How Do Religiosity and Spirituality Associate with Health-Related Outcomes of Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses? A Scoping Review

Abstract

The aim of the current scoping review was to explore the associations between religious and spiritual factors and the health-related outcomes of adolescents with chronic illnesses, as well as to investigate possible mechanisms accounting for these relationships. In total, 20 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were reviewed after performing a search of the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. The results suggested that religious and spiritual beliefs, thoughts, and practices (e.g., spiritual coping activities) might have both beneficial and deleterious effects on the way adolescents deal with their medical condition, on their psychosocial adjustment, on their mental and physical health, and on their adherence to treatments. Mediating and moderating mechanisms explaining these relations were also evidenced. Suggestions for future research and practical implications for healthcare professionals are provided in the concluding section of this work.

Mental health and quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease: a single-center structural equation model

“…Recommended steps for developing coping behaviours in chronically ill people includes assisting patients in expressing grief, providing opportunities to seek personal meaning, and training to gain mastery in managing emotions and challenges, which are best achieved through a combination of support from the counsellor, social worker, provider, and family members [ 71 ]. Other research confirms that religious leaders and community notables can play an integral role in addressing challenges of the chronically ill and supporting patients with spiritual coping [ 72 ].…”

Designing and psychometric properties of the hospitalized patients’ spiritual needs questionnaire (HPSNQ) in the medical-surgical hospital setting

“…In the current study, the domain of “interpersonal connectedness” refers to the patients’ needs for the presence and attention of others, to receive and provide support for others, and to be treated with dignity. Connectedness with others is mentioned as a component of spirituality [ 2 , 86 ]. A sense of strong and positive interpersonal connectedness is primarily fostered within the context of intimate relationships that involve mutual concern, care, and comprehension [ 87 ].…”

Clinical Practice Guidelines for mental health and well-being in patients with chronic medical illnesses

“…spiritual coping activities) can have both beneficial and deleterious effects on how people deal with their illness, psychosocial adjustment, mental and physical health, and treatment adherence. [ 81 ] Religion and spirituality also influence health behavior and mental health outcomes. [ 78 , 79 ] Religion-based interventions (religiously integrated cognitive behavioral therapy, listening to religious content and attending sermons, and reading pamphlets related to religion and spirituality) have been shown to reduce depression in patients with chronic illnesses.…”