The Benefits of Spiritual Health

Discuss the evidence that spiritual health has physical benefits, has psychological benefits, and lowers
stress.

A broad range of large-scale surveys have documented the importance of the mind–body connection to human
health and wellness.

Physical Benefits
The emerging science of mind–body medicine is a research focus of the National Center for Complementary and
Integrative Health (NCCIH) and an important objective of the organization’s 2011–2015 Strategic Plan. One area
under study is the association between spiritual health and general health. The NCCIH cites evidence that
spirituality can have a positive influence on physical health and suggests that the connection may be due to
improved immune function, cardiovascular function, or a combination of physiological changes.11 Increasing
numbers of studies are examining the effect that certain spiritual practices—such as yoga, deep meditation, and

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prayer—have on the mind, body, social and emotional health, and behavior, and how these practices may
improve health and promote healthy behaviors.12

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The National Cancer Institute (NCI) contends that when we get sick, spiritual or religious well-being may help
restore health and improve quality of life by:13
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Decreasing anxiety, depression, anger, discomfort, and feelings of isolation
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Decreasing alcohol and drug abuse

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Decreasing blood pressure and the risk of heart disease

Increasing the person’s ability to cope with the effects of illness and with medical treatments
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Increasing feelings of hope and optimism, freedom from regret, satisfaction with life, and inner peace
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Several studies have shown an association between spirituality and/or religion and a person’s ability to cope
with a variety of physical illnesses, including cancer.14 However, newer research has questioned the efficacy of
many of these studies, citing small sample size and methodological issues.15
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One recent study of over 33,000 adults found that indicators of “social capital” such as visiting friends or
relatives, visiting neighbors, attending church, belonging to clubs, and attending club meetings were associated
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with improved biomarkers such as cholesterol and blood pressure.16

Another recent review of literature found that measures of spirituality were related to biomarkers such as blood
pressure, immune factors, cardiac reactivity, and the progression of disease.17 In addition, spiritual well-being
and spiritual growth has been shown to be associated with reports of overall physical health.18 Recent studies of
college students found a relationship between personal spirituality and healthy college behaviors such as
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physical activity, reduced alcohol use, and reduced nonsuicidal self-harm behaviors.19
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Spirituality is widely acknowledged to have a positive impact on health and wellness, from reductions in
overall morbidity and mortality to improved abilities to cope with illness and stress. These students are
using the movement techniques of tai chi to improve their spiritual health.

Psychological Benefits
Current research also suggests that spiritual health contributes to psychological health. For instance, the NCI

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and independent studies have found that spirituality reduces levels of anxiety and depression.20 In the case of

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academic performance, spirituality may provide a protective factor against burnout. In a study of 259 medical
students, each completed a survey asking questions intended to measure levels of burnout, spirituality,
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psychological distress, ability to cope, and general happiness. Results showed students with higher scores of
spiritual exercise and well-being to be more satisfied with their lives than students scoring lower.21
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When people undergo psychological trauma, the meaning of life can be severely challenged. Counselors work
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with trauma survivors to help them find meaning in their trauma, to change their ways of thinking, and move
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them toward involvement in meaningful life experiences. Psychologists at the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs have done extensive clinical work with veterans who are experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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as a result of their combat service. An example of the value of spiritual or religious practice may be that,
following trauma, powerful emotions such as anger, rage, and wanting to get even may be softened by values
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such as forgiveness, gratitude, or other spiritual beliefs and practices.22

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For example, gratitude and forgiveness are values that, when acted upon, can improve our health. Preliminary
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research has shown that gratitude exercises, such as writing thank-you letters, have a positive impact on
perceived well-being, sleep quality, and energy.23 Gratitude is not an uncommon experience for millennials—76
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percent reported “feeling a strong sense of gratitude or thankfulness weekly” in a 2015 survey.24

People who have found a spiritual community —a group of people meeting together for the purpose of
enriching and expanding their spirituality—also benefit from increased social support. For instance, participation
in charitable organizations, religious groups, social gatherings, or spiritual learning experiences can help
members avoid isolation. A community may include retired members who offer childcare for working parents,
support for those with addictions or mental health problems, shelter and food for the homeless, or
transportation to medical appointments. Spiritually active members may volunteer or receive help from other
volunteers, all of which may enhance feelings of self-worth, security, and belonging. Rooting oneself in a social
network in this way can be an important part of spiritual growth.

Additionally, the NCI cites stress reduction as one probable mechanism among spiritually healthy people for
improved health and longevity and for better coping with illness.25 Chapter 3 , “Managing Stress and Coping
with Life’s Challenges,” goes into more detail on this topic.
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