Spirituality Improves Mental Health
By Jennifer Gibson
Quality of life is a subjective gauge of a person’s overall
well-being and includes assessments and self-reports of physical health,
mental health, functional abilities, emotional condition, social
support, and spirituality. As healthcare continues to evolve and provide
more complete, holistic care for patients, the importance of religion
and spirituality is increasingly emphasized. And, with good reason,
since new research indicates that spirituality is a central determinant
of quality of life and it confers more positive benefits on mental
health than on other factors.
activity has long been known as influential on overall well-being and
quality of life, but just what role religious practice plays in quality
of life is still undetermined. The authors of the current study,
published in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, used a model
that was similar to a validated assessment of physical activity to
evaluate the effects of multidimensional factors on well-being,
including religious practice. A total of 215 adults participated in the
study by completing paper-and-pencil questionnaires and wearing a device
that measured physical activity. The participants completed assessments
of overall satisfaction with life, physical and mental health status,
social support, confidence to engage in physical activity and complete
self-care tasks, physical activity, and spirituality and religiousness.
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