Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know

Spirituality and religion have been seen as beneficial, harmful, and irrele vant to health. We examine the recent research on this topic. We focus on ( a) defining spirituality and religion both conceptually and operationally; (b) the relationships between spirituality/religion and health; and (c) pri orities for future research. Although the effect sizes are moderate, there typically are links. between religious practices and reduced onset of physi cal and mental illnesses, reduced mortality, and likelihood of recovery fro m or adjustment to physical and mental illness. The three mechanisms underl ying these relationships involve religion increasing healthy behaviors, soc ial support, and a sense of coherence or meaning. This research is based on religion measures, however, and it should be emphasized that spirituality may be different.