Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 5/2020

01-10-2020 | Coronavirus | Original Paper

Maintaining Health and Well-Being by Putting Faith into Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author: Harold G. Koenig

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 5/2020

Login to get access

Abstract

Anxiety and fear adversely affect the physiological systems that protect individuals from infection. This article comments on the role that religious faith and practice can play in helping individuals remain free from infection by the coronavirus and in helping to moderate the effects of infection if that should occur. The author provides six recommendations to help individuals maintain spiritual, mental, and physical resilience during these anxious times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Literature
go back to reference Barnett, J. B., Dao, M. C., Hamer, D. H., Kandel, R., Brandeis, G., Wu, D., et al. (2016). Effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc concentration and T cell proliferation in nursing home elderly: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 103(3), 942–951.PubMedCrossRef Barnett, J. B., Dao, M. C., Hamer, D. H., Kandel, R., Brandeis, G., Wu, D., et al. (2016). Effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc concentration and T cell proliferation in nursing home elderly: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 103(3), 942–951.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Blanton, P. G. (2011). The other mindful practice: Centering prayer & psychotherapy. Pastoral Psychology, 60(1), 133–147.CrossRef Blanton, P. G. (2011). The other mindful practice: Centering prayer & psychotherapy. Pastoral Psychology, 60(1), 133–147.CrossRef
go back to reference Block, K. I., & Mead, M. N. (2003). Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: A review. Integrative cancer therapies, 2(3), 247–267.PubMedCrossRef Block, K. I., & Mead, M. N. (2003). Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: A review. Integrative cancer therapies, 2(3), 247–267.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Bonura, K. B. (2011). The psychological benefits of yoga practice for older adults: Evidence and guidelines. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 21(1), 129–142.CrossRef Bonura, K. B. (2011). The psychological benefits of yoga practice for older adults: Evidence and guidelines. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 21(1), 129–142.CrossRef
go back to reference Brown, R. L., Shahane, A. D., Chen, M. A., & Fagundes, C. P. (2020). Cognitive reappraisal and nasal cytokine production following experimental rhinovirus infection. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity-Health, 1, 100012.CrossRef Brown, R. L., Shahane, A. D., Chen, M. A., & Fagundes, C. P. (2020). Cognitive reappraisal and nasal cytokine production following experimental rhinovirus infection. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity-Health, 1, 100012.CrossRef
go back to reference Cardemil, C. V., Parashar, U. D., & Hall, A. J. (2017). Norovirus infection in older adults: Epidemiology, risk factors, and opportunities for prevention and control. Infectious Disease Clinics, 31(4), 839–870.PubMed Cardemil, C. V., Parashar, U. D., & Hall, A. J. (2017). Norovirus infection in older adults: Epidemiology, risk factors, and opportunities for prevention and control. Infectious Disease Clinics, 31(4), 839–870.PubMed
go back to reference Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355–2364.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2018). Associations of religious upbringing with subsequent health and well-being from adolescence to young adulthood: An outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(11), 2355–2364.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
go back to reference Coughlin, S. S. (2012). Anxiety and depression: Linkages with viral diseases. Public Health Reviews, 34(2), 7.CrossRef Coughlin, S. S. (2012). Anxiety and depression: Linkages with viral diseases. Public Health Reviews, 34(2), 7.CrossRef
go back to reference Dai, X., Stanilka, J. M., Rowe, C. A., Esteves, E. A., Nieves, C., Jr., Spaiser, S. J., et al. (2015). Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young adults. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478–487.PubMedCrossRef Dai, X., Stanilka, J. M., Rowe, C. A., Esteves, E. A., Nieves, C., Jr., Spaiser, S. J., et al. (2015). Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young adults. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478–487.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference De la Fuente, M., Ferrandez, M. D., Burgos, M. S., Soler, A., Prieto, A., & Miquel, J. (1998). Immune function in aged women is improved by ingestion of vitamins C and E. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 76(4), 373–380.PubMedCrossRef De la Fuente, M., Ferrandez, M. D., Burgos, M. S., Soler, A., Prieto, A., & Miquel, J. (1998). Immune function in aged women is improved by ingestion of vitamins C and E. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 76(4), 373–380.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Feeney, M. J., Dwyer, J., Hasler-Lewis, C. M., Milner, J. A., Noakes, M., Rowe, S., et al. (1136S). Mushrooms and health summit proceedings. The Journal of Nutrition, 144(7), 1128S–1136S.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Feeney, M. J., Dwyer, J., Hasler-Lewis, C. M., Milner, J. A., Noakes, M., Rowe, S., et al. (1136S). Mushrooms and health summit proceedings. The Journal of Nutrition, 144(7), 1128S–1136S.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
go back to reference Ford, K., & Garzon, F. (2017). Research note: A randomized investigation of evangelical Christian accommodative mindfulness. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 4(2), 92.CrossRef Ford, K., & Garzon, F. (2017). Research note: A randomized investigation of evangelical Christian accommodative mindfulness. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 4(2), 92.CrossRef
go back to reference Ginde, A. A., Liu, M. C., & Camargo, C. A. (2009). Demographic differences and trends of vitamin D insufficiency in the US population, 1988–2004. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(6), 626–632.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Ginde, A. A., Liu, M. C., & Camargo, C. A. (2009). Demographic differences and trends of vitamin D insufficiency in the US population, 1988–2004. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(6), 626–632.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
go back to reference Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2005). Stress-induced immune dysfunction: Implications for health. Nature Reviews Immunology, 5(3), 243–251.PubMedCrossRef Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2005). Stress-induced immune dysfunction: Implications for health. Nature Reviews Immunology, 5(3), 243–251.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Hazlett-Stevens, H., Singer, J., & Chong, A. (2019). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with older adults: A qualitative review of randomized controlled outcome research. Clinical Gerontologist, 42(4), 347–358.PubMedCrossRef Hazlett-Stevens, H., Singer, J., & Chong, A. (2019). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with older adults: A qualitative review of randomized controlled outcome research. Clinical Gerontologist, 42(4), 347–358.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Ironson, G., Henry, S. M., & Gonzalez, B. D. (2017). Impact of stressful death or divorce in people with HIV: A prospective examination and the buffering effects of religious coping and social support. Journal of Health Psychology, 25, 606–616.PubMedCrossRef Ironson, G., Henry, S. M., & Gonzalez, B. D. (2017). Impact of stressful death or divorce in people with HIV: A prospective examination and the buffering effects of religious coping and social support. Journal of Health Psychology, 25, 606–616.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Ironson, G., Stuetzle, R., & Fletcher, M. A. (2006). An increase in religiousness/spirituality occurs after HIV diagnosis and predicts slower disease progression over 4 years in people with HIV. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 21(Suppl 5), S62–68.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Ironson, G., Stuetzle, R., & Fletcher, M. A. (2006). An increase in religiousness/spirituality occurs after HIV diagnosis and predicts slower disease progression over 4 years in people with HIV. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 21(Suppl 5), S62–68.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
go back to reference Ironson, G., Stuetzle, R., Ironson, D., Balbin, E., Kremer, H., George, A., et al. (2011). View of God as benevolent and forgiving or punishing and judgmental predicts HIV disease progression. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34(6), 414–425.PubMedCrossRef Ironson, G., Stuetzle, R., Ironson, D., Balbin, E., Kremer, H., George, A., et al. (2011). View of God as benevolent and forgiving or punishing and judgmental predicts HIV disease progression. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34(6), 414–425.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Kagimu, M., Guwatudde, D., Rwabukwali, C., Kaye, S., Walakira, Y., & Ainomugisha, D. (2012). Religiosity for HIV prevention in Uganda: A case study among Christian youth in Wakiso district. African Health Sciences, 12(1), 17–25.PubMedPubMedCentral Kagimu, M., Guwatudde, D., Rwabukwali, C., Kaye, S., Walakira, Y., & Ainomugisha, D. (2012). Religiosity for HIV prevention in Uganda: A case study among Christian youth in Wakiso district. African Health Sciences, 12(1), 17–25.PubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Karsch-Völk, M., Barrett, B., Kiefer, D., Bauer, R., Ardjomand-Woelkart, K., & Linde, K. (2014). Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 20(2), CD000530. Karsch-Völk, M., Barrett, B., Kiefer, D., Bauer, R., Ardjomand-Woelkart, K., & Linde, K. (2014). Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 20(2), CD000530.
go back to reference Koenig, H. G., & Cohen, H. J. (2002). The link between religion and health: Psychoneuroimmunology and the faith factor. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.CrossRef Koenig, H. G., & Cohen, H. J. (2002). The link between religion and health: Psychoneuroimmunology and the faith factor. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.CrossRef
go back to reference Koenig, H. G., Cohen, H. J., George, L. K., Hays, J. C., Larson, D. B., & Blazer, D. G. (1997). Attendance at religious services, interleukin-6, and other biological indicators of immune function in older adults. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 27, 233–250.PubMedCrossRef Koenig, H. G., Cohen, H. J., George, L. K., Hays, J. C., Larson, D. B., & Blazer, D. G. (1997). Attendance at religious services, interleukin-6, and other biological indicators of immune function in older adults. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 27, 233–250.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Koenig, H. G., King, D. E., & Carson, V. B. (2012). Handbook of religion and health (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Koenig, H. G., King, D. E., & Carson, V. B. (2012). Handbook of religion and health (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Krause, N. (2019). Religion and health among Hispanics: Exploring variations by age. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(5), 1817–1832.PubMedCrossRef Krause, N. (2019). Religion and health among Hispanics: Exploring variations by age. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(5), 1817–1832.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Kurita, A., Takase, B., Shinagawa, N., Kodani, E., Okada, K., Iwahara, S., et al. (2011). Spiritual activation in very elderly individuals assessed as heart rate variability and plasma IL/10/IL-6 ratios. International Heart Journal, 52(5), 299–303.PubMedCrossRef Kurita, A., Takase, B., Shinagawa, N., Kodani, E., Okada, K., Iwahara, S., et al. (2011). Spiritual activation in very elderly individuals assessed as heart rate variability and plasma IL/10/IL-6 ratios. International Heart Journal, 52(5), 299–303.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Lutgendorf, S. K., Russell, D., Ullrich, P., Harris, T. B., & Wallace, R. (2004). Religious participation, interleukin-6, and mortality in older adults. Health Psychology, 23(5), 465–475.PubMedCrossRef Lutgendorf, S. K., Russell, D., Ullrich, P., Harris, T. B., & Wallace, R. (2004). Religious participation, interleukin-6, and mortality in older adults. Health Psychology, 23(5), 465–475.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Malihi, Z., Wu, Z., Stewart, A. W., Lawes, C. M., & Scragg, R. (2016). Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and kidney stones in long-term studies of vitamin D supplementation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 104(4), 1039–1051.CrossRef Malihi, Z., Wu, Z., Stewart, A. W., Lawes, C. M., & Scragg, R. (2016). Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and kidney stones in long-term studies of vitamin D supplementation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 104(4), 1039–1051.CrossRef
go back to reference McCain, N. L., Gray, D. P., Elswick, R. K., Robins, J. W., Tuck, I., Walter, J. M., et al. (2008). A randomized clinical trial of alternative stress management interventions in persons with HIV infection. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 76(3), 431–441.CrossRef McCain, N. L., Gray, D. P., Elswick, R. K., Robins, J. W., Tuck, I., Walter, J. M., et al. (2008). A randomized clinical trial of alternative stress management interventions in persons with HIV infection. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 76(3), 431–441.CrossRef
go back to reference Merchant, A. T., Pitiphat, W., Ahmed, B., Kawachi, I., & Joshipura, K. (2003). A prospective study of social support, anger expression and risk of periodontitis in men. Journal of the American Dental Association, 134(12), 1591–1596.PubMedCrossRef Merchant, A. T., Pitiphat, W., Ahmed, B., Kawachi, I., & Joshipura, K. (2003). A prospective study of social support, anger expression and risk of periodontitis in men. Journal of the American Dental Association, 134(12), 1591–1596.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Moriguchi, S., & Muraga, M. (2000). Vitamin E and immunity. Vitamins and Hormones, 59(2000), 305–336.PubMedCrossRef Moriguchi, S., & Muraga, M. (2000). Vitamin E and immunity. Vitamins and Hormones, 59(2000), 305–336.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Numbers, R. L., & Amundsen, D. W. (1986). Caring and curing: Health and medicine in the Western Religious Traditions. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press. Numbers, R. L., & Amundsen, D. W. (1986). Caring and curing: Health and medicine in the Western Religious Traditions. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.
go back to reference Oman, D., & Riley, L. W. (2018). Infectious diseases, religion, and spirituality. In D. Oman (Ed.), Why religion and spirituality matter for public health (pp. 153–163). Cham: Springer.CrossRef Oman, D., & Riley, L. W. (2018). Infectious diseases, religion, and spirituality. In D. Oman (Ed.), Why religion and spirituality matter for public health (pp. 153–163). Cham: Springer.CrossRef
go back to reference Pandya, S. P. (2019). Meditation program mitigates loneliness and promotes wellbeing, life satisfaction and contentment among retired older adults: A two-year follow-up study in four South Asian cities. Aging & Mental Health, 22, 1–13.CrossRef Pandya, S. P. (2019). Meditation program mitigates loneliness and promotes wellbeing, life satisfaction and contentment among retired older adults: A two-year follow-up study in four South Asian cities. Aging & Mental Health, 22, 1–13.CrossRef
go back to reference Percival, S. S. (2016). Aged garlic extract modifies human immunity. The Journal of nutrition, 146(2), 433S–436S.PubMedCrossRef Percival, S. S. (2016). Aged garlic extract modifies human immunity. The Journal of nutrition, 146(2), 433S–436S.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Pressman, S. D., & Black, L. L. (2012). Positive emotions and immunity. In S. C. Segerstrom & S. Segerstrom (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of psychoneuroimmunology (pp. 92–104). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pressman, S. D., & Black, L. L. (2012). Positive emotions and immunity. In S. C. Segerstrom & S. Segerstrom (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of psychoneuroimmunology (pp. 92–104). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Raghavan, R., Ferlic-Stark, L., Clarke, C., Rungta, M., & Goodgame, R. (2013). The role of patient religiosity in the evaluation and treatment outcomes from chronic HCV infection. Journal of Religion and Health, 52, 79–90.PubMedCrossRef Raghavan, R., Ferlic-Stark, L., Clarke, C., Rungta, M., & Goodgame, R. (2013). The role of patient religiosity in the evaluation and treatment outcomes from chronic HCV infection. Journal of Religion and Health, 52, 79–90.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Sanodiya, B. S., Thakur, G. S., Baghel, R. K., Prasad, G. B. K. S., & Bisen, P. S. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum: A potent pharmacological macrofungus. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 10(8), 717–742.PubMedCrossRef Sanodiya, B. S., Thakur, G. S., Baghel, R. K., Prasad, G. B. K. S., & Bisen, P. S. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum: A potent pharmacological macrofungus. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 10(8), 717–742.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Sephton, S. E., Koopman, C., Schaal, M., Thoresen, C., & Spiegel, D. (2001). Spiritual expression and immune status in women with metastatic breast cancer: An exploratory study. Breast Journal, 7(5), 345–353.CrossRef Sephton, S. E., Koopman, C., Schaal, M., Thoresen, C., & Spiegel, D. (2001). Spiritual expression and immune status in women with metastatic breast cancer: An exploratory study. Breast Journal, 7(5), 345–353.CrossRef
go back to reference Sharma, R., Kapila, R., Kapasiya, M., Saliganti, V., Dass, G., & Kapila, S. (2014). Dietary supplementation of milk fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum enhances systemic immune response and antioxidant capacity in aging mice. Nutrition Research, 34(11), 968–981.PubMedCrossRef Sharma, R., Kapila, R., Kapasiya, M., Saliganti, V., Dass, G., & Kapila, S. (2014). Dietary supplementation of milk fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum enhances systemic immune response and antioxidant capacity in aging mice. Nutrition Research, 34(11), 968–981.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Van Wagoner, N., Elopre, L., Westfall, A. O., Mugavero, M. J., Turan, J., & Hook, E. W. (2016). Reported church attendance at the time of entry into HIV care is associated with viral load suppression at 12 months. AIDS and Behavior, 20(8), 1706–1712.PubMedCrossRef Van Wagoner, N., Elopre, L., Westfall, A. O., Mugavero, M. J., Turan, J., & Hook, E. W. (2016). Reported church attendance at the time of entry into HIV care is associated with viral load suppression at 12 months. AIDS and Behavior, 20(8), 1706–1712.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Watson, R. J., Allen, A., Pollitt, A. M., & Eaton, L. A. (2019). Risk and protective factors for sexual health outcomes among Black bisexual men in the US: Internalized heterosexism, sexual orientation disclosure, and religiosity. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(1), 243–253.PubMedCrossRef Watson, R. J., Allen, A., Pollitt, A. M., & Eaton, L. A. (2019). Risk and protective factors for sexual health outcomes among Black bisexual men in the US: Internalized heterosexism, sexual orientation disclosure, and religiosity. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(1), 243–253.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Wilson, T. E., Weedon, J., Cohen, M. H., Golub, E. T., Milam, J., Young, M. A., et al. (2017). Positive affect and its association with viral control among women with HIV infection. Health Psychology, 36(1), 91.PubMedCrossRef Wilson, T. E., Weedon, J., Cohen, M. H., Golub, E. T., Milam, J., Young, M. A., et al. (2017). Positive affect and its association with viral control among women with HIV infection. Health Psychology, 36(1), 91.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Woods, T. E., Antoni, M. H., Ironson, G. H., & Kling, D. W. (1999). Religiosity is associated with affective and immune status in symptomatic HIV-infected gay men. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 46(2), 165–176.PubMedCrossRef Woods, T. E., Antoni, M. H., Ironson, G. H., & Kling, D. W. (1999). Religiosity is associated with affective and immune status in symptomatic HIV-infected gay men. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 46(2), 165–176.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Maintaining Health and Well-Being by Putting Faith into Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author
Harold G. Koenig
Publication date
01-10-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01035-2

Other articles of this Issue 5/2020

Journal of Religion and Health 5/2020 Go to the issue