Mental health and spirituality – through the lens of epistemic injustice

Epistemology examines the nature, origin and differing philosophies of knowledge. Epistemic injustice, therefore, refers to how individuals, due to various features of their identity, are denied credibility as a knowing agent. Epistemic studies developed the term ‘hermeneutical and contributory injustice’ to examine societal structures which contribute to discrediting those voices. Despite acknowledging spirituality as a core aspect for some people’s mental health experiences, there is a reluctance to engage with spirituality in mental health services explicitly. Drawing upon key concepts originating in Miranda Fricker’s work, and then further developed by later contributors, this article explores how current engagement with spirituality in mental health services is a site of epistemic injustice. The article concludes by drawing together the themes discussed and considering future developments in research and practice.