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.