An exploration of the meaning and relevance of spiritual beliefs amongst survivors of torture

This study sets out to explore how torture survivors make sense of their spiritual
and religious beliefs in relation to their experiences of torture. Qualitative
interviews with four survivors of torture from different countries were conducted,
two with an interpreter, to explore the relevance of spiritual and religious beliefs
in making sense of experiences of torture. The interviews were analysed using
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three master themes were
developed: the ways of making meaning of lived experiences, the impact of
torture and life in exile are discussed. Spiritual and religious beliefs emerged as
a framework used for making sense of torture experiences. Other ways of
making sense of experiences of torture also featured in participants' accounts.
The significance of these themes for theory, research, clinical practice and
service organisation are considered.

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