Religious Abuse: Understanding Its Impacts On Mental Health

Religion and spirituality can give people a sense of belonging, community, and trust in the events taking place in their lives. Research suggests that there is a positive association between religion and health. However, when spiritual or religious beliefs are used to manipulate, control, and shame others, religious abuse (sometimes called spiritual abuse) can occur. This abuse can take place in any religious community and often has long-lasting implications for the health of children and adults. This article explores religious abuse, signs and examples of abuse in a religious context, mental health impacts, and paths toward personal healing. 

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What is religious abuse?

Religious abuse generally refers to religious beliefs being used to harm, manipulate, or control people. In many religious or spiritual communities, it can be common for perpetrators of abuse to use religious practices or teachings to justify their actions. For example, a religious leader engaging in abuse may use – sometimes misinterpreting – spiritual teachings or religious doctrines to justify the shaming or ostracization of someone who doesn’t have the same religious beliefs or who doesn’t behave in the way the perpetrator wants them to.

The patterns of spiritual and religious abuse

The manifestation of abuse may differ based on the particular religion, context, and location, since there are varying doctrines, beliefs, and interpretations across religions. However, religious and spiritual abuse tend to follow identifiable patterns. 

Common examples of spiritual and religious abuse

While child sexual abuse appears to have declined in religious settings, other forms of abuse seem to remain prevalent in religious settings. Common examples of this type of abuse include the following:

• Threatening to remove members from the community for not attending religious events or performing religious duties
• Using religious teachings to control individuals’ finances, relationships, education, and behavior
• Justifying abusive behavior (such as certain methods of disciplining children) with scripture or other religious teachings
• Labeling mental health conditions as “having a lack of faith” rather than recognizing them as diagnosable, treatable disorders

If you’ve experienced these examples of religious abuse, seeking mental health support can be beneficial. 

How to know if someone is experiencing spiritual or religious abuse

When people are experiencing abuse, it can show up in multiple aspects of their lives. The signs of abuse can be subtle. However, when conversing with friends, family members, and loved ones, it can be helpful to know what to look for. If a religious leader or another member of the group is using religious doctrine to justify controlling a person’s behavior, clothing, sexual choices, or everyday decisions, this is usually a sign of religious abuse.

Signs someone may be experiencing religious abuse

Below are a few signs that an individual may be experiencing religious abuse:

• Being told not to question a religious leader’s authority
• Fearing punishment after making everyday choices about their relationship, career, or appearance
• Feeling guilty or shameful when not acting in alignment with religious beliefs
• Being forced or coerced to participate in religious activities, even when visibly distressed

The mental health impacts of religious abuse

Spiritual abuse can have a long-lasting impact on mental, emotional, and physical health, especially since religious authorities tend to play a central role in the lives of religious individuals. One study suggests that students alleging sexual abuse from religious authorities were as depressed and anxious as those alleging sexual abuse from parents. The intensity of this trauma, especially for young people, can make it difficult to manage daily life.

Common mental health outcomes of spiritual and emotional abuse

When people experience religious abuse in any form, it can have a long-term impact on their mental and emotional health. Children tend to be particularly vulnerable, especially in religious settings, since religious leaders can act as role models. There is evidence to suggest that childhood emotional abuse can lead to neuroticism later in life. Neuroticism refers to persistently feeling sad, anxious, irritable, and temperamental.

How religious beliefs can be misused 

When religious beliefs are used to control, guilt, and shame individuals rather than empower them, it can negatively impact their lives. The misuse of religious beliefs can be seen across traditions and is not isolated to a single religious institution or group. For example, when someone is told by another member of the group that anxiety or depression is a sign of weak faith, it can lead them to experience shame, and it could prevent them from seeking the professional support they deserve.

Guidance vs. coercion in relation to religious beliefs

Religious authorities, leaders, and role models are often in a position where they can provide spiritual guidance, support, and wisdom to others. In many cases, this guidance can deepen people's connection to their faith and empower them. Coercion, which differs from guidance, typically involves the use of force, threats, or pressure intended to lead individuals to act in a certain way. As a general rule, guidance gives people the opportunity to make their own decisions, while coercion forces people – against their will – to make certain decisions.

Pathways to healing from abuse

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing from religious abuse. Some people may prefer to step away from their religion, while others may use their faith to foster inner healing. No matter the path, healing often involves acknowledging the trauma a person has experienced, leaning on a supportive community, seeking professional help, challenging limiting beliefs, and practicing self-compassion. These steps can be beneficial to overall health and well-being for those who have experienced religious abuse.

When to seek help from a mental health professional

If an individual is experiencing religious abuse, reaching out for mental health support can be a beneficial first step. Consider seeking help if you’re experiencing the following: 

• Persistent feelings of shame or guilt when your actions – especially actions that make your life more fulfilling – don’t align with a particular belief system
• Upsetting or disturbing flashbacks that occur when you are present in certain religious spaces or during certain religious ceremonies
• Fear when questioning a religious leader or authoritative figure
• Social isolation due to the expectations and pressures of religious institutions
• Difficulty identifying the difference between your personal values and the values or rules imposed upon you by a religious community

Online therapy for spiritual health and healing

When seeking support for spiritual health and well-being, mental health professionals who are trained in helping survivors of spiritual abuse and trauma can offer compassionate guidance and treatment. For trauma survivors, attending in-person sessions may seem daunting. Online therapy can offer a more flexible environment for processing religious abuse. With a large network of therapists available, clients can work with a professional who understands their unique needs. 

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How does online therapy benefit spiritual health?

For religious abuse specifically, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of online therapy. However, according to multiple studies, online therapy is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which sometimes develops in response to religious abuse. For people recovering from religious abuse, domestic violence, and other traumatic experiences, online therapy can provide a platform for people to heal and move forward.