Editorial

Publication in the Field of Spirituality, Religion, and Medicine: An Uphill Battle?

Authors: Dana E. King, MD

Abstract

Attention to religion, faith, and spirituality in medicine has increased in recent years. The number of papers published on the subject has skyrocketed in the decade of the 90s, and the pace has continued in the new millennium. The topic has been the subject of a number of popular books, including best sellers such as Koenig’s “The Healing Power of Faith” (Simon and Schuster) and Newberg’s “Why God Won’t Go Away” (Ballantine). However, a troubling paradox has occurred—while the topic is popular with patients and the public, it has not attracted the attention of major funding agencies or major medical journals. Why is this so, and what should be done?

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Weaver AJ, Flannelly KJ, Case DB, Costa KG. Religion and spirituality in three major general medical journals from 1998 to 2000. South Med J 2004;97:1245–1249.
 
2. MacLean CD, Susi B, Phifer N, et al. Patient preference for physician discussion and practice of spirituality. J Gen Intern Med 2003;18:38–43.
 
3. Ironson G, Solomon GF, Balbin EG, et al. The Ironson-Woods Spirituality/Religiousness Index is associated with long survival, health behaviors, less distress, and low cortisol in people with HIV/AIDS.Ann Behav Med 2002;24:34–48.
 
4. King DE, Mainous AG III, Pearson WS. C-reactive protein, diabetes, and attendance at religious services. Diabetes Care 2002;25:1172–1176.