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- Title
Religiosity and Health: A Holistic Biopsychosocial Perspective.
- Authors
Southard, Mary Elaine; Page, Robin L.; Peltzer, Jill N.; Burdette, Amy M.; Hill, Terrence D.
- Abstract
The resurgence of interest in the influence of religion and spirituality on health is examined within the context of the holistic paradigm and historical connection between nursing and spirituality. While nursing and spirituality often intersect with end-of-life considerations, this article presents findings from studies that demonstrate that religious involvement favors health and longevity across the life course. Examples include protective associations with stress, depression, self-rated health, and infant birth weight. Theoretical and empirical explanations for this relationship are offered, such as social and psychological resources and healthy behaviors. The effects of religion on biological functioning, including allostatic load and telomere length, are also discussed, although this area is understudied. Considerations for the "dark-side" of religious involvement are also offered. Suggestions for nurses wishing to protect and promote the health of their patients using a holistic approach include expanding knowledge of research on religion and health and advocating for patients' spiritual needs by conducting a comprehensive spiritual assessment in primary, secondary, and tertiary clinical settings.
- Subjects
PREVENTION of mental depression; PREVENTION of psychological stress; BIRTH weight; HEALTH attitudes; HEALTH behavior; HEALTH promotion; HOLISTIC nursing; LONGEVITY; MENTAL health; MORTALITY; NURSING practice; PHYSICAL fitness; PREVENTIVE health services; RELIGION; PSYCHOLOGY of the sick; SPIRITUALITY; SOCIAL support
- Publication
Journal of Holistic Nursing, 2020, Vol 38, Issue 1, p89
- ISSN
0898-0101
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/0898010118783502