Religiousness of People with Disabilities

Abstract

Disability in Poland has recently become a frequent subject of research and investigation. But the studies have mainly focused on psychological issues, as well as a social support of the disabled and their families. A disabled person's religiosity has been hardly ever investigated, and particularly there is hardly any evidence of research on how religion helps to experience disability. The impressive number of studies conducted in the United States, Canada or other countries clearly indicate that religion plays a key role in living a traumatic situation. For the disabled and their families both the individual and social dimension of the faith are of paramount importance; the individual dimension includes prayer and faith in God, the social dimension comprises community meetings, discussions, and intercessory prayers. These practices, in addition to the salvific and spiritual dimension, have a positive effect on improving mental condition of a person, they support treatment and encourage the pursuit of full ability.