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Journal of Religion and Health
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 2/2020

01-04-2020 | Original Paper

Religiosity/Spirituality and Physiological Markers of Health

Authors: Eric C. Shattuck, Michael P. Muehlenbein

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

The long-standing interest in the effects of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) on health outcomes has given rise to a large and diverse literature. We conducted a meta-analysis on research involving R/S and physiological markers of health to elucidate both the scope and mechanism(s) of this phenomenon. A combined analysis found a significant, but small, beneficial effect. Subgroup analyses found that some measures of both extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity were significantly associated with health. Several outcome measures, including blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and cardiovascular health markers, were significantly associated with R/S. Our findings suggest that R/S benefits health, perhaps through minimizing the disruptive effects of stress/depression on inflammation. We hope that researchers can use these results to guide efforts aimed at elucidating the true mechanism(s) linking religious/spiritual beliefs and physical health.
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Metadata
Title
Religiosity/Spirituality and Physiological Markers of Health
Authors
Eric C. Shattuck
Michael P. Muehlenbein
Publication date
01-04-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0663-6

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