Religion and Health: Public Health Research and Practice

Abstract

Key Words religious involvement, spiritualitys Abstract Research examining the relationships between religion and the health of individuals and populations has become increasingly visible in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. Systematic programs of research investigate religious phenomena within the context of coherent theoretical and conceptual frameworks that describe the causes and consequences of religious involvement for health outcomes. Recent research has validated the multidimensional aspects of religious involvement and investigated how religious factors operate through various biobehavioral and psychosocial constructs to affect health status through proposed mechanisms that link religion and health. Methodological and analytical advances in the field permit the development of more complex models of religion's effects, in keeping with proposed theoretical explanations. Investigations of religion and health have ethical and practical implications that should be addressed by the lay public, health professionals, the research community, and the clergy. Future research directions point to promising new areas of investigation that could bridge the constructs of religion and health.

Religious coping among African Americans, Caribbean Blacks and Non‐Hispanic Whites

“…It is important to note, however, that there are circumstances in which religious coping efforts can result in negative outcomes. Religious coping strategies may inhibit help-seeking behaviors and encourage exclusive treatment by clergy or lay religious/spiritual advisors, thereby preventing or delaying seeking professional treatment (Chatters, 2000;Taylor et al, 2004). This may be particularly problematic if the exclusive use of religious coping strategies prevents or significantly delays timely medical attention and diagnosis of an underlying health problem.…”

Voluntary medical adult male circumcision for HIV prevention in South Africa: The tensions between medicalised modernity and traditional practices

“…A number of studies have found that medical interventions have been resisted on traditional grounds despite their benefits to the public (Chatters, 2000;McKinlay & Marceau, 2000;Jackson & Scambler, 2007). Such interventions may include the amputation of an infected organ or body part, repudiation of organ donation, or refusing to perform an autopsy on the deceased, all of which are related to religious and cultural beliefs that the body must remain intact for the after-life, as well as the refusal of blood transfusions or organ transplants due to the belief that the "soul" resides in the living tissue and fluids of the body.…”

Ministers’ Perceptions of Church-Based Programs to Provide Depression Care for African Americans

“…15,16 The Black Church, classically defined as the set of seven predominantly African American denominations of the Christian faith, 17 is a prominent, easily accessible, and trusted institution in many African American communities. 17,18 The Black Church has a history of confronting racial disparities by providing health and social services to community members. 17,19 Church-based health programs are designed to provide measurable benefits to individuals through education, screening, and treatment.…”