Research Question: How does religion affect mental health?
I chose this topic because it is a concept that I was drawn to, eventually leading me to researching in order to further understand it. The very fact that religion could affect mental health in both positive and negative ways drew me to the concept. I found that it is imperative to remember that religion could have a positive effect on some and a negative effect on others.
Religion is something present in many people’s lives. When it has a positive impact, research has shown that devout people have lesser chances of being depressed, cope better with stress and rarely have anxiety1. This is because they perceive God with a forgiving nature. This makes them feel protected and cared for in all situations. They feel that there is someone up there watching over them and guiding them. Religion has also been proved to help believers cope with losses, as religions such as Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism believe in life after death, or reincarnation. The presence of religion in one’s life gives them a purpose and makes them loving, compassionate and forgiving. Some religions also preach that harmful substances like cigarettes, alcohol, etc. should be avoided, benefitting the devotees mental as well as physical health. However, it can
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It also provides comfort for those in need and the promise of an afterlife. Religion also gives people something to believe in, provides a much larger meaning to life. It also helps people answer any questions they may have, such as “what is the meaning of life?”. On occasion, people have driven themselves insane trying to answer such questions, proving that religions who answer these questions actually benefit the devotee’s mental health. It also gives them a sense of protection, but can also instill a sense of fear in
Religion comes from religare, which means have a reunion. Aneel Baquer says that humans have a need to connect with others, the ability of myths and thoughts of religion is a desire that humans need to bond. In most civilizations, religion is the reason why civilizations are successful. Religion give, people a motive to survive or do what they do. Sometimes the religions actually make their civilization expand and even more successful. not only does religion give us a motive to survive. Still today, religion is one of the biggest factors in modern civilizations. In several religion motives are used for example, christianity. In christianity to meet with god, you must do good. Religion can change a persons personality by aiding from stress, to giving hope. Religion can also reduce the fear of death. In ancient civilizations, egyptians did not fear death. In their religion they believed that living on earth was the beginning of life. Once dead it sends you to the beginning of happiness or horrible. Religion can also expand. If you have a strong connection to your religion, some people spread the word of their religion to other people. It also teaches manners and the difference between the good, and the evil. Vikings were such a significant civilization than any other because of their religion. Religion for the vikings have given them motivation to expand territories, learn between the good and the bad, and not to fear death but to welcome death; reasons why are from being taught was from viking mythology, heroic people and their warlike god.
According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people who regularly practice religion possess a greater sense of personal well-being (Diener, Tay, & Myers, 2011). Now, during the self-evaluation, it becomes apparent that the employment of religious practices enables one to escape from their everyday woes of life to a state of nirvana. Additionally, the employment of religious totems during periods of reflections, often aids in allowing the beholder to experience a close relationship sensation to their divine power. Furthermore, the idea of a divine power and gateway totems affords a person the ability to analyze morale events and actions in a way that can result in the realigning of life ambitions. Consequently, spiritual reflection drastically increases during times of stress, uncertainty, and moral dilemmas offering as a sign of relief or guidance. Furthermore, considering this information in its entirety, it showcases why religion is prevalent throughout society during adverse conditions. Now, that there is evidence of religion 's ability to influence society during times of peril, let’s move onward to the stage
There are thousands upon thousands of theories about why human beings need religion, one of the most popular being that we are sheep and will always need a Shepard, leader or set of rules to follow. This theory was tested by a team of psychological scientists in Ontario, Canada, by assessing whether or not religious beliefs had an effect on ones self control. The results were somewhat
Religion has always been able to give people something to look to for help. It answers their questions and gives them hope for the future. In the Christian faith, followers are taught that Christ will help them if they believe and follow Him. The painting by Carl Bloch Christ Healing at the Pool of Bethesda is a prime example of Christ helping and healing those who are experiencing times of hopelessness, and need someone to turn to. Religion is what helps ground people and gives them hope. If we didn’t have religion people would be lost and in darkness.
Religion brings hope and duty, the promise of salvation and its believers follow for those reasons along with many others. Throughout the world you see many differences in religion and the rules they are based upon; in our book they are separated between eastern and western religions, each with their own fundamental background and basis. Religion gives people a higher power to believe in that they are protected if they follow the will of their gods. The differences seen are major division between religions but their similarities are what make the common ground for religion possible and the ties that hold our societies
Religion provides a model for living. It upholds certain ideals and values. The believer uses these ideals and values in his life. Religion can help youth generation to become morally disciplined and socialized citizens of society. Organization like temples and churches also control the behavior of individuals.
Religion; a complex idea that originated many centuries ago by various groups of individuals and has continued to shape and change the world ever since. Early history of many of the different religions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, etc., seem to start off with a society stuck in this state of un-happiness, and a world that needs to be changed for the better. Ultimately there is one goal… to be happy and live by morals/codes to be able to reach this happiness. While there may be several differences in the various religions in the world such as how they practice or interpret ideas, they all have the same purpose just shown at a different angle. Religion has provided liberation and purpose to individuals, especially in the earlier centuries where chaos and disorder were more common. A leader or prophet was needed to speak what they believed was the
Such problems include: depression, suicide, crime, drugs, and so on. Many teachings within modern versions of religion are non-violent in nature. Religious clergy are seen as kind at first glance because society integrates them as non-hostile by nature. This is because, using Christianity for example, people think about the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth when they think about what the person stands for and the message they promote. Furthermore, mild forms of depression can be fought through constant group gatherings such as church, youth group, and others. These group gatherings help to battle introverted behavior and open people up to discussions about morals and other topics. More issues, such as suicide, violence, and drug use are discouraged in quite a few major religions. Moreover, it is important that a person has a clear mindset and regular social interaction to help with this. Suicide victims can seek comfort and help from their local pastor or peers. Furthermore, religion helps troubled people by giving them values to base themselves on which can prevent them from doing ill-conceived things that the religion talks about in scripture. One case is how Christianity frowns upon suicide as if it were self-murder and helps people by telling them that they are an important “creation of God”. It gives value to a person’ self which can increase their self-esteem or self-worth. Also, it can help them to obtain their understanding of why they belong in the world rather than the question of how they belong. Religion gives some people a sense of purpose which can prevent suicidal thoughts or
Though there are many religions that are still practiced in the world, it is important to see what role they play in culture and thinking. When religion is taken in healthy amounts with a strong mind, religion can be a blessing and a gift to people everywhere. It can provide hope to people who need it the most, while inspiring others to take action and make positive changes. However, overdosing on religion can cause equal amounts of pain and anger.
With this one can see why people practice religions in general, because religion gives a sense of security through stressing that faith is the key to getting through suffering. Faith in the everlasting soul, faith in God, or faith that one will end in the right place. Faith is the common factor among religions, and suffering brings out the faith in people.
Religion has a great influence on people, providing faith and direction to each individual while controlling a co...
Moeller, Philip. “Religion Makes People Happier--But Why?” Chicago Tribune. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 15 June 2015.
With modern technology and the rapid advancement of science, it is easy to look back into history and point out the problems religion had created in the past (Violence, intolerance, ignorance etc.) However one must keep in mind that reli...
Religion is the one element of life that has connected the races and societies of the world for hundreds of years. It has given meaning to lives that may seem otherwise hopeless. Religion has provided for a universal language and culture among those who believe in a higher power. The spirit or being receiving the worship and praise may not be the same, but the practices are usually similar and serve the same purpose--to give direction, insight, courage, and a divine connection.
Religion provides order within people and gives the individual some clarity to the unknown “life after death”. Religion gives and individual to something to look forward to after death. The common belief in most religions is that life after death depends on how we live life on earth which, greatly contributes to the order in society. Through the participation of religion one is exposed to divine motivation which contribute to the individual’s perspective of social norms as well as how they live life while alive. As per an educational website boundless.com “Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions, and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe.” This clearly indicates the theory that religion socializes an individual in a manner that contributes to the order of society. Religion has contributed to my socialization greatly. I am a very religious individual and I do have the belief that the way I live life on earth will determine my life after death. My religion keeps me sane and instill obedience in me and affects how I carry myself in