Immune, Neuroendocrine, and Religious Measures
A number of solid organs, cellular components and soluble proteins make up the immune system. These include the lymphoid tissues, lymphocytes and other immune cells, and immunoglobulins and cytokines. This chapter discusses measures of immune function, neuroendocrine function, religion and spirituality, pointing out the various strengths and weaknesses of different instruments. This chapter is key for researchers and scientists who wish to study the relationship between religion and psychoneuroimmunology. At least ten major religious dimensions require consideration: denomination/affiliation, religious belief, religious attitudes, organizational or social religious activity, nonorganizational or private religious activity, religious salience or importance, religious orientation or motivation, religious coping, religious history, religious experience and religious development or maturity. Finally, there are the wider domains of spirituality andspiritual experience.
