Editorial

Religion and Spirituality: Important Psychosocial Variables Frequently Ignored in Clinical Research

Authors: Kenneth E. Olive, MD

Abstract

Religious and spiritual beliefs and practices are fundamental to the identity of many people. But, are such beliefs and practices relevant to health care? Previous work published in a variety of journals suggests that they are. Religious and spiritual variables have been associated with lower levels of mortality in prospective cohort studies,1,2 improved recovery from surgery,3,4 lower levels of substance abuse,5,6 coping with serious illness,7 immune function in HIV-infected patients,8 blood pressure control,9 and lower levels of health care utilization.10 Patients recognize the importance of these issues in their own lives, and many want physicians to consider these factors in their health care.11,12Furthermore, physician values may affect their clinical decisions and their interactions with patients.13,14 A limited number of studies have included a spiritual dimension in patient care, and examined health-related outcomes.15,16

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. Strawbridge WJ, Cohen RD, Shema SJ, et al. Frequent attendance at religious services and mortality over 28 years. Am J Public Health 1997;87:957–961.
 
2. Oman D, Reed D. Religion and mortality among the community-dwelling elderly. Am J Public Health1998;88:1469–1475.
 
3. Oxman TE, Freeman DH, Manheimer ED. Lack of social participation or religious strength and comfort as risk factors for death after cardiac surgery in the elderly. Psychosom Med 1995;57:5–15.
 
4. Pressman P, Lyons JS, Larson DB, et al. Religious belief, depression, and ambulation status in elderly women with broken hips. Am J Psychiatry 1990;147:758–760.
 
5. Whooley MA, Boyd AL, Gardin JM, Williams DR. Religious involvement and cigarette smoking in young adults: the CARDIA study. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:1604–1610.
 
6. Hadaway CK, Elifson KW, Peterson DM. Religious involvement and drug use among urban adolescents. J Sci Study Religion 1984;23:109–128.
 
7. Roberts JA, Brown D, Elkins T, Larson DB. Factors influencing views of patients with gynecologic cancer about end-of-life decisions. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:166–172.
 
8. Woods TE, Antoni MH, Ironson GH, Kling DW. Religiosity is associated with affective and immune status in symptomatic HIV-infected gay men. J Psychom Res 1999;46:165–176.
 
9. Larson DB, Koenig HG, Kaplan BH, et al. The impact of religion on men’s blood pressure. J Religion Health 1989;28:265–278.
 
10. Koenig HG, Larson DB. Use of hospital services, religious attendance, and religious affiliation. South Med J 1998;91:925–932.
 
11. Maugans TA, Wadland WC. Religion and family medicine: a survey of physicians and patients. J Fam Pract 1991;32:210–213.
 
12. Ehman JW, Ott BB, Short TH, et al. Do patients want physicians to inquire about their spiritual or religious beliefs if they become gravely ill? Arch Intern Med 1999;159:1803–1806.
 
13. Neumann JK, Olive KE. Absolute versus relative values: effects on family practitioners and psychiatrists. South Med J 2003;96:452–457.
 
14. Olive KE. Physician religious beliefs and the physician-patient relationship: a study of devout physicians. South Med J 1995;88:1249–1255.
 
15. Burrell G. Group psychotherapy in Project New Life: treatment of coronary-prone behaviors for patients who have had coronary artery bypass surgery, in Allan R, Scheidt S (eds): Heart and Mind: The Practice of Cardiac Psychology. Washington, DC, American Psychological Association, pp 291–310.
 
16. Kumanyika SK, Charleston JB. Lose weight and win: a church-based weight loss program for blood pressure control among black women. Patient Educ Counsel 1992;19:19–32.
 
17. Sevensky RL. Religion and illness: an outline of their relationship. South Med J 1981;74:745–750.
 
18. Levin JS, Vanderpool HY. Religious factors in physical health and the prevention of illness. Prev Hum Serv 1991;9:41–64.
 
19. Koenig HG, Cohen HJ, George LK, et al. Attendance at religious services, interleukin-6, and other biological parameters of immune function in older adults. Int J Psychiatry Med 1997;27:233–250.
 
20. 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.
 
21. Sloan RP, Bagiella E, Powell T. Religion, spirituality, and medicine. Lancet 1999;353:664–667.
 
22. Sherrill KA, Larson DB. Adult burn patients: the role of religion in recovery. South Med J1988;81:821–825.
 
23. Levin JS, Lyons JS, Larson DB. Prayer and health during pregnancy: finding from the Galveston Low Birthweight Survey. South Med J 1993;86:1022–1027.
 
24. Matthews DA, Marlowe SM, MacNutt FS. Effects of intercessory prayer on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. South Med J 2000;93:1177–1186.
 
25. King DE, Wells BJ. End of life issues and spiritual histories. South Med J 2003;96:391–393.
 
26. American Religious Identification Survey. Accessed athttp://www.gc.cuny.edu/studies/aris_index.htm on October 14, 2003.