Religion and psychiatry: recent developments in research

Abstract

SUMMARY The evidence base on the relationship between religion and mental health is growing rapidly, and we summarise the latest research on the topic. This includes studies on religious involvement and depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, personality disorder, chronic psychotic disorder, marital/family stability, social support and psychological well-being. We also review a relatively new topic in psychiatry, moral injury, which often accompanies PTSD and may interfere with its treatment. We describe a theoretical model that explains how religion might affect mental health and briefly discuss its applications in clinical practice, including a discussion of religiously integrated therapies for depression, anxiety and other emotional problems. Overall, studies indicate that religious involvement often serves as a powerful resource for patients, one that can be integrated into psychiatric care. At times, however, religion may impede or complicate treatment. This article will help clinicians determine, on the basis of the latest research, whether religion is an asset or a liability for a particular patient.

Maintaining Health and Well-Being by Putting Faith into Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…For many, religious faith is an important resource for health and well-being, one whose effects should not be underestimated (Koenig et al 2012(Koenig et al , 2020. Here are six suggestions for those who want to remain healthy and resilient-mentally, physically, and spiritually-during this anxious time of the coronavirus pandemic (and help the faithful stay busy and avoid social isolation while sheltering in place at home).…”

The sacred versus the secular in UK psychiatry

“…Like most recommendations for clinical practice, Koenig and colleagues' clinical guidance is based more on opinion than evidence. The statement in the first article that 'such studies […] have the potential to contribute evidence for causation' (Koenig 2020a) is appropriately cautious, as the totality of the evidence does not remotely meet the Bradford Hill criteria (Bradford Hill 1965 guidance, however, is implicitly based on an assumption of causality. This is not an obscure technical point.…”

“…Koenig and colleagues present two connected review articles in BJPsych Advances on religion and psychiatry. The first is a selective summary of research (Koenig 2020a). The second makes recommendations for clinical practice (Koenig 2020b).…”

Clients’ Faith Experiences as an Opportunity or a Challenge for Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Analysis of Clinical Records

“…As such, faith was found to be a significant source of meaning that could be used to elicit the experience of meaningfulness in life and is positively related to psychological health (Schnell 2011;Pedersen et al 2018;Van der Heyden et al 2015). Moreover, faith is a significant factor that constitutes potential positive coping strategies for the individual (Mueller et al 2001;Stewart et al 2013;Koenig et al 2020). Though spirituality and religiosity often serve as positive coping resources in times of crisis, the opposite, defined as a religious struggle or negative religious coping, is likewise well documented and associated with stress, lower self-esteem, and higher levels of depression and anxiety (Fitchett et al 2004;Abu-Raiya et al 2015;Abu-Raiya et al 2016;Ano and Vasconcelles 2005;Exline 2013).…”