The objective of this study was to examine spirituality and religion as predictors of depression and quality of life in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A retrospective study design was used and self-report questionnaires measured importance of spirituality/religion, satisfaction with spirituality/religion, frequency of religious service attendance, and religious affiliation as predictors of quality of life and mood after TBI. The participants were 478 persons with TBI. The main outcome measures were Living Life After TBI self-report questionnaire, a self-report quality of life scale (Life-3), and Beck Depression Inventory-II.

ANOVAs and correlations indicated that a relationship between spirituality, mood and quality of life exists in participants with TBI ( p = .000-.04). Participants who reported more depressive symptoms endorsed spirituality as important. Importance of spirituality was not found to be significantly associated with quality of life. Participants reported fewer depressive symptoms and better quality of life the more spiritual needs were met. Although the finding did not reach significance, a trend suggested a relationship between frequency attending public religious service and higher quality of life ratings. There was no significant relationship between public religious practice and depression. No significant relationship between current religious affiliation, BDI-II scores, and quality of life was found.

Overall, "spirituality and religion" was found to be an important factor in the rehabilitation of individuals with TBI. Higher levels of depression were found to be associated with spirituality and religion, when these were endorsed as important. Moreover, having one's spiritual needs met was predictive of better mood and quality of life. These findings have important clinical implications and suggest specific directions in future research.