Spirituality and mental health: what evidence shows?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2012.v2.904Keywords:
religion, spirituality, psychiatryAbstract
Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) have become a topic of growing interest among clinicians and health researchers. However, due to lack of training on issues related to the relationship between R/S and health, much of the evidence available is still unknown by many health professionals and many have difficulties in dealing with R/S during clinical practice. This paper presents a brief and practical review of key concepts in R/S that are relevant to the clinician as well as the main evidence on the impact of R/S on mentalhealth. There is a broad, diverse and robust body of evidence indicating the relevance and impact of R/S on health. Studies show that R/S is an important element in the lives of most of the world population, especially among those facing struggles like illness. People with higher levels of R/S tend to have higher well-being and lower levels of depression, substance buse/dependence, and suicidal behaviors. Although requiring further study, R/S is an aspect in the lives of patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, with evidence suggesting a beneficial impact of R/S on the evolution of these mental disorders. Currently, the research trend is no longer to investigate whether there are relationships between R/S and health, but in identifying the mechanisms of this relationship and how to apply this knowledge in clinical practice.
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