The Handbook of Religion and Health has become the seminal research text on religion, spirituality, and health, outlining a rational argument for the connection between religion and health. The Second Edition completely revises and updates the first edition. Its authors are physicians: a psychiatrist and geriatrician, a primary care physician, and a psychiatrist and theologian, all with advanced degrees in epidemiology and public health. The Second Edition surveys the historical connections between religion and health and grapples with the distinction between the terms "religion" and "spirituality" in research and clinical practice. It reviews research on religion and mental health, as well as extensive research literature on the mind-body relationship, and develops a model to explain how religious involvement may impact physical health through the mind-body mechanisms. It also explores the direct relationships between religion and physical health, covering such topics as immune and endocrine function, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, neurological disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases; and examines the consequences of illness including chronic pain, disability, and quality of life. Finally, the Handbook reviews research methods and addresses applications to clinical practice. Theological perspectives are interwoven throughout the chapters. The Handbook is the most insightful and authoritative resource available to anyone who wants to understand the relationship between religion and health.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD (LINDA GEORGE); PREFACE (JEFF LEVIN); INTRODUCTION; I. BACKGROUND; 1. A HISTORY OF RELIGION, MEDICINE, AND HEALTH CARE; 2. DEFINITIONS; II. DEBATING RELIGION'S EFFECTS ON HEALTH; 3. RELIGION: GOOD OR BAD?; 4. COPING WITH STRESS; 5. RELIGION AND COPING; III. RESEARCH ON RELIGION AND MENTAL HEALTH; 6. WELL-BEING; 7. DEPRESSION; 8. SUICIDE; 9. ANXIETY; 10. PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS; 11. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE; 12. DELINQUENCY; 13. MARITAL INSTABILITY; 14. PERSONALITY AND PERSONALITY DISORDER; 15. UNDERSTANDING RELIGION'S EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH; IV. RESEARCH ON RELIGION AND PHYSICAL HEALTH; 16. HEART DISEASE; 17. HYPERTENSION; 18. CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE; 19. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA; 20. IMMUNE SYSTEM; 21. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM; 22. CANCER 23. MORTALITY 24. PHYSICAL DISABILITY 25. PAIN AND SOMATIC SYMPTOMS; 26. HEALTH BEHAVIORS; 27. DISEASE PREVENTION; V. UNDERSTANDING THE RELIGION-PHYSICAL HEALTH RELATIONSHIP; 28. PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, AND BEHAVIORAL PATHWAYS; 29. CONCLUSIONS; APPENDIX. STUDIES ON RELIGION AND HEALTH (BY HEALTH OUTCOME); REFERENCES; INDEX

Reviews

Praise for the First Edition

"This book provides a fascinating look at the role of religion and the use of health services against the background of the current availability of and access to health care across all segments of society... This is an unparalleled resource not only for physicians with an interest in the relationship between religion and health but perhaps even more for those who doubt its significance. All physicians should consider the possibility that something so meaningful to a large number of patients might also be good for their health."
-Journal of the American Medical Association

"In addition to presenting a synopsis of the overwhelming amount of research in this area, the authors provide a thoughtful reflection and commentary that is based on their collective understanding of this research and its application. Does the book deliver on its promise? Absolutely. This is a must read for anyone interested in this field. It is well written,