Brief Multidimensional Measure Of Religiousness/Spirituality Research Articles

Risk of suicide and religious or spiritual beliefs in Brazilian adult patients with epilepsy

In epilepsy, suicidal behavior is higher compared with the general population. ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between suicide risk, religiosity or spirituality, and clinical variables in adult patients with epilepsy (PWE). MethodologyThe data from the suicide module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were related to scores on the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS-P) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), as well as clinical variables in 96 adults PWE, with a significance level of p < 0.05. ResultsThe study included 49 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) and 47 cases of other epilepsies. The presence of suicide risk in the MINI was observed in 43 (44.7%) cases. Suicide risk was associated with an earlier age of epilepsy onset, higher seizure frequency, neurological abnormalities, and higher scores on the HADS-A and HADS-D scales. Suicide risk was low in 33 (76.7%) cases and moderate or high in 10 (23.2%) cases. Higher suicide risk was associated with higher education levels, focal structural epilepsy, use of ≥2 antiseizure medications, neurological abnormalities, anxiety, and dimensions such as daily spiritual experiences, religious or spiritual coping, organizational religiousness, and total score in the BMMRS-P. DiscussionA high number of patients with epilepsy exhibited suicide risk, with epilepsy-related variables, the presence of anxiety, and perceived lower belongingness and social support from religiosity or spirituality anxiety being associated with a higher risk. The social support provided by religiosity/spirituality may be a non-clinical factor associated with suicidal behavior. Suicide in epilepsy is associated with a complex interaction of multidimensional factors.

Brief multidimensional measure of spirituality/religiousness, self-esteem, quality of life, and epilepsy

IntroductionThe relationships between religiousness/spirituality (RS), self-esteem, and quality of life (QoL) in adult people with epilepsy (PWEs) have not been studied in detail. MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed RS using the brief multidimensional measure of religiousness/spirituality (BMMRS) scores of 86 PWEs. These scores were compared to 58 individuals in the control group (CG). Among the PWEs, the BMMRS data were related with the QOLIE-31 and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) scores and clinical variables. ResultsAmong the PWEs, 48 individuals had temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) and other epilepsies in 38 cases. Higher “daily spiritual experiences,” “overall self-ranking as a religious/spiritual person,” and lower perception of “religious/spiritual coping” were observed in the TLE-HS group when compared to the CG. Among the PWEs, there was lower “religious/spiritual coping” and higher “overall self-ranking as a religious/spiritual person” in the TLE-HS group. There was a significant difference in the BMMRS dimensions according to the type and frequency of seizures and the number of antiseizure drugs taken. There was a low correlation between the BMMRS, the QOLIE-31, and the RSES. In the network analysis with the Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm, there was no correlation between self-esteem and RS. In the TLE-HS group, there was a correlation between the “forgiveness” dimension of the BMMRS and some dimensions of the QOLIE-31. ConclusionThere was a greater RS in the TLE-HS group when compared to the CG. Regarding the two epilepsy groups, there was a higher “overall self-ranking as a religious/spiritual person” and lower “religious/spiritual coping” in the TLE-HS. The clinical variables and demographic data are related to different BMMRS dimensions according to the type of epilepsy. In the TLE-HS group, a higher RS is related to a better QoL. RS is not related to self-esteem.

Examining Cultural, Ethnic, and Religious Differences with the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness and Spirituality in the U.S. and India.

The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) is regularly used to measure spirituality and religiosity in U.S. Christian populations, although it has not been used for making comparisons with non-Western groups. This study compared BMMRS results for 109 individuals (60 in the U.S. and 49 in India) with traumatic brain injury (TBI) from different cultures (U.S., India), ethnic groups (African American, Caucasian, South Asian), and religions (Christian, Hindu, Muslim). In general, the results indicated that U.S. African Americans and Christians reported being the most spiritual, South Asians and Hindus the least. Groups differed significantly in self-reported spiritual experiences, but less in frequency of religious activities. Results suggest using caution when applying Western-based measures of religion and spirituality in non-Western, non-Christian populations.

Spirituality and religiousness as predictors of life satisfaction among Peruvian citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic

The objective of this study was to determine if religiousness and spirituality predict life satisfaction among Peruvian citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a non-experimental, predictive and cross-sectional study with a sample of 734 people of both sexes (39.5% males and 60.5% females) between 17-75 years of age (M = 32.05). To measure the variables, the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used. A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the variables that best predict life satisfaction, finding that the spirituality variable explains 10.7 % of the total variance of the life satisfaction variable. In summary, a positive and significant correlation between spirituality and life satisfaction is identified (r = .328, p < .01).

Relationships between psychometrically distinct Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) factors and mental health among U.S. college students

ABSTRACT The current study tested the extent to which demographic, personality, spiritual, and religious variables accounted for variance in physical and mental health measures using recently identified psychometrically distinct factors of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality. Based on a non-clinical sample of 249 U.S. undergraduate students, hierarchical multiple regressions were significant for mental, but not physical, health, with 33% of the variance explained by demographic and personality measures and an additional 8% of the variance explained by measures of spirituality (i.e., positive and negative) but not religiosity. The results confirm that spiritual variables are unique predictors of mental health beyond demographics and personality, as well as a need to consider both positive and negative spiritual beliefs when predicting mental health.

Conceptualising spirituality and religion as psychological processes: validation of the factor structure of the BMMRS

ABSTRACT This study validated previous principal component analyses of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) that have been conducted with persons with diverse medical conditions and traumatic brain injuries from diverse cultures (India, US), ethnicities (African American, Caucasian, South Asian), and religions (Christian, Hindu, Muslim). Participants included 398 healthy undergraduate students who completed the BMMRS online. A principal components factor analysis identified a five factor solution accounting for 64.00% of the variance in scores, labelled as: (1) Positive Spiritual Experience; (2) Negative Spiritual Experience/Congregational Support; (3) Forgiveness; (4) Religious Practices; and (5) Positive Congregational Support. The current analysis is supportive of a conceptual framework in which the BMMRS spiritual and religious variables are best conceptualised in terms of positive/negative psychological processes including: (a) emotional connection with the divine (i.e., spirituality); (b) behavioural rituals/beliefs (i.e., religiosity); and (c) social support (i.e., congregationally based). Implications for psychoneuroimmunological research are discussed.

Faith Unchanged: Spirituality, But Not Christian Beliefs and Attitudes, Is Altered in Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease

In this study, we aimed at investigating the validity and characteristics of the concept of hyporeligiosity in Parkinson’s disease. Twenty-eight newly diagnosed, never-medicated patients with Parkinson’s disease and 30 matched healthy control individuals received the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS), the Stolz’s index of Christian religiosity, and the Francis Scale of Attitude to Christianity (FSAC). All participants identified themselves as Roman Catholic or Protestant. Parkinson’s patients displayed decreased positive and negative spirituality on the BMMRS, whereas beliefs and attitudes related to their Christian religion were unchanged. The severity of the disease was associated with reduced spirituality, but not with Christian faith. These results suggest a dissociation between general spirituality and traditional religious faith in Parkinson’s disease, which is consistent with the findings from patients with schizophrenia.

Factor Structure of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality in US and Indian Samples with Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aim of this paper was to determine the factor structure of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) based on a sample of individuals from diverse cultures (i.e., USA, India), ethnicities (i.e., Caucasian, African-American, South Asian), and religions (i.e., Christian, Muslim, Hindu). A total of 109 individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were included. Participants completed the BMMRS as part of a broader study on spirituality, religion, prosocial behaviors, and neuropsychological function. A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization identified a six-factor solution accounting for 72% of the variance in scores. Five of the factors were deemed to be interpretable and were labeled based on face validity as: (1) Positive Spirituality/Religious Practices; (2) Positive Congregational Support; (3) Negative Spirituality/Negative Congregational Support; (4) Organizational Religion; and (5) Forgiveness. The results were generally consistent with previous studies, suggesting the existence of universal religious, spiritual, and congregational support factors across different cultures and faith traditions. For health outcomes research, it is suggested that the BMMRS factors may be best conceptualized as measuring the following general domains: (a) emotional connectedness with a higher power (i.e., spirituality, positive/negative); (b) culturally based behavioral practices (i.e., religion); and (c) social support (i.e., positive/negative). The results indicate that factor relationships may differ among spiritual, religious, and congregational support variables according to culture and/or religious tradition.

Targeting those with decreased meaning and peace: a supportive care opportunity.

To evaluate if an individual's level of meaning/peace (M/P) predicts various quality of life (QOL) and mental well-being measures. To identify targets that might enhance the overall spiritual well-being and QOL of ovarian cancer patients. Multi-site analysis of women with newly diagnosed stages II-IV ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Patients completed the following surveys: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Ovarian (FACT-O), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual (FACIT-Sp), Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS). Linear regression models were created to examine the effect of M/P (FACIT-Sp) upon QOL, symptoms, and other measures of mental well-being. These models adjusted for the effect of site, race, age, stage, anaphylaxis to chemotherapy, and partner status as potential confounders. This study enrolled 104 patients from three separate sites. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that higher M/P predicted better QOL (FACT-O) (p < 0.0001). Higher M/P also predicted decreased death anxiety, depression, and anxiety (p ≤ 0.005). Finally, higher M/P predicted increased hope and coping scores (p ≤ 0.0005). Level of M/P is associated with several important mental and physical health states. This information may allow providers to identify patients at increased risk for mental/physical distress and may facilitate early referral to targeted psychotherapy interventions focused on improving patient QOL and decreasing anxiety and depression.

Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS-P) in Clinical and Non-clinical Samples

Despite Brazil's high levels of religious involvement, there is a scarcity of validated religiousness/spirituality (R/S) measures in Portuguese, particularly multidimensional ones. This study presents the validation of the Portuguese version of the "Brief Multidimensional Measure in Religiousness and Spirituality" (BMMRS) within the Brazilian context. Inpatients (262) and caregivers (389) at two hospitals of Brazil answered the BMMRS, the DUREL-p, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The internal and convergent validity and test-retest reliability for major dimensions were good. Discriminant validity was high (except for the Forgiveness dimension). The Portuguese version of the BMMRS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess multiple R/S dimensions in clinical and non-clinical samples.

The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality with an Irish sample: a factor analysis

Background/Aim: The relationship between increased spirituality and better health has been consistently demonstrated in the US. The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) is one of the most commonly used measures in the US used to assess the spirituality and religiosity of people with disabilities, but it has not been validated for use with other international populations. This study was carried out to validate the factor structure of the BMMRS with an Irish population so that future research can be carried in spirituality and health research with Irish populations with disabilities. Methods: Based on 180 Irish undergraduate students, a principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalisation was completed. Results: Four factors with extraction eigenvalues greater than 1.0 (4.50, 3.12, 2.56, and 1.90) were identified, and explained a cumulative total of 63.56% of the variance. Based on face validity of the items from each factor, they were labelled as: spiritual coping (eight items: α=0.89); spiritual beliefs (five items: α=0.80); religious practices (three items: α=0.68); and spiritual connectedness (three items: α=0.70). Conclusion: The BMMRS measures distinct dimensions of religion and spirituality in Irish populations similar to those identified with US populations, and appears appropriate for comparative international research.

Suicidal intention and negative spiritual coping one year after the earthquake of L'Aquila (Italy)

This study investigated the rate of suicidal intention and its relationship with the features of religious involvement in a non-clinical sample of the adult population exposed to the L'Aquila earthquake. The study population was composed of 426 people who had experienced the earthquake (188 males and 238 females). For comparison, 522 people were recruited from nearby unaffected areas. The sample was investigated for suicidal intention screening, distinguishing Suicidal Screen-Negative (SSN) subjects from Positive (SSP) subjects. Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and Impact of Event Scale (IES) assessments were administered. More SSP subjects were observed in the population exposed to the earthquake (Odds Ratio 3.54). A higher proportion of females showed suicidal ideation. Multivariate analysis showed overall significance for the between-subject factor. Univariate F tests for each BMMRS variable that contributed to significant overall effect showed that negative spiritual coping was significantly different. No differences were observed for IES scores between the two groups, but correlations with negative spiritual coping were found. The samples are relatively small and data are based on self-reports. Negative religious coping such as expression of conflict and doubt regarding matters of faith, as well as a feeling of being punished or abandoned by God, can prevail in response to prolonged stress without relief, as was experienced by the population exposed to the earthquake. These features are more associated with suicide ideation. Degree of religious affiliation and commitment examination by mental health practitioners can be useful when suicidal ideation is investigated.

Gender Differences in Spiritual Experiences, Religious Practices, and Congregational Support for Individuals with Significant Health Conditions

This study sought to identify gender differences among medical patients for their spiritual/religious beliefs/practices and their associations with health. Patients (N = 168) completed the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS), and SF-36 general health perception (GHP) and general mental health (GMH) scales. No gender differences were found in endorsement of spiritual experiences, religious practices, or congregational support. For men, religious/spiritual coping significantly correlated with GHP and GMH, and religious support significantly correlated with GMH. For women, measures of spiritual experiences, religious practices, and congregational support were significantly correlated with GMH, but no significant correlations with GHP were noted. Regression analyses revealed that the interaction between gender and BMMRS was a significant predictor for GMH and GHP. Follow-up analyses suggested that for women, GMH was associated with religious/spiritual coping, religious support, daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, and organizational religion. In contrast, GHP was only significantly predicted by religious support and only for men. Although no gender differences were noted in endorsement of religious/spiritual experiences/practices, gender differences in relationships between spirituality beliefs/practices and health may exist among individuals with chronic health issues.

Psychometric Examination of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality Among College Students

Resurgent interest in the relations between religiousness/spirituality (R/S) and health is evident in the scientific literature but much of the research fails to capture the proposed multidimensional nature of R/S. This problematic situation is compounded by the existence of a plethora of measures mostly lacking substantial empirical or even theoretical support. The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) was developed to address measurement confusion by providing a standard instrument for researchers investigating the dimensions of R/S relevant to health. Psychometric properties and factor structure of the BMMRS were investigated in a sample of 374 college students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested a seven-factor structure for the BMMRS. Preliminary construct validity for the instrument was demonstrated. These findings generally support those of previous studies and suggest that the modified BMMRS is a viable multifactor measure of R/S for use with young adults.

Differentiating the Impact of Spiritual Experiences, Religious Practices, and Congregational Support on the Mental Health of Individuals With Heterogeneous Medical Disorders

This study evaluated the relationships that exist between the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and the mental health of individuals with heterogeneous medical disorders. The participants were 168 individuals with heterogeneous medical disorders (i.e., 61 brain injury, 32 stroke, 25 spinal cord injury, 25 cancer, 25 primary care). The measures were BMMRS subscales (conceptualized as spiritual experiences, religious practices, and congregational support), Medical Outcomes Scale–Short Form 36 General Mental Health scale. Pearson correlations indicated that, in general, mental health is positively correlated with positive spiritual experiences and positive congregational support but negatively correlated with negative spiritual coping and negative congregational support. Mental health was not correlated with private religious practices (e.g., prayer). Hierarchical regressions indicated that congregational support was the only BMMRS scale to predict mental health, explaining 6% of the variance beyond the 14% explained by demographic factors. The mental health of individuals with significant medical conditions appears to be primarily related to positive spiritual beliefs and especially congregational support. Mental health does not appear to be related to religious practices such as prayer, which is likely related to the fact that many individuals with serious medical conditions increase prayer with declining mental health status. These results stress the need for active congregational support and spiritual interventions to improve the mental health of persons with serious medical conditions.

Relationships among spiritual beliefs, religious practises, congregational support and health for individuals with traumatic brain injury

Objective: To determine relationships among spiritual beliefs, religious practises, congregational support and health for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Design: A cross-sectional analysis of 61 individuals with TBI evaluated in an outpatient clinic using the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and the Medical Outcomes Scale-Short Form 36 (SF-36).Results: For persons with TBI the BMMRS Meaning and Values/Beliefs sub-scales were significantly correlated with the SF-36 General Health Perception sub-scale and the BMMRS Religious Support sub-scale was significantly correlated with the SF-36 General Mental Health sub-scale. Hierarchical regressions indicated that the BMMRS Values/Beliefs and Forgiveness sub-scales accounted for 16% additional variance in SF-36 General Health Perception scores beyond that accounted for by demographic variables (i.e. age, income); no BMMRS sub-scales accounted for additional variance in predicting the SF-36 General Mental Health sub-scale beyond that accounted for by demographic variables (i.e. age, income).Conclusions: The physical health of individuals with TBI is associated with spiritual beliefs but not religious practises or congregational support. Better mental health is associated with increasing congregationally based social support for persons with TBI. Religious practises (i.e. praying, etc.) are not related to either physical or mental health, as some persons with TBI may increase prayer with declining health status.

Relationships Among Religiousness, Spirituality, and Health for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: To examine the relationships among spirituality, religiosity, physical health, and mental health for individuals with SCI. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of 25 individuals with SCI and 31 healthy controls using the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and the Medical Outcomes Scale-Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results: Individuals with SCI reported receiving statistically significantly more congregational support than the health control group, with nonstatistical trends toward being more religious/spiritual for all BMMRS variables. For individuals with SCI, the SF-36 General Mental Health Scale was significantly correlated with only the BMMRS Religious Support scale (r = .73, p &lt; .01). No BMMRS scales were significantly correlated with the SF-36 General Health scale for persons with SCI. Conclusions: Individuals with SCI appear to use congregationally based social support to help them adjust psychologically to their disabilities. Religious activities (e.g., prayer, service attendance) and spiritual beliefs (e.g., feelings of connectedness to God) do not appear to impact significantly the physical health of persons with SCI.

Relationships Among Religiousness, Spirituality, and Health for Individuals with Stroke

The current study evaluated the relationships among spiritual beliefs, religious practices, physical health, and mental health for individuals with stroke. A cross-sectional analysis of 63 individuals evaluated in outpatient settings, including 32 individuals with stroke and 31 healthy controls was conducted through administration of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and the Medical Outcomes Scale-Short Form 36 (SF-36). For individuals with stroke, the SF-36 General Mental Health scale was significantly correlated with only the BMMRS Religious and Spiritual Coping scale (r = .43; p < .05). No other BMMRS factors were significantly correlated with SF-36 mental or physical health scales. Non-significant trends indicated spiritual factors were primarily related to mental versus physical health. This study suggests spiritual belief that a higher power will assist in coping with illness/disability is associated with better mental health following stroke, but neither religious nor spiritual factors are associated with physical health outcomes. The results are consistent with research that suggests that spiritual beliefs may protect individuals with stroke from experiencing emotional distress.

Re-conceptualizing the Factor Structure of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality

This study attempted to differentiate statistically the spiritual and religious factors of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS), which was developed based on theoretical conceptualizations that have yet to be adequately empirically validated in a population with significant health disorders. One hundred sixty-four individuals with heterogeneous medical conditions [i.e., brain injury, spinal cord injury (SCI), cancer, stroke, primary care conditions]. Participants completed the BMMRS as part of a pilot study on spirituality, religion, and physical and mental health. A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization identified a six-factor solution (opposed to the expected 8-factor solution) accounting for 60% of the variance in scores, labeled as: (1) Positive Spiritual Experience; (2) Negative Spiritual Experience; (3) Forgiveness; (4) Religious Practices; (5) Positive Congregational Support; and (6) Negative Congregational Support. The results suggest the BMMRS assesses distinct positive and negative aspects of religiousness and spirituality that may be best conceptualized in a psychoneuroimmunological context as measuring: (a) Spiritual Experiences (i.e., emotional experience of feeling connected with a higher power/the universe); (b) Religious Practices (i.e., prayer, rituals, service attendance); (c) Congregational Support; and (d) Forgiveness (i.e., a specific coping strategy that can be conceptualized as religious or non-religious in context).

Reliability and Validity of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality Among Adolescents

Developed for use in health research, the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) consists of brief measures of a broad range of religiousness and spirituality (R/S) dimensions. It has established psychometric properties among adults, but little is known about its appropriateness for use with adolescents. We assessed the psychometric properties of the BMMRS among adolescents. We recruited a racially diverse (85% non-White) sample of 305 adolescents aged 12-18 years (median 16 yrs, IQR 14-17) from 3 urban medical clinics; 93 completed a retest 1 week later. We assessed internal consistency and test-retest reliability. We assessed construct validity by examining how well the measures discriminated groups expected to differ based on self-reported religious preference, and how they related to a hypothesized correlate, depressive symptoms. Religious preference was categorized into "No religion/Atheist" (11%), "Don't know/Confused" (9%), or "Named a religion" (80%). Responses to multi-item measures were generally internally consistent (alpha > or = 0.70 for 12/16 measures) and stable over 1 week (intraclass correlation coefficients > or = 0.70 for 14/16). Forgiveness, Negative R/S Coping, and Commitment items showed lower internal cohesiveness. Scores on most measures were higher (p < 0.05) among those who "Named a religion" compared to the "No religion/Atheist" group. Forgiveness, Commitment, and Anticipated Support from members of one's congregation were inversely correlated with depressive symptoms, while BMMRS measures assessing negative R/S experiences (Negative R/S Coping, Negative Interactions with others in congregation, Loss in Faith) were positively correlated with depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that most BMMRS measures are reliable and valid for use among adolescents.