The helpfulness of discussing religion and spirituality while grieving the death of a loved one: a hierarchical multiple linear regression

Literature provides evidence of the positive correlation between religion/spirituality and counseling. Jung, Rogers, and Allport believed religion and spirituality were at the root of morality and creativity (Fridman, 2010). Although awareness of the importance of religion and spirituality in counseling is growing, it continues to be frequently overlooked during the counseling process (Richards, Bartz, & O'Grady, 2009). A number of counseling clients mention a desire to discuss religion and spirituality during their counseling sessions (Rose, Westefeld, & Ansely, 2001). Many clients list religion and spirituality as significant mechanisms for healing and working through loss (Rose et al., 2001). The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may influence the helpfulness of utilizing religion/spirituality while grieving the death of a loved one. Participants included 456 college students currently enrolled at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Instruments utilized were the Religious Commitment Inventory-10 (RCI-10), the researcher's created Interpersonal Grief Assessment, and a researcher created demographic questionnaire. Analyses included a test of assumptions, a calculation of Pearson r correlation, and a four-stage hierarchical multiple linear regression.