Top

Published in:

01-09-2013 | Original Paper

Warrior Culture, Spirituality, and Prayer

Author: Mark Malmin

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Research has shown an increase in suicides by military veterans and law enforcement officers in the United States. Etiologic research elucidates warrior culture and subculture as contributing factors of this pathology. This paper examines the idiosyncratic nature and influence of warrior culture and subculture and offers recommendations to promote culture change. Faith-based spirituality and prayer are examined as adjunct modalities for stress management and emotional healing. Further research is recommended to assess the associated hidden cost factors and long-term financial impact of warrior culture on society.

Cornell University Law School. (Aug 2010). Legal Information Institute, Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fruit_of_the_poisonous_tree ‘Fruit of the poisonous tree’ is a legal phrase that usually refers to illegally seized evidence. The author intentionally used this phrase out of its usual context to connote warrior culture.

Legal terms: duty of care/legal causation: Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/causation-law; http://www.machinebuilding.net/ta/t0071.htm.

Boykin (Sep 24, 2011) Keynote speaker at Iron Sharpens Iron conference, West Palm Beach, FL.

Aamodt, M. G., & Stalnaker, N. A. (June 2006). Police officer suicide: Frequency and officer profiles. Retrieved from, http://www.policeone.com/health-fitness/articles/137133-Police-Officer-Suicide-Frequency-and-officer-profiles/.

APA. (2007). Mental Health Advisory Team IV: Operation Iraqi Freedom; “Many in Need Don’t Seek Help.

APA. (2007) “Stigma Associated with Mental Illness in Military Communities” Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/military/critical-need.aspx.

APA. (2010). Suicide Rates Increasing for Returning Service Members. Retrieved from, http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/military/critical-need.aspx.

APA. (2011). The critical need for mental health professionals trained to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Ashton, J. (1999) In Six Days: Why 50 scientist choose to believe in creation. Retrieved from, http://www.changinglivesonline.org/why-read-the-bible.html.

Bohon, D. (Jun 2011). Gallup: More Than 90 Percent of Americans Believe in God. Retrieved from, http://thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/7808-gallup-more-than-90-percent-of-americans-believe-in-god.

Clifton, E. (Jan, 2010) “Suicide Rate Surged Among Veterans,” Retrieved from http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49971.

Feemster, S.L. (Fall, 2010). Addressing The Urgent Need For Multi-Dimensional Training In Law Enforcement. The Forensic Examiner.

Feemster, S. L. (May 2009). Wellness and spirituality, beyond survival practices for wounded warriors. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin.

Gallup, G. (1999) As Nation Observes National Day of Prayer, 9 in 10 Pray—3 in 4 Daily. Retrieved from, http://www.gallup.com/poll/3874/Nation-Observes-National-Day-Prayer-Pray-Daily.aspx.

Honig, A., & White, E. N. (2009). By their own hand: Suicide among law enforcement personnel. Retrieved from, http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/April_2009/suicide.htm.

Johnston, L. (June 1999). The science of prayer and healing, relevance to physical disability-Part 1&2 of a three-part article: Retrieved from, http://www.healingtherapies.info/prayer_and_healing.htm.

Keteyian, A. (Feb 2009) Suicide Epidemic Among Veterans. Retrieved from, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/cbsnews_investigates/main3496471.shtml.

Kulbarsh, P. (Sep 2010) 2009 Police Suicides Statistics. Retrieved from, http://www.officer.com/article/10232405/2009-police-suicide-statistics.

Lee, V. (Mar 2007). High CPH suicide rate worries officials. Retrieved from, http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/state&id=5093384.

Leighton, K. (Sep 2011). Fox Poll: 77 Percent Believe Prayer Can ‘literally help someone heal from an injury or illness. Retrieved from, http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/fox-poll-77-percent-believe-prayer-can-literally-help-someone-heal-from-an-injury-or-illness.php.

Ortberg, J. (Nov 13, 2011). http://mppc.org/series/all/john-ortberg/healing-all-my-soul.

Patton, G. L. (June, 2011). Coping with the career-a review of acquired life patters of veteran officers. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/june_2011/research_forum.

Pickens, W. J., (2010) Critical incidents in law enforcement: A phenomenological analysis of coping with traumatic stress. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, UMI Number AAT 3448468.

Polich, C., Polich, J., Rael, B. (2006). Meditation states and traits: EEG, ERP, and neuroimaging studies. Psychological Bulletin (American Psychological Association) 132(2): 180–211. Retrieved from, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation.

Ritter, J. (Feb 2007) Suicide rates jolt police culture. Retrieved from, http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-08-police-suicides_x.htm.

Scott, E. (Nov 2007). Spirituality and mental health: benefits of spirituality/spirituality can benefit your mental and physical health. Retrieved from, http://stress.about.com/od/optimismspirituality/a/22307_God_power.htm?r=et.

Weber, P. (Aug 2010) Border patrol suicides on the rise. Retrieved from, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/16/border-patrol-suicides_n_684188.html.

Wilkinson G. Understanding Stress, Poole, Family Doctor Publications in association with British Medical Association, (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation.

Title: Warrior Culture, Spirituality, and Prayer
Author: Mark Malmin
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9690-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Warrior Culture, Spirituality, and Prayer

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 3/2013

Kansas Physician Assistants’ Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Spirituality and Religiosity in Patient Care

Negotiating Health-Related Uncertainties: Biomedical and Religious Sources of Information and Support

Role of Religious Attendance and Identity Conflict in Psychological Well-being

The Use of Narrative in Jewish Medical Ethics

Providing Pastoral Care Services in a Clinical Setting to Veterans At-Risk of Suicide

Editorial