Religion & Mental Health
• Scientific Areas Relevant to Modern Psychiatry •
• Psychiatric Epidemiology •
Sep 14, 05
Although limited investigation has suggested an association between religion (or spiritual) health and general health (including mental health), the nature and degree of this association is not clear. Several authors have found an increase in depression among larger and generally older Protestant denominations. The specific religious creeds involved; the internalization of these creeds by the members of the organization; the psychological, social, and behavioral characteristics demanded of these beliefs; and the adherence of the believers to these demands have yet to be elucidated.
