Source: Religion News Service
DURHAM, USA, July 24 2002: The Journal of the American Medical Association published a major article illustrating the potent effect health professionals can have by addressing a patient’s spiritual needs. The study provides evidence that people with strong religious beliefs and practices cope better with illness, are able to decrease chronic pain intensity, speed recovery from depression and enjoy better health outcomes. The study demonstrates the effect of a patient’s spiritual beliefs on his health and the need for health professionals to identify their patient’s spiritual needs. A more controversial activity is praying with patients. This case study suggests that when patients feel overwhelmed by anxiety and depression because of their health situation, their religious beliefs and practices provide them with an indirect form of control that helps interrupt these feelings. Physicians should respect and support the beliefs that help their patients cope, ensure that their spiritual needs are met when they are hospitalized, and be aware that religion is likely to influence their medical decisions. For physicians who are interested in helping their patients cope spiritually with serious medical illness, this study points to the potential far-reaching, positive consequences of relationships between mental health, strong faith, devout prayer and religious socialization. The study illustrates how health professionals can support patients who pray and practice other religious activities that are associated with better coping, less depression, more social support and better health outcomes.