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Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I)

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A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444). This special issue belongs to the section "Religions and Health/Psychology/Social Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 34575

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Dariusz Krok

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Guest Editor

Institute of Psychology, Opole University, 45-040 Opole, Poland
Interests: health psychology; positive psychology; coping and well-being; psychology of religion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the relationship between religion and mental health. Relationships between religion and mental health have been a vital topic of scientific research, receiving considerable attention in recent years (Koenig, 2018; Lucchetti et al. 2019). In the past decade, many valuable books and articles have been published, which describe how religion may affect mental health and human functioning. Their findings demonstrate that religion can play both a positive and negative role in one’s personality and behaviour (AbdAleati et al. 2016; Loue 2017). Despite the ambiguous role that religion plays in mental health, there has been an increasing interest in their relationships. Efforts to identify, explain, and disseminate information about the interplay of religious and mental health factors are important endeavours for advancing our knowledge about individual and social aspects of human life. Although there has been noticeable progress in the field of religion and mental health, there are still some important research questions that should be answered.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide an academic forum for theoretical and empirical examples of current research, examining antecedents and consequences of religious and mental health processes that shape human lives. We invite scholars from social science and religion to submit high-quality papers that focus primarily on antecedents and consequences of the relationship between religion and mental health. Potential topics can include research currently being investigated within the social scientific study of religion and mental health such as the following:

Religion/spirituality and mental illness;
Stress and religious coping;
Affective disorders and religion;
Religion and posttraumatic growth;
Substance abuse and religious behaviour;
Well-being and quality of life;
Religion and social support;
Relationships with God;
Religious attributions/interpretations and mental health;
Personality disorders and religion/spirituality;
Religious/spiritual struggles and mental health.

Papers should examine potential relationships between religion and mental health, identify common ground, highlight insights from one discipline that may be of interest to researchers in the respective other discipline, or develop new methodological approaches. As such, both empirical and theoretical articles are welcome.

References:

AbdAleati, Naziha S., Norzarina Mohd Zaharim, and Yasmin Othman Mydin. 2016. Religiousness and mental health: systematic review study. Journal of Religion and Health 55: 1929-37.

Koenig, Harold G. 2018. Religion and Mental Health: Research and Clinical Applications. New York: Academic Press.

Lucchetti, Giancarlo, Mario Fernando Prieto Peres, and Rodolfo Furlan Damiano, Eds. 2019. Spirituality, Religiousness and Health: From Research to Clinical Practice. Vol. 4. New York: Springer Nature.

Loue, Sana. 2017. Religion, Spirituality, Mental Health, and Mental Illness. In Handbook of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Practice and Research. Edited by S. Loue. New York: Springer, pp. 143-61.

Prof. Dariusz Krok
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

religion
mental health
spirituality
affective and psychotic disorders
stress and coping

Related Special Issue

Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume II) in Religions (3 articles)

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Religion and Life Satisfaction of Polish Female Students Representing Roman Catholic Affiliation: Test of Empirical Model

by Marcin Wnuk

Religions 2021, 12(8), 597; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12080597 - 03 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

Religion is an important factor of life satisfaction for adolescents. This relationship is complex and depends on religiousness indicators used, religious affiliation, sex, age, and some cultural aspects. The aim of the study was to examine whether positive religious coping moderates the relationships between religious practices, as well as God’s support and life satisfaction. Additionally, the mediating role of religious commitment between faith and life satisfaction was tested. Methods: The sample in this study consisted of 315 Polish Roman Catholic female students. The following tools were used: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORFQ), the Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief RCOPE), the Religious Support Scale (RSS), and two one-item measures regarding frequency of prayer and Mass attendance. Results: The moderating role of positive religious coping between prayer, as well as God’s support and life satisfaction, was confirmed. Additionally, positive religious coping, God’s support, prayer, and Mass attendance mediated between faith and life satisfaction. Conclusion: The research has proven that faith negatively influenced adolescents’ life satisfaction both directly and directly through positive religious coping and Mass attendance. A beneficial indirect effect of faith on life satisfaction through God’s support and prayer was confirmed. It was also found that using positive religious coping with an above-average frequency of religious practices improved the life satisfaction among female students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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13 pages, 418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Experience and Correlates of God’s Silence among Christians

by Jacek Prusak and Jakub Wasiewicz

Religions 2021, 12(7), 532; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12070532 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out if Christians experience God’s silence and if so, what are its correlates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second purpose of the study was to identify the connections between the experience of God’s silence and depressive mood disorders and the impact of God’s silence on other spiritual experiences. The study was conducted online on a group of 771 people, mostly Christians. The experience of God’s silence was declared by 82.1% of the respondents. This experience does not depend on the sex of the respondents, but correlates with their age. The experience of God’s silence is commensurate with the joy that comes from having a relationship with God through daily spiritual experiences. Additionally, the conducted research shows that experience of God’s silence resembles a state rather than a permanent feature with a visible ending, which is associated with a change in the image of God. The consequences of experiencing God’s silence need not to be negative. The conducted research shows that the most frequently mentioned effect of this experience is the strengthening and consolidation of faith. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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17 pages, 1324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Loss of Self-Dignity and Anger among Polish Young Adults: The Moderating Role of Religiosity

by Wojciech Rodzeń, Małgorzata Maria Kulik, Agnieszka Malinowska, Zdzisław Kroplewski and Małgorzata Szcześniak

Religions 2021, 12(4), 284; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12040284 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2686

Abstract

Does the way we think or feel about ourselves have an impact on our anger-based reactions? Is the direction and strength of this relationship direct, or affected by other factors as well? Given that there is a lack of research on the loss of self-dignity and anger, the first aim of the present study consisted in examining whether or not there is a connection between both variables, with particular emphasis on early adulthood. The second purpose was to explore the moderating role of religiosity on the relationship between loss of self-dignity and anger. Methods: Data were gathered from 462 participants aged 18 to 35. The main methods applied were the Questionnaire of Sense of Self-Dignity, Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Religious Meaning System Questionnaire. The results show a statistically significant positive correlation between loss of self-dignity and anger, a negative correlation between religiosity and anger, and no significant association between the loss of self-dignity and religiosity. However, all other dimensions of the sense of self-dignity correlated positively with religiosity. Our findings also confirm that the level of anger resulting from the loss of self-dignity is significantly lower as the level of religiosity increases. Such outcomes seem to support the conception that religiosity may act as a protective factor between the risk (loss of self-dignity) and the outcome factor (anger). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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17 pages, 739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Dies Irae?” The Role of Religiosity in Dealing with Psychological Problems Caused by The COVID-19 Pandemic—Studies on a Polish Sample

by Roman Szałachowski and Wioletta Tuszyńska-Bogucka

Religions 2021, 12(4), 267; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12040267 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3145

Abstract

Based on Huber’s centrality of religiosity concept, a non-experimental research project was designed in a group of 178 women and 72 men, voluntary participants in online studies, quarantined at home during the first weeks (the first wave) of the pandemic, to determine whether and to what extent religiosity, understood as a multidimensional construct, was a predictor of the worsening of PTSD and depression symptoms in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study made use of CRS Huber’s scale to study the centrality of religiosity, Spitzer’s PHQ-9 to determine the severity of depression, and Weiss and Marmar’s IES-R to measure the symptoms of PTSD. Our study, which provided interesting and non-obvious insights into the relationship between the studied variables, did not fully explain the protective nature of religiosity in dealing with pandemic stress. Out of five components of religiosity understood in accordance with Huber’s concept (interest in religious issues, religious beliefs, prayer, religious experience, and cult), two turned out to contribute to modifications in the severity of psychopathological reactions of the respondents to stress caused by the pandemic during its first wave. A protective role was played by prayer, which inhibited the worsening of PTSD symptoms, whereas religious experience aggravated them. This means that in order to interpret the effect of religiosity on the mental functioning of the respondents in a time of crisis (the COVID-19 pandemic), we should not try to explain this effect in a simple and linear way, because religious life may not only bring security and solace, but also be a source of stress and an inner struggle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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14 pages, 1406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interpersonal Forgiveness and Meaning in Life in Older Adults: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of the Religious Meaning System

by Dariusz Krok and Beata Zarzycka

Religions 2021, 12(1), 37; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12010037 - 07 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3390

Abstract

Forgiving others may play an important role in achieving meaning in life as it offers a valuable platform for deliberate moral acts of acceptance of positive affect, behaviour, and cognition towards a transgressor. The aim of this paper was to analyse the relationship between forgiveness and presence, and the search for meaning in life, as well as the mediating role of the religious meaning system in this relationship among older adults. A total of 205 older adults, 112 women and 93 men, participated in the study. The mean age was 72.59. The Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the Religious Meaning System Questionnaire were employed in the research; revenge and avoidance revealed negative correlations with presence, whereas benevolence showed positive correlations, but not with the search for meaning in life. The religious meaning system was confirmed as a mediator in the relationships between forgiveness (revenge, avoidance, and benevolence) and both presence and the search for meaning. The findings point to the significant role played by religious beliefs and behaviour in the domain of purpose and goals. Additionally, testing the mediation and moderation effects sheds new light on the interaction of compassion- and goal-oriented mechanisms in older adults’ meaning in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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17 pages, 1263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spirituality as a Predictor of Psychological Well-Being: An Explanatory Mechanism of Religiosity and Sustainable Consumption

by Sana Iqbal and Muhammad Ishfaq Khan

Religions 2020, 11(12), 634; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11120634 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4105

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the impact of spirituality on the psychological well-being of the consumers involved in reusing as sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). In addition to this, the study also investigates the mediating effect of reusing as SCB between spirituality and psychological well-being. The moderating effect of religiosity has also been taken into account while studying the relationship between spirituality and reusing. A survey was conducted to collect the data from clothing industry consumers using a structured questionnaire and employing a convenience sampling approach. PLS-SEM was used to analyze the useable data of 286 respondents. Results validate that spirituality has a positive and significant effect on psychological well-being. Further, reusing (SCB) was found to be a significant mediator, also the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between spirituality and reusing was significant and high. This study contributes to the existing literature by concentrating on predictors that undermine psychological well-being. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the early studies to contribute to the literature by investigating the impact of spirituality on consumer psychological well-being specifically reusing (SCB) as a mediator between the two constructs. Further, it also investigated the moderating impact of religiosity on the relationship between spirituality and reusing. Research findings have implications for researchers, policymakers, marketers, ecologists, social activists, and practitioners. For research students, such contribution will bring a new avenue to consider further research. Managers will find help to control such factors which induce reusing and increase psychological well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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19 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploratory Analysis of the Relationship between Happiness and Religious Participation within China

by Tianyuan Liu, Lin Wu, Yang Yang and Yu Jia

Religions 2020, 11(8), 410; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11080410 - 08 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3278

Abstract

Although the positive relationship between religion and happiness has aroused heated debate, empirical studies on this are limited in the Chinese cultural context. Furthermore, there is a lack of heterogeneity analysis concerning this influence. This paper aims to address this gap in the existing literature. Using the Chinese General Social Survey data from 2015 for empirical analysis, the results show that people with religious beliefs have an increased probability of feeling very happy. This positive association does not exist in urban and eastern groups, but it still holds up in other remaining sub-samples (i.e., rural group). This study further finds that the effect of religiosity on happiness varies by different religious identification. Muslims are more likely to feel very happy compared with non-Muslims, but people of the Christian faith do not rate themselves higher on the happiness scale than non-Christians. Moreover, the results also reveal that religious involvement is significantly and positively related to happiness. Specifically, vulnerable groups are more likely to perceive themselves to be happier from continuous religious participation, whereas advantaged groups do not. This is because vulnerable groups generally have a lack of social security, and religious practices provide them with social support among their members. They therefore can enjoy larger and denser social networks. These are vital mechanisms for them to cope with stress and risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

Review

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16 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessReview

Aesthetic and Educational Aspects of Contact with Contemporary Religious Architecture

by Małgorzata Maria Kulik, Halina Rutyna, Małgorzata Steć and Anna Wendołowska

Religions 2022, 13(5), 418; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel13050418 - 05 May 2022

Viewed by 2555

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of the importance of contemporary architecture—especially Christian architecture—for the aesthetic and spiritual development of an individual. It also highlights the educational aspect that may arise in the framework of the contact of a human with the works of religious architecture. Among many things, the article points out the values of truth and beauty in the space of the sacrum. The major importance in the process of human development involves personal, individual and group experiences of meetings in various areas of religious architecture that operate with the language of signs and symbols, modern artistic forms, single-space harmony, and atmosphere—an invisible order of things. In recent years, a number of studies have been carried out that attempted to define what makes the place of sacrum sufficiently meaningful, mysterious, and still necessary in order to establish a spiritual relationship with the community of believers and with God, which is relevant in one’s transition to adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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16 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Supporting Moral Competence to Fostering Spiritual Growth: The Psycho-Didactic Potential of the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion (KMDD^®)

by Małgorzata Steć, Małgorzata Maria Kulik and Anna Wendołowska

Religions 2021, 12(8), 646; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12080646 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4660

Abstract

This paper aimed to introduce the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion KMDD^® as one of the most effective methods that are designed to foster moral competence and, therefore, to promote tolerance and equality, regardless of cultural background, religion, or views. It is mainly used within the educational context, but it can be also implemented in different environments and conditions. The Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion should also be considered as the representative of a psycho-didactic approach to education. There is a possibility of assessing KMDD^®’s effectiveness with the Moral Competence Test (MCT^®), as well as comparing its significance with other methods that are not only based on the discussions of moral and spiritual dilemmas. Therefore, dilemma discussions would seem to be the best framework for practicing not only social skills and a democratic attitude but also positive mental health and psychological stability by providing a background for personal moral and spiritual growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

17 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Psycho-Didactic Approach in Religious and Moral Education. Towards Personal Growth and Positive Mental Health of Students

by Małgorzata Steć and Małgorzata Maria Kulik

Religions 2021, 12(6), 424; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel12060424 - 08 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4129

Abstract

The psycho-didactic approach in education is becoming more and more popular. Its supporters emphasize the great values that are associated with the implementation of this approach to various fields of science and school subjects. The greatest value of the psycho-didactic approach is supporting the personal growth of the learner by respecting the developmental factors involved in each subject’s learning processes. Psycho-didactics could also be used in the design of core curricula and their implementation in the field of religious, ethical, and moral education. By supporting personal development through moral and religious education, it is possible to simultaneously influence the agencyof each learner. Personal agency in self-development, as well as in religious and moral development, is one of the greatest challenges for modern education and one of the most significant issues of positive mental health advancement in the field of education. Within psycho-didactics, it becomes possible to foster every student in an individual way, therefore all methods and techniques used in the psycho-didactic approach are focused on the student’s needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Mental Health: Antecedents and Consequences (Volume I))

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