Spiritual Health Research Articles

CULTURE OF ORTODOXY AND JOURNALISMIN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

We live in a world of superficiality and hyperproduction, often obsessed with an apocalyptic spirit, where the culture of instant sensation is frequently imposed as the only choice. This context of contemporary living is furthered by the effects of media content inundated with sensationalism, crime news, and similar materials. In the first part of the paper, we will point out the "culture of death" which has become a daily reality and whose key component is fear, imposed as an antithesis to the Christian ethos. Within this framework of living, a person finds themselves in a state of intoxication from the sedative effects of "yellow journalism". The consequence is a state of depression and apathy, given that bad news and superficial sensations are offered as the only reality, since the media distributes them cloaked in euphemisms with an emphasis on necessity, aiming for profit while making it easier for individuals to decline. Such a model of media operation contradicts the foundational principles of the journalistic profession, which are also part of its ethics. Therefore, in the second part, we will focus on the state of the media and journalism, examining the consequences of their work, as well as the importance of adhering to the core principles of this profession. Finally, we strive to indicate possible paths back to common sense, as well as to better physical and spiritual health, with the aim of healing the souls of individuals and society as a whole. In this sense, the Christian culture emerges as a potentially significant factor. Hence, we emphasize the importance of establishing a new paradigm of media work that, while necessarily following the contemporary reality, must also reflect the values propagated by this culture, thus influencing a different mode of media operation based on respect for journalistic ethics. In this way, we present our position on the topic, grounded in experience and the results of conducted research.

The Relationship between Spiritual Health with Family Satisfaction and Family Cohesion Among Elder Adults in Gonabad

The Relationship between Spiritual Health with Family Satisfaction and Family Cohesion Among Elder Adults in Gonabad

The neurobiological link between prayer, breath control and serotonin release

The relationship between spirituality, physical well-being, and mental health has long intrigued researchers, with growing interest in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying practices such as prayer and breath control. This review explores the neurobiological link between prayer, controlled breathing, and the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood, emotional balance, and overall mental well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that specific prayer practices, particularly those involving rhythmic breathing patterns, activate key brain regions associated with emotional regulation and serotonin synthesis. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, breath control during prayer induces a relaxation response, potentially modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and enhancing serotonin production. Additionally, the meditative aspects of prayer may further support neurochemical balance by reducing stress and promoting feelings of inner peace. Through an interdisciplinary examination of neurophysiology, psychology, and spirituality, this review highlights how prayer combined with breath control can serve as a non-invasive, holistic method for enhancing serotonin release and improving mental health outcomes. Future research directions are proposed to deepen the understanding of these practices within both clinical and everyday settings.

Focusing on anxiety and depression, The relatinship between individuals’ spirituality and mental health for Korean immigrants

Focusing on anxiety and depression, The relatinship between individuals’ spirituality and mental health for Korean immigrants

Impact of exercise on outcomes among Chinese patients with Crohn’s disease: a mixed methods study based on social media and the real world

ObjectiveThe effects of exercise on the health of people with Crohn’s disease (CD) remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the perspective of Chinese CD patients on exercise and the quantitative relationship between exercise and patient-reported outcomes.MethodsThis study used a mixed methods design consisting of three components. (1) Big data were mined from social media, and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) was used to perform cluster analysis on topics related to physical exercise. (2) A seven-step Colaizzi process was used to conduct semistructured interviews to obtain in-depth information about exercise. (3) A cross-sectional study was performed to examine this relationship using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Patient-reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS).ResultsLDA yielded a total of 1536 exercise-related posts; eight topics concerning CD patients were obtained through clustering (peer support, exercise therapy, diet, fatigue, exercise type, intestinal symptoms, body constitution and mental health), and 11 patients were interviewed to validate the results of LDA and explore the insight of Chinese CD. We identified two themes: the effects of exercise on people with CD and factors that promote and hinder exercise. A total of 119 patients with CD were surveyed. Considering confounding factors such as disease activity and medication, moderate-intensity recreational PA increased patients’ physical function and improved anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain intensity, and pain impact (all p < 0.05). In contrast, high-intensity work may lead to anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and pain effects (all p < 0.001). In addition, sedentary behaviour may lead to depression (p = 0.006).ConclusionPatients with CD tend to seek guidance on exercise through social media, and they generally believe that exercise is beneficial, especially for their psychological and spiritual health, despite difficulties in exercising. Physical activity may be an important factor affecting patients’ psychological health.Lay summaryCrohn’s disease has a profound impact on mental and emotional health, reducing patients’ quality of life. Exercise is a good habit that can enhance mental, emotional and social health, but there is currently no standard exercise program for patients with Crohn’s disease. The exercise experience of Chinese patients with Crohn’s disease can be helpful in formulating exercise plans.

Conceptualising maternal mental health in rural Ghana: A realist qualitative analysis.

In low-and-middle income countries, maternal mental health needs remain neglected, and common mental disorders during pregnancy and after birth are routinely associated with hormonal changes. The psycho-social, and spiritual components of childbirth are often downplayed. A qualitative study was conducted as part of a wider realist evaluation on health systems responsiveness to examine the interrelationships between pregnant and postnatal women, their families, and their environment, and how these influence women's interactions with healthcare providers in Ghana. Data collection methods combined six qualitative interviews (n= 6) and 18 focus group discussions (n= 121) with pregnant and postnatal women, their relatives and health care providers (midwives, community mental health nurses) at the primary healthcare level. Data analysis was based on the Context-Mechanism-Outcome heuristic of realist evaluation methodology. A programme theory was developed and iteratively refined, drawing on Crowther's ecology of birth theory to unpack how context shapes women's interactions with public and alternative health care providers. We found that context interacts dynamically with embodiment, relationality, temporality, spatiality, and mystery of childbirth experiences, which in turn influence women's wellbeing in three primary areas. There is an intricate intersection of pregnancy with mental health impacting women's expectations of temporality, which does not always coincide with the timings provided by formal healthcare services. Societal deficiencies in social support structures for women facing economic challenges become particularly evident during the pregnancy and postnatal period, where women need heightened assistance. Socio-cultural beliefs associated with the mystery of childbirth, support the role of private providers in offering women a feeling of protection from uncertainty. Co-production of context specific interventions, including the integration of maternal and mental health policies, with relevant stakeholders can help formal healthcare providers accommodate women's perspectives on spirituality and mental health, which can subsequently help to make health system responsive to maternal mental health conditions.

THE CONNECTION OF SPIRITUALITY AND MENTAL DISEASES

Understanding how spirituality affects mental health can provide important insights into treatment and support methods for people with mental illness. In modern society, spirituality is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of human life. It signifies the deep values and life views that people want to live by. A higher level of spirituality aids personal growth and development, including an individual's mental health and emotional well-being. Providing spiritual health care is considered important for the prevention of depressive symptoms and includes activities such as listening to patients, offering peace, respect, comfort and hope. A holistic approach to treating patients is increasingly being recognized and applied throughout the world. A holistic approach to health recognizes the interconnectivity of the psychological, social, biological and spiritual aspects of a person, which is reflected in the application of various methods including medication, education, communication, self-help and alternative therapies. History shows that scientific research has long confirmed the connection between spirituality and improved health. Spirituality seems increasingly important in the context of increased life stress, and recent research suggests that spiritual practices can contribute to the reduction of depressive symptoms. Spiritual beliefs and practices can also provide comfort to people who are fearful or anxious, increasing their sense of control, security and confidence. The effects of spirituality on mental health are individual and depend on personal beliefs, life experiences and the context in which it is practiced. An individualized approach in the assessment and integration of spiritual and religious aspects in the treatment of mental disorders is key. This paper explores the connection between spirituality and mental illness, with the aim of illuminating how spirituality can be both a source of support and challenge for people struggling with mental disorders. Keywords: spirituality, mental diseases, mental health

Understanding the Needs and Experiences of Spiritual and Religious Clients Seeking Mental Health Counseling

Currently, mental health clinicians lack training in spiritual and religious competence, while counseling psychology research does not give adequate attention to the spiritual and religious concerns of clients seeking mental health counseling. In order to improve the quality of mental healthcare, I argue for more research and training to better understand clients’ spiritual and religious needs. I review existing approaches to mental healthcare that integrate spirituality and religion, then outline my own survey- and interview-based research. My study assesses clients’ levels of religiosity and spirituality, discovers the role of spirituality and religion in their mental health, and finds out their experiences working with mental health clinicians. My data indicates that spiritual and religious interest often intersects with defining life events, such as traumatic experiences and existential crises, and that mental health clinicians should be better prepared to understand the role of spirituality and religion to support clients’ psychological and spiritual health.

Application of Path Analysis for the Effect of Spiritual Health on Self-efficacy by Mediation of Resilience Among Medical Students

Background: Given the importance of spiritual health, resilience, and Self-efficacy in medical students for coping with the challenges of their long training path, this study was conducted to analyze these variables and their correlations among a group of medical students. Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 300 medical students. The subjects were randomly selected, their demographic information recorded, and they were asked to carefully complete the questionnaires. The Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Sherer’s Self-efficacy Scale were used to measure spiritual health, resilience, and Self-efficacy, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and EQS 6.4. Results were reported as mean ± SD, and statistical significance was set at P-value ≤ 0.05. Results: In this study, the mean scores for spiritual health, resilience, and Self-efficacy were 73.02, 79.67, and 59.01, respectively. The results showed a positive and significant correlation between religious health and resilience (β = 0.34, P &lt; 0.001) and between existential health and resilience (β = 0.33, P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, a significant correlation was found between religious health and Self-efficacy, both directly and indirectly (β = 0.85, P &lt; 0.001), and between existential health and Self-efficacy indirectly (β = 0.29, P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, resilience had a direct effect on Self-efficacy (β = 0.87, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Spiritual health can predict resilience and Self-efficacy. Since individuals with high mental health demonstrate greater resilience, it can be concluded that providing supportive factors, such as religion and spirituality, to enhance mental health and spiritual intelligence can lead to improved resilience and Self-efficacy.

Men’s Health in Disasters: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: Disasters affect men and women unequally. While both male and female populations have their own needs, capacities and vulnerabilities, little is known about the men’s health status in disasters. Thus, the present review is aimed to identify and explain the impacts of disasters on men’s health status in the world. Methods: The current scoping review was conducted using PRISMA protocol 2020. Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus databases were searched using related keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the relevant references. EndNote software, version 17, was applied to manage the citations. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: A number of 13 references was selected for final analysis after screening process. Physical and sexual health were the most frequent aspects of men’s health which was studied by the gender and disaster researchers (23.1%). Men’s health aspects in disasters were categorized as physical health, mental health, social health and sexual health. Conclusion: Men are visible as the capable group in disasters and their health needs (physical, mental, social, sexual and spiritual health) may likely not be considered post-disasters. Developing gender analysis tools for assessing the vulnerabilities, needs and health status of male population in disasters as well as establishing a sex-disaggregated database for effective decision-making regarding men’s health during disasters are highly suggested.

Integrating Islamic Values and Modern Medical Practices to Enhance Public Health in Muslim Communities

This study aims to explore the integration of Islamic spiritual values with modern medical practices as a holistic approach to improving public health, particularly in Muslim-majority regions. The approach seeks to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual health through a framework that accommodates religious, cultural, and socio-economic aspects. The method employed is qualitative literature review, utilizing content analysis and interpretative analysis of relevant scholarly sources. The main findings reveal that Islamic values can play a strategic role in creating more inclusive and effective healthcare services, through community-based policies and synergy between traditional and modern medicine. The study also identifies barriers such as inadequate regulations, limited access, and misconceptions about traditional and modern medicine, which can be addressed through stricter regulations and public education. This research contributes to developing a new paradigm in health policy by integrating religion and science, offering a multidisciplinary and contextual perspective. It highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, medical practitioners, and local communities in creating a holistic healthcare system. In conclusion, the integration of Islamic spiritual values with modern medical practices holds significant potential for enhancing public health outcomes while fostering harmonious dialogue between religion and science for the future.

Islamic Psychology and Herbert George Wells (1866-1946)

Health has five dimensions, namely physical, social, mental, spiritual, and religious health. “Religious health” is the state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being that occurs by complying with the orders, prohibitions and rules of the true religion that is Islam mentioned by Allah. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that the most important dimension of health is “religious health” since religion has a substantial role in improving physical, mental, social and spiritual health. Wells summarized Islam 100 years ago as follows: modern religion (Islam) appeals to no revelation, no authoritative teaching, no mystery. The statement it makes is, it declares, a mere statement of what we may all perceive and experience. To this, all true religion, casting aside its hulls of misconception must ultimately come. To it indeed much religion is already coming. Lastly, Islamic psychology is rapidly growing and developing with more academic and clinical training programs around the world; therefore, we strongly believe that Islamic psychology should be integrated with mainstream psychology.

Spiritual Health and Psychological Distress Among Hong Kong Community Lay Leaders.

Community lay leaders are critical in connecting professional services and general populations in communities. However, limited studies have explored the potential protective factors for psychological health among this group of people. In addition, based on the complex nature of spiritual health, the inconsistent findings of previous studies also suggested that different domains of spiritual health may shape psychological health differently in different contexts and among different socio-demographic groups. Therefore, we assessed the psychological health of Hong Kong community lay leaders after COVID-19 and examined the effects of different domains of spiritual health on psychological distress after controlling for age and gender. Cross-sectional data from 234 Hong Kong community lay leaders aged 18 to 84 were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that most Hong Kong community lay leaders reported moderate anxiety. In addition, personal and communal (one domain) and transcendental domains of spiritual health were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, and the environmental domain of spiritual health was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings imply the importance of considering both the positive and negative effects of spiritual health on psychological distress.

The Role of Spirituality, Marital Satisfaction and Socio-Economic Status on Attitudes Toward Childbearing Among Married Women Without the Intention and History of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Iran has experienced a sharp decline in childbearing rates over the past three decades, and the extent to which attitudes toward childbearing are influenced by marital satisfaction, socio-economic status, and spiritual health remains unclear. Additionally, past research has largely focused on women who already have children. This study, however, examines all women who, after five years of marriage, have not yet decided to have children. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the role of spirituality, marital satisfaction, and socio-economic status in shaping attitudes toward childbearing among married women in Semnan City in 2023, specifically those without a history of pregnancy or intention to conceive. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 235 married women who had neither the intention nor history of pregnancy, with a minimum marriage duration of five years. Participants were purposefully selected during visits to the family health center in Semnan City in 2023. Data were collected using the Childbearing Attitudes Questionnaire, the Spiritual Health Questionnaire, the Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Socio-Economic Status Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression tests in SPSS software version 24. Results: The largest proportion of participants belonged to the age group of 26-32 years (31.35%). A majority (137 individuals, 58.3%) had either an associate or bachelor’s degree, and most participants (58.3%) were employed. The results demonstrated that spirituality (41%), socio-economic status (56%), and marital satisfaction (65%) were significant predictors of attitudes toward childbearing (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: As marital satisfaction emerged as the strongest predictor of attitudes toward childbearing, it is recommended that health centers offer courses to improve and enhance marital satisfaction among women.

The quality of psychosocial health and psychosocial illness among women with and without shelter homes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundExisting research on the psychosocial wellbeing of sheltered women is primarily from Western contexts, with limited studies from collectivistic cultures like Pakistan. This study aims to compare the psychosocial health and illness of sheltered women in Pakistan with those of women living with their families.MethodsA total of 184 sheltered women and 207 women from the general population from four Pakistani cities participated in this study. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Psychosocial Health Evaluator and the Sukoon Psychosocial Illness Scale. The study employed independent sample t-tests, simple linear regression and Pearson correlation.ResultsThe study revealed significant differences between women residing in shelters and those in the general population. Sheltered women exhibited lower levels of psychosocial health and higher levels of psychosocial illness. Emotional, sexual, spiritual, and social health were notably lower among sheltered women. Sheltered women also reported elevated levels of psychosocial problems, including emotional, social, and professional difficulties. Additionally, the length of stay in shelters was negatively correlated with psychosocial health and positively correlated with psychosocial illness, while education showed a positive correlation with psychosocial health.ConclusionThe current research highlights the psychosocial vulnerability of women residing in shelter homes. Government, non-governmental organizations, and mental health professionals are advised to work together to uplift the psychosocial health of women residing in Pakistani shelter homes. Appointments of psychological counselors in shelter homes are highly recommended in this regard.

Young Black American’s Use of Afrocentric and Black Liberation Spiritual-Based Practices to Thrive Amid Racism: A Meta-Synthesis

Researchers have proposed Afrocentrism and Black Liberation Theology as two culture-specific frameworks that may explain why spirituality contributes to Black American’s capacity to thrive, despite ongoing encounters with racism that can lead to diminished mental health. Still, scholars have not examined the connection between spirituality, racism, and mental health among young Black Americans (adolescents and emerging adults) through an integrative lens of Afrocentrism and Black Liberation Theology. A meta-synthesis permits researchers to synthesize and draw new meaning to existing qualitative studies. As such, we synthesized qualitative data from 16 studies that included the voices of approximately 288 Black adolescents and emerging adults to understand processes involved in their use of Afrocentric and Black Liberation spiritual-based practices to thrive and navigate mental health-related challenges sparked by racism and other intersecting forms of social oppression. Findings revealed four interconnected components: (a) Commitment to a Spiritual Identity, (b) Critical Consciousness, (c) Connecting to the Transcendent, and (d) Collectivism and Communal Support. This study shows how a meta-synthesis was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of Black youths’ use of spiritual resources to thrive amid racism and intersectional oppression.

Do nurse spiritual responses to trauma explain nurse outcomes? A correlational observational study

BackgroundVarious facets of spirituality are associated with wellbeing. Given the current urgency to promote nurse wellbeing, nurse spirituality merits exploration. PurposeTo investigate how spiritual distress and growth (i.e., spiritual/religious struggle, moral injury, post-traumatic growth) contributed to nurse outcomes (i.e., burnout, job satisfaction, intent to leave). MethodsRNs providing direct patient care in three Southern California hospitals completed an online survey that included psychometrically robust measures. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to test spiritual variables as predictors of nurse outcomes after accounting for demographic and work-related factors. FindingsIn this sample of 531 demographically diverse RNs, spiritual struggle contributed to burnout and turnover intention; posttraumatic growth and employer respect for nurse wellbeing contributed to all three nurse outcomes. DiscussionSpiritual distress and growth are understudied but potentially important influences on job outcomes for nurses. Results here suggest that continued development of interventions to address spiritual health is worth investment.

Substance Misuse Among Medical Students, Resident Physicians, and Fellow Physicians: A Review With Focus on the United States' Population.

Substance misuse among medical trainees is a serious ongoing concern. The goal of this review is to describe the contributing factors leading to substance misuse among medical trainees, theconsequences for those with substance misuse issues, and explore potential interventions and policy changes to address the issue. There are demographic characteristics that contribute to a higher likelihood of substance misuse including race, sex, relationship status, and year of training. Loss of training position, legal consequences, medical errors, and premature death are some of the negative effects more likely for those with substance use issues. There is a lack of clarity regarding institutional substance use policies and implementation of standardized, evidence-based policies is limited. There are many barriers preventing those with substance use issues from seeking care. Educational sessions targeted at recognizing signs of substance misuse and identification of resources have shown efficacy, while spiritual health support may be an effective area of intervention. There are many factors perpetuating substance misuse among this population. Strategies to address this issue should target improving theutilization of resources, updating institutional policies, and supporting spiritual health.

Religious tourism

Religiously motivated travel, such as pilgrimages, is one of the oldest forms of tourism. Over the past fifty years, religiously motivated tourism has experienced significant growth. Religious tourism has evolved in diverse contexts and locations, and it is increasingly explored by scholars from various fields. Existing literature on religious tourism suggests a growing diversification of visitors, who are driven by the diminishing significance of traditional religious beliefs in contemporary societies. Scholars have indicated a global decline in engagement with organised religions, possibly attributed to modern scientific knowledge, rational thinking, and secularisation. Consequently, there is a growing trend where individuals travel to religious and pilgrimage sites that hold personal significance or meaning for them. In the post-pandemic context, more attention should be given to the wellness aspects of religious tourism, including the mental, physical, and spiritual health benefits. Religious tourism, especially in developing regions and remote areas, has been viewed as part of economic diversification strategies. To provide pathways for how religious tourism can actually benefit the local community and economy in practice, there is a need for more in-depth research and analysis. More critical research can explore how economic development influences or impacts poverty alleviation, sustainability, accessibility, and environmental impacts. For future research, beyond tourists’ perspectives, more attention on the perspectives of communities and local stakeholders is required. Since Western contexts, conceptualisations, methodologies, and interpretations still dominate the field, it is essential to incorporate holistic perspectives and understandings from a broader body of scholars. Encouraging local scholarship is important to foster more balanced discussions within this field of study. Methodologies should expand and become more creative, moving beyond quantitative studies and incorporating more fieldwork. Scholars need to address practical problems related to religious tourism sites by collaborating with policymakers, tourism operators, local communities, and religious associations.

The contributions of community seed saving to health and wellbeing: A qualitative study in Thunder Bay, Canada

This paper positions community seed saving (CSS) as collective knowledge and practices used to cultivate, collect, conserve, exchange, and advocate for regionally adapted seeds as a foundation of healthy and sustainable food systems. Qualitative research involved twelve interviews with community seed savers in Thunder Bay, Canada. We explored the relationships to participants’ health and wellbeing through themes of physical health, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and relationships and reciprocity. The findings illustrate that CSS can directly benefit individuals and influence social and ecological determinants of health. We argue that public health should consider CSS a health promotion intervention and an important future direction for research.