000 to 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Religion and spirituality (R/S) serve as sources of meaning-making and coping for many individuals and families. While research on the relationship between R/S and mental health has been ongoing, their role in pediatric mental health is poorly understood. The objective of this study is to assess research trends and predominant themes of R/S in child and adolescent psychiatric research in articles published in the Journal of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP). This provides a rough measure of the relative importance of these topics to academic psychiatrists and researchers in the field and identifies gaps for future research.

METHODS

All research and review articles published in JAACAP between 2000-2023 with a focus on R/S themes were retrieved, screened, and appraised for content and extent of focus on R/S (major, minor, incidental). Included articles were assessed for R/S variables and predominant themes.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (32) research articles published between 2000-2023 contained sufficient R/S content for inclusion in our study. Only 4 articles had R/S as their major focus. Our analysis suggested a decline in publications with R/S content over the last 24 years. The R/S variables and measurement tools were heterogenous, with religious attendance and religious affiliation being the most frequently measured variables. The predominant themes include the relationships between R/S and psychopathology, suicide, utilization of services, conceptualization of illness, trauma, identity, and coping.

DISCUSSION

Despite the significance attributed to R/S by many youths and families and the increasing academic interest in the intersection between R/S and health, a significant gap exists in our understanding of R/S vis-à-vis child and adolescent mental health. This gap may be further compounded by the limited attention offered to R/S factors and variables in academic psychiatric activities. JAACAP, a global leading academic platform, may advance this discourse by inviting and encouraging publications addressing R/S variables. This may inform diagnostic, preventive, and interventive clinical work with children and their families.