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Marznaki ZH, Khalilizad M, Moradi A, Mamun MA. Impact of spirituality on elderly people's quality of life and life satisfaction after acute myocardial infarction: Iranian hospital-based study. BJPsych Open 2023; 10:e4. [PMID: 38059462 PMCID: PMC10755561 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As people age, survival after a heart attack can affect their quality of life and lead to a decrease in life satisfaction. After a myocardial infarction, elderly patients may experience physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that affect their thoughts and behaviour in relation to spirituality. AIMS To investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and other sociodemographic and medical history-related factors on quality of life and life satisfaction among elderly people after myocardial infarction. METHOD In a census-based cross-sectional study conducted at the Imam Reza Hospital in Amol, Iran, from May 2020 to May 2021, data on sociodemographics, medical history, subjective well-being, life satisfaction and quality of life were collected from 502 participants who were referred at the heart clinic. RESULTS The findings showed that spiritual well-being dimensions (religious well-being, [self-assessment of one's relationship with God], and existential well-being, [self-assessment of one's sense of purpose in life and life satisfaction]) were not significantly associated with life satisfaction, but a high perception of both dimensions of spiritual well-being were associated with higher self-reported quality of life. A history of past-year hospital admission and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were significant predictors of life satisfaction, and educational level was a predictor of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The study found no significant association between spiritual well-being and life satisfaction among elderly people following myocardial infarction. This finding might have been influenced by the physical and emotional challenges experienced by the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Majid Khalilizad
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Babol, Iran; and Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Azadeh Moradi
- Imam Reza Hospital at Amol City, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammed A. Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Department of Public Health, University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Moon JW, Cohen AB, Laurin K, MacKinnon DP. Is Religion Special? PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023; 18:340-357. [PMID: 35995046 DOI: 10.1177/17456916221100485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Religion makes unique claims (e.g., the existence of supernatural agents) not found in other belief systems, but is religion itself psychologically special? Furthermore, religion is related to many domains of psychological interest, such as morality, health and well-being, self-control, meaning, and death anxiety. Does religion act on these domains via special mechanisms that are unlike secular mechanisms? These could include mechanisms such as beliefs in supernatural agents, providing ultimate meaning, and providing literal immortality. We apply a critical eye to these questions of specialness and conclude that although it is clear that religion is psychologically important, there is not yet strong evidence that it is psychologically special, with the possible exception of its effects on health. We highlight what would be required of future research aimed at convincingly demonstrating that religion is indeed psychologically special, including careful definitions of religion and careful attention to experimental design and causal inference.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam B Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University
| | - Kristin Laurin
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
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Dunnington K. Being Grateful and Feeling Grateful: Reconsidering the Phenomenology of Gratitude to God. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2179937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kent Dunnington
- Department of Philosophy, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
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Newman DB, Nezlek JB, Tay L. General Gratitude and Gratitude to God: Associations with Personality and Well-Being. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 19:157-165. [PMID: 38487080 PMCID: PMC10936696 DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2178958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research has focused on distinguishing general forms of gratitude from gratitude to God. We contributed to this area of research by examining correlates of personality traits and meaning in life in a cross-sectional study (N = 1,398). General gratitude was more strongly positively related to honesty-humility, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and meaning in life than gratitude to God. Moreover, gratitude to God moderated the positive relationship between general gratitude and meaning in life such that the relationship was stronger at lower than higher levels of gratitude to God. The results suggest that general forms of gratitude may be more important for well-being and positive traits than gratitude to God. General forms of gratitude may be particularly beneficial among less religious people, while gratitude to God may be particularly beneficial for people's well-being among those who are less grateful in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John B Nezlek
- William and Mary
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw
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5
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Pérez S, Rohde D. The Relationship Between Religious/Spiritual Beliefs and Subjective Well-Being: A Case-Based Comparative Cross-National Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:4585-4607. [PMID: 35434763 PMCID: PMC9569290 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The most unique aspect of religiosity/spirituality (R/S), supernatural beliefs, and their relationship with SWB has hardly been examined. This study explores the relationship between six R/S supernatural beliefs and SWB, in a case-based comparative cross-national design including two religious and two secular nations. Data were obtained from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) Religion IV module from the religious countries of the USA (n = 1060) and Turkey (n = 1353) and the secular countries of Denmark (n = 1281) and Czech Republic (n = 1112). SWB was measured as happiness and self-rated health. Statistical analyses were performed using binary logistic regression models replicated across countries. Results indicated that the American sample showed no evidence of relationships between R/S and SWB outcomes capable of improving the model over demographic and service attendance covariates. In Turkey, some R/S beliefs were found to be statistically significantly related to SWB, with positive and negative associations with happiness. No associations were found in the secular countries. Findings were discussed in the light of previous research and interpreted from a terror management theory perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Pérez
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
- Department of Medical Gerontology, TILDA, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
| | - Daniela Rohde
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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6
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Upenieks L. Spiritual support and well-being in later life: revisiting the role of god-mediated control. JOURNAL OF RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY & AGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15528030.2022.2045664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Szcześniak M, Szmuc K, Tytonik B, Czaprowska A, Ivanytska M, Malinowska A. Moderating Effect of Help-Seeking in the Relationship between Religiosity and Dispositional Gratitude among Polish Homeless Adults: A Brief Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031045. [PMID: 35162065 PMCID: PMC8834600 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although empirical reports draw attention to the pathological aspects of the functioning of the homeless, recent studies show the benefits related to the elevating roles of different positive phenomena in coping with difficulties for this group of people. The main goal was to verify whether there is a direct relationship between religiosity and gratitude among the homeless, and whether this association is moderated by the reported help-seeking since both religiosity and gratitude seem to play an important role in homeless people’s lives. In total, 189 homeless persons participated in the study. Their mean age was M = 56.55 (SD = 12.39; range = 27–86). Most respondents were men (n = 119; 63%). The Scale of Religious Attitude Intensity and the Gratitude Questionnaire were used. The outcomes presented a statistically significant positive correlation between religious attitude and gratitude (r = 0.326***, p = 0.001). Help-seeking played a moderatory role in this relationship. Therefore, it can be assumed that the relationship between religiosity attitude intensity and dispositional gratitude is stronger when homeless persons seek specific help from other people or institutions compared to when they do not look for assistance. Homeless people, overcoming their limitations by actively asking for help, can strengthen their bonds with God (faith, religiosity) and with others (dispositional gratitude).
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The Mediating Effect of Dispositional Gratitude on the Relationship between Religious Struggles and Self-Esteem: Preliminary Results. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
In comforting or distressing circumstances, individuals tend to have various perceptions of themselves. It seems that religious comfort and religious distress correlate differently with people’s self-esteem. Since the relationship between religiosity and self-esteem is not only direct but can be mediated by other factors that are recognized as buffers against adverse situations, our main goal was to verify whether dispositional gratitude may have an indirect effect on the association between both variables. The research involved data from 254 participants aged 18 to 25 (M = 21.24; SD = 2.09) and included 192 women (76%) and 62 men (24%). To measure the title variables, we used: the Religious Comfort and Strain Scale (RCSS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6). The results showed that people who consider religion as a source of comfort express positive attitudes toward the self and recognize others’ kindness, as well. In contrast, people who consider religiosity as a cause of fear, stress, and internal strain tend to display a lower subjective sense of personal worth and lower appreciation of the positivity around them. Moreover, gratitude had a mediatory effect on the relationships between religious comfort/negative emotions toward God and self-esteem.
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9
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Garg N, Katiyar N. Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6)-Exploring Psychometric Properties in India. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:3716-3731. [PMID: 34480259 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01419-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to culture-based differences in conceptualization, expression, and gratitude experience, the GQ-6 scale has been validated in different countries. The present study examines the adaptability of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) scale in India. Two studies are conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of GQ-6 for Indian college students. The first study explores factorial validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the scale. Appropriate factor loading in exploratory factor analysis and model fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provides empirical evidence of the scale's factorial validity. The second study investigates the convergent and criterion validity of the scale. A positive correlation with positive affect (PANAS scale) and life satisfaction (Wheel of Life Scale) and a negative association with negative affect (PANAS scale) establish criterion validity of GQ-6. The results conclude adequate suitability of the GQ-6 scale for Indian college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval Garg
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India.
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10
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Upenieks L, Ford-Robertson J. Give Thanks in All Circumstances? Gratitude Toward God and Health in Later Life after Major Life Stressors. Res Aging 2021; 44:392-404. [PMID: 34365849 DOI: 10.1177/01640275211033914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gratitude is foundational to well-being throughout the life course, and an emerging body of work suggests that older adults may be more inclined to attribute gratitude to a non-human target (God). Drawing on life course theory and Erikson's lifespan development framework, we use data from a national sample of Christian older adults from the United States (N = 1,005) to examine whether gratitude toward God buffers the noxious health effects of the death of a loved one or personal illness. Results suggest that gratitude toward God tends to predict better age-comparative and global self-rated physical health in the aftermath of stress, a moderation effect which is partially mediated by stronger beliefs in God-mediated control (that God is a collaborative partner in dealing with problems). We conclude by proposing some interventions for clinicians and counselors centered around gratitude and religiosity that may assist older adults in coping with major life stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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11
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Tsang J, Schnitker SA, Emmons RA, Hill PC. Feeling the intangible: antecedents of gratitude toward intangible benefactors. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2021.1952480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JoAnn Tsang
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University Waco United States
| | - Sarah A. Schnitker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University Waco United States
| | - Robert A. Emmons
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Peter C. Hill
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University La Mirada United States
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12
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Wenting F, Yuanping X, Tao W. Beneficiaries or Charity: The Influence of the Source of Acknowledgments. Front Psychol 2021; 12:602410. [PMID: 34248731 PMCID: PMC8264282 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.602410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study employs entitativity theory to explore how acknowledgment letters from various thankers (e.g., a group of beneficiaries, a charity) influence donors' subsequent donation desires. This empirical research consists of three experiments. Study 1 reveals that an acknowledgment letter from a group of beneficiaries elicits more favorable subsequent donation desires than an acknowledgment letter from a charity. To shed light on the psychological mechanism underlying this effect, Study 2 shows that a categorical appellation can enhance the effects of an acknowledgment letter sent by a charity. Study 3 reveals that the influence of the thanker is stronger under no external pressure conditions (than under external pressure). The current study offers insightful suggestions for the management and administration of charities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wenting
- Department of Gemstone, Gemmological Institute, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu Yuanping
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, Marxism School, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wang Tao
- Department of Marketing, Economics and Management School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Fincham FD, May RW. Generalized gratitude and prayers of gratitude in marriage. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1716053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank D. Fincham
- Family Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Ross W. May
- Family Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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14
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Abstract
The sociology of prayer has a long history and routinely stresses the centrality of prayer to religious belief and ritual solidarity. Still, we have struggled to clearly define the parameters of prayer and the various components of this ubiquitous practice. Drawing from a comprehensive literature review of prayer research, we propose that there are four conceptually distinct dimensions of the private prayer experience which vary across religious cultures and traditions; they are (1) the quantity of prayer, (2) the style of prayer, (3) the purpose of prayer, and (4) prayer targets. Our proposed measures of these dimensions offer researchers a framework to better theorize and investigate the social mechanisms which produce variation in prayer as well as the individual and social outcomes of prayer. In particular, we discuss how each prayer dimension fits within specific theoretical framings to better test the extent to which the emotional, rational, and behavioral elements matter to prayer outcomes.
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Ali SA, Ahmed M, Bhatti OK, Farooq W. Gratitude and Its Conceptualization: An Islamic Perspective. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:1740-1753. [PMID: 31175540 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00850-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Employees constitute an integral part of every organization, and their behaviours cultivate success or failure for the entire industry. Each organization should be cognizant of its employees' behaviours that can be translated through their behavioural outcomes. One of such outcomes is the level of gratitude (Shukr in Islamic perspective) that can be conceptualized further by establishing its link with employees' social or pro-social behaviours using lens of Islamic philosophy. The literature from the perspective of Holy Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's practices) suggests that a good number of employees working in different industries have an element of dissatisfaction reflected through various factors including lack of Shukr (gratitude). This calls for a conceptual undertaking along with its subsequent empirical assessment as the former needs a robust and holistic understanding before proceeding to the latter. The study begins with a strong conceptualization by comparing conventional and Islamic perspective of Shukr and to synthesize key factors which can later help in scale development of Shukr. After a careful comparison between conventional and Islamic viewpoints, three components (dimensions) of Shukr were conceptualized such as Shukr bi'l-qalb (gratitude expressed by inner feelings), Shukr bi'l-lisan (gratitude expressed by tongue) and Shukr bi'l-badan wa'l-arkan (gratitude expressed by body and limbs). This conceptualization can potentially serve as a tool to examine the level of contentment, employees exhibit at workplace which eventually leads to life and job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ahmad Ali
- University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | | | | | - Waqas Farooq
- University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
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McGuire AP, Szabo YZ, Murphy KM, Erickson TM. Direct and Indirect Effects of Trait and State Gratitude on Health-Related Quality of Life in a Prospective Design. Psychol Rep 2019; 123:2248-2262. [PMID: 31407945 DOI: 10.1177/0033294119868784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gratitude has been consistently linked to well-being, but its influence on health-related functioning is not well understood. Furthermore, research suggests the need to differentiate between-person and within-person effects of personality characteristics, and research on gratitude and health has not typically done so. This prospective study aimed to (1) differentiate the unique effects of trait and state gratitude on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and (2) test state gratitude as a mediator between baseline trait gratitude and subsequent HRQoL. Undergraduate participants (N = 141) completed a trait gratitude measure at baseline and then repeated measures of weekly state gratitude and HRQoL over eight weeks. Multilevel models examined baseline trait gratitude, state gratitude averaged across the study (person aggregate) as between-person individual differences, and within-person variability in state gratitude (person-centered) as predictors of HRQoL, as well as the indirect effect of trait gratitude on HRQoL via state gratitude. Greater aggregate and person-centered state gratitude each predicted higher HRQoL. Baseline trait gratitude did not have a significant direct effect but prospectively predicted higher HRQoL via higher weekly state gratitude. Results suggest that understanding effects of gratitude on health-related perceptions requires accounting for both between-person individual differences and within-person fluctuation in state gratitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P McGuire
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX, USA; Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 14643Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Yvette Z Szabo
- 465777VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX, USA; Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Karly M Murphy
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, 3270Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thane M Erickson
- Department of Clinical Psychology, 7282Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
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The relationship between dispositional gratitude and quality of life: The mediating role of perceived stress and mental health. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Positive personality: Relationships among mindful and grateful personality traits with quality of life and health outcomes. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-018-0080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Krause N, Pargament KI. Reading the Bible, Stressful Life Events, and Hope: Assessing an Overlooked Coping Resource. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:1428-1439. [PMID: 29594651 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0610-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Many people rely on religion to deal with the stressors in their lives. The purpose of this study is to examine a religious coping resource that has received relatively little attention-reading the Bible. We evaluated three hypotheses: (1) reading the Bible moderates the relationship between stress and hope; (2) people who read the Bible more often are more likely to rely on benevolent religious reappraisal coping responses; and (3) individuals who rely on benevolent religious reappraisals will be more hopeful about the future. Support was found for all three hypotheses in our analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Krause
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
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20
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Counted V, Possamai A, Meade T. Relational spirituality and quality of life 2007 to 2017: an integrative research review. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2018; 16:75. [PMID: 29690887 PMCID: PMC5926536 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-018-0895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing number of evidence-based research on relational spirituality (RS) and quality of life (QoL) in medical-health research, little is known about the links between RS and QoL outcomes and the mechanisms by which RS aspects are functionally tied to QoL. OBJECTIVE To determine how RS is perceived/positioned in relation to QoL, we (a) examined recent available data that identify and appraise the links between RS and QoL; (b) identified themes emerging from the association between RS and QoL, and (c) discussed the implications of the effects of RS on QoL outcomes. METHODS We conducted an integrative research review of English-language peer-reviewed articles published between 2007 to March 2017 which examined an association between RS and QoL, as identified from a search of three databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect. RESULTS A total of 20 studies were analysed. Of these, twelve (60%) reported positive association between RS and QoL, three (15%) studies reported inverse associations, whereas five (25%) studies showed evidence of lack of association (with two out of the five studies showing an indirect association). Physical health and psychological functioning were the most researched domains of QoL, and some studies suggest an attachment-based model of RS in the last 10 years of RS and QoL research. Studies conducted with participants with serious illnesses ranging from dementia, cardiac arrest, and breast cancer reported no association between RS and physical health. Our review shows evidence of both the direct and/or indirect effects of RS on QoL as a possible spiritual coping model for complementary alternative health therapy, albeit occurring through several religious-related psychosocial conduits. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION RS appears to be associated with health benefits as indicated across QoL domains. General medical practitioners and other healthcare agencies could benefit from the understanding that a spiritual coping model could aid their patients, and therefore their clinical practices, in the healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Counted
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Adam Possamai
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tanya Meade
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Schnitker SA, Richardson KL. Framing gratitude journaling as prayer amplifies its hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, but not health, benefits. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2018.1460690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Krause N, Emmons RA, Ironson G, Hill PC. General feelings of gratitude, gratitude to god, and hemoglobin A1c: Exploring variations by gender. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2017.1326520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neal Krause
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert A. Emmons
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Peter C. Hill
- Department of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, USA
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Svob C, Liu J, Wickramaratne P, Hao X, Talati A, Kayser J, Tenke C, Warner V, Yang J, Anderson M, Weissman MM. Neuroanatomical correlates of familial risk-for-depression and religiosity/spirituality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [PMID: 28642885 DOI: 10.1037/scp0000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine potential neural substrates that underlie the interplay between religiosity/spirituality and risk-for-depression. A new wave of data from a longitudinal, three generation study of individuals at high risk for depression is presented. In addition to providing new longitudinal data, we extend previous findings by employing additional (surface-based) methods for examining cortical volume. MEASURES PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected on 106 second and third generation family members at high or low risk for major depression defined by the presence or absence of depression in the first generation. Religiosity/spirituality measures were collected at the same time as the MRI scans and comprised self-report ratings of personal religious/spiritual (R/S) importance and frequency of religious attendance. Analyses were carried out with Freesurfer. Interactive effects of religiosity/spirituality and risk-for-depression were examined on measures of cortical thickness and cortical surface area. RESULTS A high degree of belief in the importance of religion/spirituality was associated with both a thicker cortex and a larger pial surface area in persons at high risk for familial depression. No significant association was found between cortical regions and religious attendance in either risk group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results support previous findings of an association between R/S importance and cortical thickness in individuals at high risk for depression, and extend the findings to include an association between R/S importance and greater pial surface area. Moreover, the findings suggest these cortical changes may confer protective benefits to religious/spiritual individuals at high risk for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Svob
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Priya Wickramaratne
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuejun Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ardesheer Talati
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jürgen Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Craig Tenke
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Virginia Warner
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Myrna M Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Arrey AE, Bilsen J, Lacor P, Deschepper R. Spirituality/Religiosity: A Cultural and Psychological Resource among Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women with HIV/AIDS in Belgium. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159488. [PMID: 27447487 PMCID: PMC4957758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirituality/religion serves important roles in coping, survival and maintaining overall wellbeing within African cultures and communities, especially when diagnosed with a chronic disease like HIV/AIDS that can have a profound effect on physical and mental health. However, spirituality/religion can be problematic to some patients and cause caregiving difficulties. The objective of this paper was to examine the role of spirituality/religion as a source of strength, resilience and wellbeing among sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant women with HIV/AIDS. A qualitative study of SSA migrant women was conducted between April 2013 and December 2014. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and snowball techniques from AIDS Reference Centres and AIDS workshops in Belgium, if they were 18 years and older, French or English speaking, and diagnosed HIV positive more than 3 months beforehand. We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients and did observations during consultations and support groups attendances. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. 44 women were interviewed, of whom 42 were Christians and 2 Muslims. None reported religious/spiritual alienation, though at some point in time many had felt the need to question their relationship with God by asking "why me?" A majority reported being more spiritual/religious since being diagnosed HIV positive. Participants believed that prayer, meditation, regular church services and religious activities were the main spiritual/religious resources for achieving connectedness with God. They strongly believed in the power of God in their HIV/AIDS treatment and wellbeing. Spiritual/religious resources including prayer, meditation, church services, religious activities and believing in the power of God helped them cope with HIV/AIDS. These findings highlight the importance of spirituality in physical and mental health and wellbeing among SSA women with HIV/AIDS that should be taken into consideration in providing a caring and healthy environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Ebotabe Arrey
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Johan Bilsen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Lacor
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases-AIDS Reference Center, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Reginald Deschepper
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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