Research/Scientific Evaluation

Significant methodological issues challenge our understanding of the health effects of religion and spirituality. The operationalization of measures of religiosity and spirituality is one such challenge. Attendance at religious services, religious/spiritual practices (such as prayer or meditation), beliefs, and feelings have been used. To date, most studies have been cross-sectional, and not designed as prospective randomized controlled trials.

Little is understood about the mechanisms through which religion/spirituality influence diagnosis, treatment, mortality, morbidity, longevity, and help-seeking behavior. Religion's effects on mental health, social support, and health/lifestyle behaviors are the most commonly suggested routes.

Resources

Harold G. Koenig and Harvey Jay Cohen, eds., The Link Between Religion and Health: Psychoneuroimmunology and the Faith Factor. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. HSL 5th floor WL 103.7 L756
Koeing, McCullough and Larson, The Handbook of Religion and Health [HSL] Chapter 25 "Understanding Religion's Effects on Physical Health"
International Center for the Integration of Health and Spirituality (ICHS)