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Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know

Publication ,  Journal Article
George, LK; Larson, DB; Koenig, HG; McCullough, ME
Published in: Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology
January 1, 2000

Spirituality and religion have been seen as beneficial, harmful, and irrelevant to health. We examine the recent research on this topic. We focus on (a) defining spirituality and religion both conceptually and operationally; (b) the relationships between spirituality/religion and health; and (c) priorities for future research. Although the effect sizes are moderate, there typically are links between religious practices and reduced onset of physical and mental illnesses, reduced mortality, and likelihood of recovery from or adjustment to physical and mental illness. The three mechanisms underlying these relationships involve religion increasing healthy behaviors, social support, and a sense of coherence or meaning. This research is based on religion measures, however, and it should be emphasized that spirituality may be different.

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Published In

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

DOI

ISSN

0736-7236

Publication Date

January 1, 2000

Volume

19

Issue

1

Start / End Page

102 / 116

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology
 

Citation

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George, L. K., Larson, D. B., Koenig, H. G., & McCullough, M. E. (2000). Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 102–116. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.102
George, L. K., D. B. Larson, H. G. Koenig, and M. E. McCullough. “Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know.” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 19, no. 1 (January 1, 2000): 102–16. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.102.
George LK, Larson DB, Koenig HG, McCullough ME. Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. 2000 Jan 1;19(1):102–16.
George, L. K., et al. “Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know.” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, vol. 19, no. 1, Jan. 2000, pp. 102–16. Scopus, doi:10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.102.
George LK, Larson DB, Koenig HG, McCullough ME. Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. 2000 Jan 1;19(1):102–116.
Journal cover image

Published In

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

DOI

ISSN

0736-7236

Publication Date

January 1, 2000

Volume

19

Issue

1

Start / End Page

102 / 116

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology