The Literature on Religious Faith and Healing

Do We Have Examples In The Literature That Show A Connection Between Faith and Healing?

Research has consistently shown that religious faith can play a significant role in the physical healing process. Several studies suggest that spirituality and religious involvement can lead to better health outcomes, including improved immune function, reduced stress levels, and enhanced coping mechanisms during illness.

Do Individuals Who Have Faith Have Better Outcomes?

Here are ten articles that demonstrate the important role of religious faith in physical healing, showing that individuals with religious faith tend to have better health outcomes:

1. Harvard Medical School – A study conducted at Harvard Medical School discusses how spiritual beliefs can enhance resilience and improve health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations. It highlights how religious faith can act as a buffer against stress and illness, leading to better overall health.
   • Source: Harvard Medical School. (2015). Spirituality and Healing. 
2. Stanford University – Research from Stanford University shows that individuals with deep religious faith often report better mental and physical health due to the supportive community and positive lifestyle encouraged by their faith.
   • Source: Stanford University. (2020). Deep faith beneficial to health. 
3. SpringerLink – This article reviews the health outcomes of religious and spiritual belief, highlighting how these factors contribute to better-coping mechanisms, stress reduction, and overall improved health in individuals with chronic illnesses.
   • Source: SpringerLink. (2020). Health Outcomes of Religious and Spiritual Belief, Behavior, and Belonging. 
4. Journal of Behavioral Medicine – A study published in this journal examines the role of religious struggle as a predictor of mental and physical well-being in patients with advanced heart failure, showing that those with positive religious coping strategies had better health outcomes.
   • Source: Park, C. L., Wortmann, J. H., & Edmondson, D. (2011). Religious struggle as a predictor of subsequent mental and physical well-being in advanced heart failure patients. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34(6), 426-436.
5. Journal of Religion and Health – This article explores how spiritual struggles among patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome impact their recovery, emphasizing that positive religious engagement can lead to improved physical outcomes.
   • Source: Magyar-Russell, G., et al. (2014). In search of serenity: Religious struggle among patients hospitalized for suspected acute coronary syndrome. Journal of Religion and Health, 53(2), 562-578.
6. South Medical Journal – The study focuses on how spiritual resources are utilized in coping with medical illness, demonstrating that individuals who actively engage in religious practices tend to recover more effectively from serious health conditions.
   • Source: Pargament, K. I., & Ano, G. G. (2006). Spiritual resources and struggles in coping with medical illness. South Medical Journal, 99(10), 1161-1162.
7. Psycho-Oncology – This research examines the role of religious coping in cancer patients, showing that those who engage in positive religious practices report better physical and mental health during treatment.
   • Source: King, S. D., et al. (2017). Spiritual or religious struggle in hematopoietic cell transplant survivors. Psycho-Oncology, 26(2), 270-277.
8. Global Public Health – The article discusses how religious coping strategies among women with obstetric fistula in Tanzania lead to better mental and physical health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of faith in dealing with serious health conditions.
   • Source: Watt, M. H., et al. (2014). Religious coping among women with obstetric fistula in Tanzania. Global Public Health, 9(5), 516-527.
9. Journal of Health Psychology – This study investigates the prevalence of spiritual struggles among Swiss patients visited by chaplains and how these struggles correlate with physical health, finding that positive spiritual engagement is linked to better health outcomes.
   • Source: Fitchett, G., et al. (2014). Struggle with the divine in Swiss patients visited by chaplains: Prevalence and correlates. Journal of Health Psychology, 19(8), 966-976.
10. Journal of Palliative and Supportive Care – Research on advanced cancer patients shows that those with strong religious beliefs often prefer less aggressive treatment and report better overall well-being, suggesting a positive relationship between faith and health outcomes.
    • Source: Delgado-Guay, M. O., et al. (2015). The association between religiosity and resuscitation status preference among patients with advanced cancer. Journal of Palliative and Supportive Care, 13(5), 1435-1439.

The Literature Demonstrates A Benefit

These articles are only a tiny sampling of the large body of literature highlighting the positive impact of religious faith on physical healing and overall health outcomes, especially for patients with strong religious beliefs.  These studies collectively underscore the importance of integrating spiritual care into medical treatment.  By acknowledging and supporting the spiritual needs of patients, healthcare providers can enhance the overall healing process.

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