Showing papers in "Journal of Religion & Health in 2020"

COVID-19, Mental Health, and Religious Coping Among American Orthodox Jews.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic presents potential mental health challenges, and the American Orthodox Jewish population has been particularly affected by the virus. The current study assessed the impact of the pandemic and explored the relationships between exposure, religiosity, and distress in a sample of n = 419 American Orthodox Jews. Results indicated high levels of exposure, concern, and compliance with medical guidelines; however stress was generally low and we found evidence for positive impact. Direct exposure correlated with higher religiosity. Positive religious coping, intrinsic religiosity and trust in God strongly correlated with less stress and more positive impact, while negative religious coping and mistrust in God correlated with the inverse. While the study is limited by its design, findings highlight that for some, faith may promote resilience especially during crisis.

Maintaining Health and Well-Being by Putting Faith into Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: Anxiety and fear adversely affect the physiological systems that protect individuals from infection. This article comments on the role that religious faith and practice can play in helping individuals remain free from infection by the coronavirus and in helping to moderate the effects of infection if that should occur. The author provides six recommendations to help individuals maintain spiritual, mental, and physical resilience during these anxious times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Anxiety.

Abstract: Growing concerns about anxiety associated with COVID-19 have led to recommendations for effective self-care, and greater availability of mental health treatment. At the same time, existential concerns raised by the pandemic suggest the importance of religious resources, as seen in research into the experience of patients dealing with advanced cancer.

Religion and Faith Perception in a Pandemic of COVID-19.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted religion and faith in different ways. Numerous restrictions have been implemented worldwide. Believers are in conflict with authorities' warnings that gatherings must be limited to combat the spread of the virus. Religion has always played a role of the balm for the soul, and the regular religious participation is associated with better emotional health outcomes. In our study, we examined whether the exposure to COVID-19 enhances the faith. The instrument used was a survey verifying the power of spirituality in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Identifying Moral Injury in Healthcare Professionals: The Moral Injury Symptom Scale-HP.

Abstract: This study aims to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a measure of moral injury (MI) symptoms for identifying clinically significant MI in health professionals (HPs), one that might be useful in the current COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. A total of 181 HPs (71% physicians) were recruited from Duke University Health Systems in Durham, North Carolina. Internal reliability of the Moral Injury Symptom Scale-Healthcare Professionals version (MISS-HP) was examined, along with factor analytic, discriminant, and convergent validity. A cutoff score was identified from a receiver operator curve (ROC) that best identified individuals with significant impairment in social or occupational functioning. The 10-item MISS-HP measures 10 theoretically grounded dimensions of MI assessing betrayal, guilt, shame, moral concerns, religious struggle, loss of religious/spiritual faith, loss of meaning/purpose, difficulty forgiving, loss of trust, and self-condemnation (score range 10–100). Internal reliability of the MISS-HP was 0.75. PCA identified three factors, which was confirmed by CFA, explaining 56.8% of the variance. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by modest correlations (r’s = 0.25–0.37) with low religiosity, depression, and anxiety symptoms, whereas convergent validity was evident by strong correlations with clinician burnout (r = 0.57) and with another multi-item measure of MI symptoms (r = 0.65). ROC characteristics indicated that a score of 36 or higher was 84% sensitive and 93% specific for identifying MI symptoms causing moderate to extreme problems with family, social, and occupational functioning. The MISS-HP is a reliable and valid measure of moral injury symptoms in health professionals that can be used in clinical practice to screen for MI and monitor response to treatment, as well as when conducting research that evaluates interventions to treat MI in HPs.

The Blood of Christ Compels Them: State Religiosity and State Population Mobility During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.

Abstract: This paper examines the association between state religiosity and population mobility during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We use first-party geo-behavioral data collected through mobile phone operating systems, global positioning systems, and Wi-Fi signals to assess changes in the average median distance traveled by approximately 15,000,000 devices over eight weeks (February 24-April 13) in the contiguous United States. Robust regression results show that more religious states tend to exhibit higher average mobility scores and slower average declines in mobility. Findings also suggest that state stay-at-home orders have a weaker impact on mobility in more religious states.

The Faith Community and the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?

Abstract: The current outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a critical moment in time for institutional religion in the USA and throughout the world. Individual clergy and congregations, across faith traditions, have been sources of misinformation and disinformation, promoting messages and actions that engender fear, animosity toward others, and unnecessary risk-taking. But there is a positive role for religion and faith-based institutions here, and many examples of leaders and organizations stepping up to contribute to the collective recovery. Personal faith and spirituality may be a source of host resistance and resilience. Religiously sponsored medical care institutions are vital to health care response efforts. Ministries and faith-based organizations are source of religious health assets that can help to meet community-wide needs. There is a pastoral role for clergy and laypeople who are instrumental in providing comfort and strength to the suffering and fearful in our midst. The outbreak presents an ethical challenge to all of us to step outside of our own preoccupations and to be present and of service for others. This includes having the courage to represent the highest values of our faith in speaking out against religiously motivated foolishness and hatred and in calling for political and public health leaders to be truthful and transparent in their messages to us.

An Italian Experience of Spirituality from the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Abstract: In this letter to the editor, the authors tell their personal experience in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic and call for more spirituality needed to battle in the COVID-19 emergency. They commemorate the story of many Italian priests who have died in this tragedy and claim that spiritual skills for healthcare workers are especially important in a disaster scenario like this COVID 19 pandemic, to relieve stress and psychic sufferance of the same healthcare professionals as well as of patients and their families.

Religiosity/Spirituality and Physiological Markers of Health.

Abstract: The long-standing interest in the effects of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) on health outcomes has given rise to a large and diverse literature. We conducted a meta-analysis on research involving R/S and physiological markers of health to elucidate both the scope and mechanism(s) of this phenomenon. A combined analysis found a significant, but small, beneficial effect. Subgroup analyses found that some measures of both extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity were significantly associated with health. Several outcome measures, including blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and cardiovascular health markers, were significantly associated with R/S. Our findings suggest that R/S benefits health, perhaps through minimizing the disruptive effects of stress/depression on inflammation. We hope that researchers can use these results to guide efforts aimed at elucidating the true mechanism(s) linking religious/spiritual beliefs and physical health.

A Look at the First Quarantined Community in the USA: Response of Religious Communal Organizations and Implications for Public Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: The current study examined anxiety and distress among members of the first community to be quarantined in the USA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to being historically significant, the current sample was unusual in that those quarantined were all members of a Modern Orthodox Jewish community and were connected via religious institutions at which exposure may have occurred. We sought to explore the community and religious factors unique to this sample, as they relate to the psychological and public health impact of quarantine. Community organizations were trusted more than any other source of COVID-19-related information, including federal, state and other government agencies, including the CDC, WHO and media news sources. This was supported qualitatively with open-ended responses in which participants described the range of supports organized by community organizations. These included tangible needs (i.e., food delivery), social support, virtual religious services, and dissemination of COVID-19-related information. The overall levels of distress and anxiety were elevated and directly associated with what was reported to be largely inadequate and inconsistent health-related information received from local departments of health. In addition, the majority of participants felt that perception of or concern about future stigma related to a COVID-19 diagnosis or association of COVID-19 with the Jewish community was high and also significantly predicted distress and anxiety. The current study demonstrates the ways in which religious institutions can play a vital role in promoting the well-being of their constituents. During this unprecedented pandemic, public health authorities have an opportunity to form partnerships with religious institutions in the common interests of promoting health, relaying accurate information and supporting the psychosocial needs of community members, as well as protecting communities against stigma and discrimination.

Religion as a Health Promoter During the 2019/2020 COVID Outbreak: View from Detroit.

Abstract: The 2019/2020 COVID outbreak has surfaced as a global pandemic. The news has carried stories of the heroic efforts of medical and other health practitioners, with public health officials charting the course of spread. In an urban center like Detroit, the generosity of everyday citizens and church organizations has also played an important role. This inspection of the pandemic from the view of Detroit will examine the epidemiology of the coronavirus, translation of professional practice into people's awareness of the chronic disease risk factors which are prevalent in Detroit, moral and ethical views on the distribution of resources, and three major ways that religious faith has helped to sustain people's health and welfare in the midst of the broad social challenges posed by this novel coronavirus.

Community Calls: Lessons and Insights Gained from a Medical-Religious Community Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: During the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, public health instructions were issued with the hope of curbing the virus' spread In an effort to assure accordance with these instructions, equitable strategies for at-risk and vulnerable populations and communities are warranted One such strategy was our community conference calls, implemented to disseminate information on the pandemic and allow community leaders to discuss struggles and successes Over the first 6 weeks, we held 12 calls, averaging 125 (standard deviation 41) participants Participants were primarily from congregations and faith-based organizations that had an established relationship with the hospital, but also included school leaders, elected officials, and representatives of housing associations Issues discussed included reasons for quarantining, mental health, social isolation, health disparities, and ethical concerns regarding hospital resources Concerns identified by the community leaders as barriers to effective quarantining and adherence to precautions included food access, housing density, and access to screening and testing Through the calls, ways to solve such challenges were addressed, with novel strategies and resources reaching the community This medical-religious resource has proven feasible and valuable during the pandemic and warrants discussions on reproducing it for other communities during this and future infectious disease outbreaks

Can Religious and Spiritual Struggle Enhance Well-Being? Exploring the Mediating Effects of Internal Dialogues.

Abstract: Although a number of studies have demonstrated links between religious/spiritual struggle and well-being, only a few have examined what makes religious/spiritual struggle increase or decrease well-being. The present paper aims to examine different forms of internal dialogues (IDs) as potential mediators of the relationship between religious/spiritual struggle and well-being among Roman Catholics. There were 143 respondents (81 female) who participated in the study. We applied the Religious and Spiritual Struggle Scale, the Internal Dialogical Activity Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results showed that religious/spiritual struggle triggers IDs. Three types of IDs—ruminative, supportive, and social simulation dialogues—were mediators in the relationship between religious/spiritual struggle and well-being. Although religious/spiritual struggle decreased well-being through its effect on ruminative dialogues, it improved well-being through its effects on supportive and social simulation dialogues.

Religious Cliché and Stigma: A Brief Response to Overlooked Barriers in COVID-19 Management.

Abstract: For decades, religion has provided explanations and answers to existential questions and queries that can emerge during a pandemic. This characteristic of religion has helped communities in finding answers and meanings to their confusions. During a pandemic, healthcare professionals are often unprepared in answering the patients' religious beliefs regarding the diseases. Moreover, patients are faced with religious cliches and stigma that results because of religious beliefs and practices. To overcome the religious stigma, a deeper understanding of religious beliefs and values is required so that a perception or practice change can take place. Therefore, the inclusion and collaboration of spiritual leaders with healthcare professionals are needed to ensure a holistic understanding and overcome the stigma that can shape as a barrier for reaching an optimal therapeutic outcome.

Love of Neighbor During a Pandemic: Navigating the Competing Goods of Religious Gatherings and Physical Health.

Abstract: In light of the present pandemic, many religious communities have been asked to suspend their services and meetings. From the perspective of these communities, this comes at considerable cost to the spiritual good that these religious services bring about. Empirical evidence also indicates that the suspension of these services will have costs concerning physical and mental health as well. However, in the case of a pandemic, because it is an infectious disease that is the concern, love of neighbor arguably does entail the suspension of services for the sake of the preservation of life for others. Religious communities and individuals can, and have, found ways to partially offset the losses from not being able to meet. These have included increased personal and family prayer and devotion, video-streaming of services, and online prayer and discussion meetings. While none of these fully compensates for the loss of in-person meetings, the sacrifice entailed may itself be seen as a means to greater love of God and love of neighbor.

The Relationship Between Spiritual Health and Religious Coping with Death Anxiety in the Elderly

Abstract: The elderly is a period of life when a person reaches the age of 65 years. This study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual health and religious coping with the death anxiety in the elderly people. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study: 180 Elderly according to similar studies. Data gathering tools are Paloutzain and Ellison SH questionnaire, religious coping questionnaire and death anxiety questionnaire. SPSS16 and descriptive and analytical tests were used; there was a relationship between religious health and religious coping with the anxiety (p < 0.05).The M(SD) religious health is 39.25 (11.67), existential health is 40.50 (11.29), total spiritual health is 79.75 (22.03), and also the M(SD) religious coping is 23.84 (5.02). Considering the relationship between RC and SH with DA in the elderly, it is necessary to make the necessary spiritual–religious arrangements to reduce DA.

Religion and Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: A Special Section of a future issue of the Journal of Religion and Health will be devoted to religion and health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present time is like no other in most of our lifetimes. We are all facing an uncertain future, with little control over what happens next. The only certainty for many now is their religious faith, which is a rock that they are now needing to hold onto. Indeed, religious faith will likely make an important difference in how many make it through this challenging time in our nation’s and world’s history. This topic—how religion can make a difference, what religious people and communities are doing in response, and how religious people can stay healthy—is the focus of the Special Section. The authors include a wide range of experts in religion-health research, opinion leaders in this field, and those on the front lines—clergy and health professionals—grappling with the care of patients in our hospitals and clinics, including COVID-19 patients. Here is a brief overview of a sample of articles that will be appearing in this Special Section:

Workplace Spirituality and Workforce Agility: A Psychological Exploration Among Teaching Professionals.

Abstract: Learning organizations are in dire need of teaching professionals eager to develop and grow up fast while maintaining a positive aura around them. An agile workforce consists of upbeat, adjustable, supple, adventurous and pliant employees who perceive life optimistically and flaunt an open mind to gather wisdom for personal development; have better analytical skills; can acclimatize continuously with the changing work environment. Teachers are the soul of any academic institution, and there is an urgent need to cultivate an agile teaching workforce by assisting them to be psychologically empowered. The key purpose of the present study is to establish a relationship between workplace spirituality (WS) and workforce agility (WA) among teaching professionals. The current research article proposes a model or conceptual framework linking the components of WS, WA and psychological empowerment (PSYEMP) in educational organizations. This is an original work that proposes a model where WS has an impact upon the WA of teaching professionals through the mediating effect of PSYEMP. WS is thus an emerging paradigm for augmenting the agility of teaching workforce in educational organizations. Future implications on ways to enhance the agility of teaching professionals are further recommended.

The Effectiveness of Spiritual Therapy on Spiritual Well-Being, Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in Patients on Hemodialysis

Abstract: Spirituality is an important part of practice of the healthcare providers. Spiritual therapy is important for patients with chronic and end-stage diseases such as end-stage renal disease due to changes in physical, mental, social and spiritual needs. Promotion of spiritual well-being, self-esteem and self-efficacy is very important for these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of spiritual therapy on spiritual well-being, self-esteem and self-efficacy in patients on hemodialysis. The quasi-experimental research design was pre–posttest with the control group. The statistical population was the patients on hemodialysis in Governmental Hospital of Shahid Mostafa in Ilam, Iran, in 2015. Twenty-four patients were entered to the study by convenience sampling. They were divided into experimental and control groups randomly. Twelve 60-min sessions of spiritual therapy were held for the experimental group twice a week. The tools included spiritual well-being scale of Paloutzian and Ellison, Self Esteem Inventory of Cooper Smith and Self-Efficacy Scale of Sherer. Data were analyzed by SPSS software through descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of covariance). p Values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results indicated that the scores in the experimental group changed in spiritual health from 39.32 ± 3.38 to 43.40 ± 2.82, in self-esteem from 42.65 ± 2.61 to 45.90 ± 3.88 and in self-efficacy from 40.99 ± 2.19 to 44.65 ± 2.58 which was significant compared with the control group (p = 0.01). Spiritual therapy can be used as an effective intervention to improve spiritual well-being, self-esteem and self-efficacy in patients on hemodialysis. This intervention is directed to holistic care. It can be done by interdisciplinary participation in caring and psychological teams.

The Effect of Holly Quran Voice With and Without Translation on Stress, Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Holy Quran on stress, anxiety and depression in Iranian pregnant women A total of 168 participants were allocated randomly into three groups Group I received broadcast of the Holy Quran with translation, group II received broadcast of the Holy Quran without translation, and group III was the control group After intervention, scores of perceived stress, state anxiety, trait anxiety and depression in group I and group II were significantly lower compared with the control group The Holly Quran with translation and without it, both are the effective for reducing stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy

Effects of Hand Massage and Therapeutic Touch on Comfort and Anxiety Living in a Nursing Home in Turkey: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of hand massage and therapeutic touch on comfort and anxiety in the elderly living in nursing homes. The study was designed as a randomized controlled, experimental study (with a pre- and posttest control group). The study population comprised 255 older people aged 65–89 living in a nursing home in Izmir, a province in Turkey. The study sample included 30 older patients, who were assigned to hand massage (HM) (n = 10), therapeutic touch (TT) (n = 10) and control (C) (n = 10) groups. Of the elderly who participated in the study, 50% were female and 80% were single. It was determined that TT and HM decreased the anxiety and increased the comfort levels of the elderly living in the nursing home (p < 0.05). It is thought that nurses can easily integrate HM and TT which are non-medical, non-pharmacologic interventions with no adverse effects into care activities.

The Comparison of Death Anxiety, Obsession, and Depression Between Muslim Population with Positive and Negative Religious Coping.

Abstract: Death anxiety, obsession, and depression constitute three dimensions of death distress which can be influenced by religious coping in religious individuals The aim of this study was to compare death anxiety, depression, and obsession between Muslims with positive and negative religious coping In a cross-sectional study, a sample of 339 participants were selected via stratified random sampling method The participants were screened using the Brief Religious Coping Scale, in which 60 individuals were identified to have positive religious coping and 62 individuals were recognized as individuals with negative religious coping They responded to Death Anxiety Scale, Death Obsession Scale, and Death Depression Scale The data were analyzed using factor analysis and multiple analysis of variance The results of principal component analysis showed that death anxiety, death obsession, and death depression were separate factors of death distress The results also revealed that individuals with negative religious coping gained higher scores than those with positive religious coping in all the three variables of death anxiety, obsession, and depression Consistent with the previous studies and Terror Management Theory, this finding lays emphasis on the role of positive religious coping in reducing death distress and the possible consequent psychopathology

Global Scientific Outputs of Brain Death Publications and Evaluation According to the Religions of Countries

Abstract: In 1950s, the concept of brain death, which began to be discussed primarily in terms of medicine and then in terms of religion, law, and ethics, became a central topic in all world countries as it was an early diagnosis of death. Despite the fact that brain death (BD) diagnosis is of importance for benefitting from organ and tissue transplantation of patients in the world, the literature still involves no bibliometric studies that made a holistic evaluation of the publications about this issue. The present study aims to investigate the top-cited articles about BD published between 1980 and 2018, identify the citation collaboration of the journals, demonstrate the collaboration between the countries, define the relationship between organ transplantation and BD, and reveal the latest developments and trend topics about this issue. In addition, this study aims to investigate the relationship between religions of countries and brain death publication productivity. Documents for bibliometric analysis were downloaded from Web of Science. The literature search was performed using the keywords “brain death/dead” during 1980–2018. The correlations between gross domestic product (GDP), Human Development Index (HDI) and publication productivity of the countries on BD were investigated with Spearman’s correlation coefficient. There was a high-level, statistically significant correlation between the number of publications and GDP, and HDI and the number of publications about BD (r = 0.761, p < 0.001; r = 0.703, p < 0.001). The USA was the top country in terms of publication productivity, which was followed by developed countries such as Germany, Japan, France, and Spain. However, the contribution of the undeveloped or developing countries such as China, Brazil, Turkey, Iran, and South Africa was found to be considerably important. While many people in the world die with undamaged organs, many other people die needing those organs. Therefore, it is considered that the collaborations and thus multidisciplinary studies about BD should be increased in the world countries, and the countries should be involved in bigger collaborations instead of little clusters. Especially, Muslim countries should be encouraged to do research and publish studies about the issues of brain death and organ transplantation.

Patient Perceptions About the Role of Religion and Spirituality During Cancer Care

Abstract: We sought to assess the perspectives of cancer patients relative to their spiritual well-being, as well as examine the impact of religion/spirituality during cancer care. A mixed-methods concurrent embedded online survey design was used. While 86% of participants indicated a religious/spiritual belief, respondents also reported lower overall spiritual well-being than population norms (t(73) = − 5.30, p < 0.01). Open-ended responses revealed that 22% of participants desired the healthcare team to address the topic of religion/spirituality, but the majority preferred to discuss with a family member or friend (48%). Religion/spirituality might play a central role for a subset of patients across the cancer journey.

Impact of Quran in Treatment of the Psychological Disorder and Spiritual Illness

Abstract: This paper studies the effect of Quranic therapy on psychological diseases and spiritual diseases. The experiments have been conducted on a random sample with 121 patients from both genders. The procedures that have been followed were different sessions with the patients, who were given some verses from the Holy Quran to listen within a specific period of time. After that, each patient was given a remedy program. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness and responsiveness of patients to receive treatment through Quran. This study highlighted the employment of a quantitative research, which achieved its objective through validity and reliability. The results of the effectiveness factor came after ability and willingness and gave a result of 92.6% for those who support the contention that the Quran has a significant healing influence. Also, some of the patients who regularly attended Quranic therapy sessions have been successfully cured, 81.8% of the sample believe that Quranic therapy sessions support their health needs. This study has empirically proved that the sound of the Holy Quran is an effective treatment for those who suffer from spiritual and psychological issues. Folk medicine and other traditional methods of treatment are important field of study that require further investigation. The study also illustrates that it's highly important for patient to have confidence in his doctor or healer. Furthermore, our results show that the ability and willingness positively and significantly are related to the effectiveness and responsiveness, also effectiveness positively and significantly related to the responsiveness. Therefore, the patients satisfied to receive treatment through Quran and they have the ability and willingness to do so as they believe that Quran is an essential part of their life.

Determination of Compassion Levels of Nurses Working at a University Hospital.

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the compassion levels of nurses working in a university hospital. The study sample consists of 227 nurses who were available and participated in the research voluntarily during the study. The study data were collected by using “Nurse Description Form” and “Compassion Scale (CS).” In the analysis of the study data, number, percentage, mean and independent T test and ANOVA test were used. The total mean score of CS of the nurses was found as 97.02 ± 10.67. There was no statistically significant difference between gender, marital status and weekly work hours of the nurses and their total CS score means and total sub-scale score means. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant difference between the age variable of the nurses and the sub-scale of “separation,” between the education level of the nurses and their total CS score means. As a result, it was found that the level of compassion of the nurses was moderate and the level of education affected the compassion levels of the nurses.

Science, Religion, Government, and SARS-CoV-2: A Time for Synergy.

Abstract: Religion, science and government have been institutions throughout the ages that have helped us deal with fears and threats like SARS-CoV-2. However, reliance on any one of these institutions exclusively has limitations and therefore are sources of disappointments. The SARS-CoV-2 is a reminder that we can and need to blend these seemingly divergent views of science, religion and government. Each of these institutions provides ways to cope with this worldwide pandemic but they can exercise a much greater impact if they operate in unison for the common good and well-being of all.

Trauma and Post-traumatic Growth: Spirituality and Self-compassion as Mediators Among Parents Who Lost Their Young Children in a Protracted Conflict.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to expand the knowledge on trauma and post-traumatic growth (PTG) by exploring this relationship in parents who lost their children in Kashmir (India). The main aim of the present study was to examine whether spirituality and self-compassion mediate the relationship between trauma and PTG. Data were collected from 80 parents in the age range of 35–80 years (Mean Age = 52.09). Traumatic Grief scale Prigerson et al. (in Am J Psychiatry 154:616–623, 1997), Daily Spirituality Scale (Underwood and Teresi, Ann Behav Med 24(1):22–33, 2002), Self-Compassion Scale (Raes et al., Clin Psychol Psychoth 18:250–255, 2011), and PTG Inventory (Tedeschi and Calhoun, J Trauma Stress 9(3):455–471, 1996) scales were used to measure trauma, spirituality, self-compassion, and PTG, respectively. Results of the study indicated the presence of average amount of spirituality and high amount of trauma among the participants. High level of self-compassion and post-traumatic growth was also found among the participants. The results showed that there is no significant direct relationship between trauma and PTG; however, both the indirect paths (trauma, spirituality, and PTG as well as trauma, self-compassion, and PTG) were found to be significant. The results of the present study supported serial mediation model of Trauma and PTG through spirituality and self-compassion. It implies that trauma would lead to spirituality which in turn would lead to self-compassion and which would finally result in PTG. The result provided another lens to see the relationship between trauma and PTG.

Investigating the Effect of Religious Intervention on Mental Vitality and Sense of Loneliness Among the Elderly Referring to Community Healthcare Centers

Abstract: The growth of elderly population is among the most important issues in the world, and religious interventions can help them to keep their health. For this reason, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of religious intervention on subjective vitality and sense of loneliness of the elderly referring to healthcare centers. This semi-experimental study was conducted on 88 elderlies referring to community healthcare centers of Ilam City. The elderlies were randomly assigned into test and control groups, and subjective vitality and sense of loneliness questionnaire was distributed to them. For the elderly in the test group, twelve 30-45-min sessions of religious intervention were held. Then, at intervals of immediately, 1 month, and 2 months after the study, the studied questionnaires were redistributed again among the elderly, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and through descriptive statistics as well as repeated measures of analysis of variance. Before intervention, there was no difference between mental vitality and fear of loneliness in the elderly, but after intervention, the amount of mental vitality increased and fear of loneliness decreased. Since in this study, implementation of religious intervention resulted in improved subjective vitality and diminished sense of loneliness among the elderly, it is suggested that this effective intervention be also used in other studies.

Relationship Between Spiritual Health and Pain Self-Efficacy in patients with Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study in West of Iran.

Abstract: In recent years, the prevalence of chronic diseases has had a growing trend, which has resulted in many health problems. Level of belief in God is effective on people's attitudes to life concepts, social deviations and psychological disorders, and improves them. Therefore, the present research was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between spiritual health (SH) and pain self-efficacy (PSE) in Ilam City in 2018. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study in the group of patients with chronic pain (CP). In this study, the study population was patients with CP in Ilam City and the study sample was 150 patients with CP referring to public and private health centers in Ilam, which had all the criteria for participation in the study. The findings showed mean (SD) of the total score of SH variables was 65.16 (9.88), and PSE was 34.48 (4.08). According to Pearson statistical analysis, there is a significant relationship between SH and PSE (r = 0.442, P = 0.000). Also, the standard beta and non-standard beta coefficients for SH variables in PSE show that the non-standard beta coefficient in SH is equal to 0.183. The results of this study showed that SH is a predictor of pain acceptance, so that patients who were more religious were more likely to tolerate CP. For this reason, it is suggested that religious interventions be performed to reduce pain in patients with CP, in order to provide the necessary context for pain reduction in this group of patients.