March 3, 2026Journal for the Study of Spirituality0 citationsOpen Access

Mental health and spirituality – through the lens of epistemic injustice

Key Points

Epistemic injustice significantly impacts the credibility of voices in mental health discussions, especially regarding spirituality.
Key concepts from Miranda Fricker reveal how individuals are denied recognition as knowledgeable participants in their own care.
The article analyzes how societal structures perpetuate hermeneutical injustice in mental health services, particularly concerning spiritual beliefs.
Future implications may encourage more inclusive practices that address the intersection of spirituality and mental health.

Abstract

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.

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