Handbook of Religion and Health

by Koenig, Harold G.; McCullough, Michael E.; Larson, David B.

• ISBN13: 9780195118667
• ISBN10: 0195118669
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-01-11
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

What effect does religion have on physical and mental health? In answering this question, this book reviews and discusses research on the relationship between religion and a variety of mental and physical health outcomes, including depression and anxiety; heart disease, stroke, and cancer; andhealth related behaviors such as smoking and substance abuse. The authors examine the positive and negative effects of religion on health throughout the life span, from childhood to old age. Based on their findings, they build theoretical models illustrating the behavioral, psychological, social,and physiological pathways through which religion may influence health. The authors also review research on the impact of religious affiliation, belief, and practice on the use of health services and compliance with medical treatment. In conclusion, they discuss the clinical relevance of theirfindings and make recommendations for future research priorities. Offering the first comprehensive examination of its topic, this volume is an indispensable resource for research scientists, health professionals, public policy makers, and anyone interested in the relationship between religion and health.

Author Biography

Harold G. Koenig, M.D., is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University. Michael E. McCullough, Ph.D., is Director of Research at the National Institute for Healthcare Research. David B. Larson, M.D., is President of the National Institute for Healthcare Research.

Table of Contents

Introduction	3	(17)
Part I Historical Context
Definitions	17	(7)
A History of Religion, Science, and Medicine: Historical Timeline	24	(29)
Part II Debating Religion's Effects on Health
Religion's Positive Effects	53	(7)
Religion's Negative Effects	60	(18)
Religious Coping: The Patient's Experience	78	(19)
Part III Research on Religion and Mental Health
Well-Being	97	(21)
Depression	118	(18)
Suicide	136	(8)
Anxiety Disorders	144	(10)
Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses	154	(12)
Alcohol and Drug Use	166	(15)
Delinquency	181	(10)
Marital Instability	191	(13)
Personality	204	(10)
Understanding Religion's Effects on Mental Health	214	(17)
Part IV Research on Religion and Physical Disorders
Heart Disease	231	(19)
Hypertension	250	(14)
Cerebrovascular Disease and the Brain	264	(12)
Immune System Dysfunction	276	(16)
Cancer	292	(26)
Mortality	318	(13)
Religion and Disability	331	(13)
Pain and Other Somatic Symptoms	344	(14)
Health Behaviors	358	(24)
Understanding Religion's Effects on Physical Health	382	(15)
Part V Religion and Use of Health Services
Disease Prevention, Disease Detection, and Treatment Compliance	397	(12)
Use of General Medical and Mental Health Services	409	(19)
Understanding Religion's Effects on Health Service Use	428	(9)
Part VI Clinical Applications
Health Professionals	437	(12)
Religious Professionals	449	(16)
Part VII Priorities for Future Research
Areas of Research That Need Further Study	465	(14)
Research Methods	479	(16)
Measurement Tools	495	(18)
Part VIII Studies on Religion and Health by Health Outcome
The Studies (Earliest to 2000)	513	(78)
Conclusions	591	(2)
References	593	(96)
Index	689