Transitioning from dramatic spiritual struggle to desirable spiritual well-being through beliefs flexibilization after dysfunctional bereavement - A case study of a Brazilian family

Abstract

The objective of this report is to discuss how the flexibility of beliefs can positively impact mental health indicators. The case highlights the role that adaptability within a belief system may play in transforming the grieving process. A Brazilian Christian family faced the critical situation of their young son being diagnosed with a cancer deemed incurable from the outset. The parents firmly believed that a miracle would surely heal their son. When the boy died at nine years old, the family experienced an overwhelming sense of anger and injustice. Their belief system was shattered, and the father struggled with suicidal thoughts. They sought Spiritism in the hope of communication with their late son. With an open mind, they approached this possibility without regard for dogmatic impediments. A medium received a letter through automatic writing with verifiable information about their son. Almost immediately, the couple entered a more balanced grieving process as, for the first time, something made sense. Months later, a second letter informed them that the deceased boy would reincarnate in the baby of the mother's current pregnancy. This paper underscores these key insights: (a) an intense spiritual struggle may be rapidly appeased as soon as one's belief system becomes coherent; and (b) such a significant transformation may be facilitated by personal adaptability in matters of faith and/or a social-cultural openness toward religious perspectives. What makes this case unique is the drastic change in grief management once the loss was given new meaning through an opening in the belief system. The unusual data in this report may be another piece in unravelling the enigma of the psychological mechanisms involved. The authors hope this report will be useful for behaviour researchers, clinical psychotherapists, and spiritual counsellors.