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14-07-2024 | Schizophrenia | PHILOSOPHICAL EXPLORATION

Beyond Belief and Practice: An Exploratory Literature Review and Discussion of the Differential Impact of Spirituality and Religiosity on Mental Health Disorders

Authors: Mahua Jana Dubey, Ritwik Ghosh, Gautam Das, Dipayan Roy, Shambaditya Das, Arka Prava Chakraborty, Subham Chatterjee, Souvik Dubey, Julián Benito-León

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health

Abstract

The relationship between spirituality and religiosity and their impact on mental health is intricate and underexplored. This exploratory review aims to elucidate the distinct effects of these constructs, highlighting their contributions to psychological well-being and clinical practices. By dissecting the impacts of spirituality and religiosity on mental health, the study focuses on their individual and combined roles in shaping therapeutic approaches and theoretical understandings in the field. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on articles discussing spirituality, religiosity, and their intersection with mental health and psychopathology. Out of 312 identified articles, 69 peer-reviewed articles were included after screening for relevance. The results indicate that spirituality and religiosity significantly influence mental health yet are often conflated, leading to research inconsistencies and clinical challenges. Spirituality, as a broad and individualistic pathway, enhances personal well-being and resilience, often transcending organized religious practices. In contrast, religiosity, with its structured community support, sometimes imposes constraints that exacerbate stress under specific doctrinal pressures. Neurobiological evidence suggests that both constructs interact with cognitive processes and brain function, influencing emotional regulation and stress response. The study concludes that distinguishing between spirituality and religiosity is essential for precise academic discourse and effective clinical practice. This differentiation allows for more personalized therapeutic approaches, accommodating an individual’s spiritual and religious contexts. The authors propose a refined framework for future research and therapeutic applications to be sensitive to the nuanced experiences of individuals and to better tailor interventions in clinical settings.

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Title: Beyond Belief and Practice: An Exploratory Literature Review and Discussion of the Differential Impact of Spirituality and Religiosity on Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Mahua Jana Dubey
Ritwik Ghosh
Gautam Das
Dipayan Roy
Shambaditya Das
Arka Prava Chakraborty
Subham Chatterjee
Souvik Dubey
Julián Benito-León
Publication date: 14-07-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Schizophrenia
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02090-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

Beyond Belief and Practice: An Exploratory Literature Review and Discussion of the Differential Impact of Spirituality and Religiosity on Mental Health Disorders

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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