Articles tagged with Religion
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that psychiatrists are less religious than other physicians but more comfortable addressing patients' spiritual concerns. Psychiatrists are twice as likely to discuss spiritual issues with patients and more likely to encourage patients in their own religious ideas.
A new University of Missouri-Columbia study highlights the importance of religion and spirituality as positive health coping mechanisms for persons with chronic disabilities. The research suggests that healthcare providers should encourage religious practices to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at UBC find that priming people with 'god concepts' promotes altruism, regardless of whether participants identify as believers or not. The study also reveals that secular notions of civic responsibility promote cooperation and generosity.
Recent terror attacks have raised concerns about discriminating against overseas doctors who work in the NHS. The Lancet Editorial warns that such actions would be shameful and unjust, given the significant contributions overseas doctors have made to the healthcare system.
A new U of M study finds that while most Americans value diversity, they struggle to describe its value and give real-life examples. The researchers conclude that American diversity-speak is a sort of 'happy talk,' an upbeat language in which everyone has a place.
Researchers developed a scale to measure sense of humor, finding generational and individual differences in humor preferences. The study shows that humour is not universally good or bad, but rather depends on personal characteristics.
Researchers explore how religious leaders and congregations respond to HIV/AIDS, with a focus on the impact on black church communities. The study aims to identify existing support groups and reveal how social networks can increase self-worth and prolong lives.
A study of 2,000 US physicians found that two-thirds believe experiencing illness increases patients' awareness of religion and spirituality issues. Most physicians (85%) believe the influence of religion and spirituality is generally positive, but few think it changes medical outcomes.
Researchers found that measures of spirituality increased significantly in recovering alcoholics, with daily spiritual experiences and feeling of purpose in life strongly linked to sobriety. This suggests that including spirituality into recovery services may be beneficial, regardless of the individual's faith or belief system.
Organized youth activities facilitate teen independence in a way parents can appreciate, while also improving family relationships. Teens develop skills such as self-confidence, emotional regulation, and teamwork, leading to closer ties with their families.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers with strong cultural beliefs and religious practices can shield themselves from mental health difficulties, however elevated cortisol levels indicate a risk of physical problems. Caregivers with stronger positive cultural beliefs about caring for elders were more l...
People with advanced cancer reported better quality of life when receiving spiritual support from religious communities and medical service providers. The study suggests that making a 'spiritual history' routine part of patient care can improve patients' well-being at the end of life.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that two-thirds of nursing students believe it's wrong to lie to patients, compared to 33% in 1983. The profile of nursing students has also changed significantly over 22 years, with older students, more diversity in educational attainments and life experiences.
A new study found that grandparents who attend church are more likely to produce church-going grandchildren, with those whose parents and grandparents attend being 36% more likely to attend themselves. This suggests a direct influence of grandparents on their grandchildren's religious practices.
The Woodruff Foundation is contributing $261.5 million to support Emory University's modernization of outpatient care facilities and strategic priorities. The gift includes funds for a new Emory Clinic complex, renovation of administrative buildings, and investment in initiatives related to the university's vision.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that faith-based youth groups provide the highest rates of personal and interpersonal growth experiences for teens, compared to sports, performance and fine arts groups, academic clubs, and community-oriented activities. The study surveyed over 2,000 eleventh graders and found that teens ...
A University of Alberta researcher found that John de Ruiter's silent approach asserts his charismatic authority over followers by projecting their own meaning, discouraging dissent, and forming intimate bonds. This method allows de Ruiter to continually prove himself as extraordinary to his followers.
A neuroimaging study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found decreased activity in frontal lobes and increased thalamus activity when subjects spoke in tongues. The study suggests that glossolalia may be associated with non-intentional control by another part of the brain, challenging traditional views on language co...
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are studying religiosity in northern Russia over the last two decades to understand how people deal with rapid social change. The project, led by Patty Gray, will explore the role of religion and spirituality in this context.
A new paper explores the theoretical biases that make Christians difficult for anthropologists to study. Joel Robbins argues that anthropology relies on a science of continuity, while Christianity emphasizes decisive breaks and temporal ruptures. This bias has neglected the social importance of Christianity globally.
A recent study found that positive religious resources can enhance hope and perceived social support in heart surgery patients, leading to less depression and anxiety. Negative religious thoughts and struggles hinder recovery, while faith-based positive coping styles provide a protective mechanism against psychological distress.
Recent studies examine voting gaps in America, finding significant differences in support for George W. Bush based on race, ethnicity, religion, class, region, gender, age, and education. The research also explores the impact of class divisions, the religion gap, and the urban-rural divide.
Johns Hopkins researchers show that psilocybin can induce mystical/spiritual experiences descriptively identical to those reported for centuries. Subjects who underwent the experience reported positive changes in behavior and attitude, lasting several months. The study's results have significant implications for our understanding of hu...
A study found that regular religious attendance is linked to a lifespan extension of 1.8-3.1 years, comparable to statin therapy (2.1-3.7 years) and physical exercise (3.0-5.1 years). Religious attendance may also be more cost-effective than statins.
The 12 fellows will examine the dynamic interface of science and religion through seminars and independent research at the University of Cambridge. They aim to advance public awareness of this complex area of inquiry and promote a deeper understanding of its significance.
A study by Indiana University found that female medical students who received religious awareness training demonstrated superior interpersonal skills compared to their male counterparts. The researchers are now investigating the impact of gender on the effectiveness of such training.
This study explores the function of dreams during significant life changes, as reported by indigenous Surinamese and Australian tribes. The research findings suggest that dreams can provide comfort and guidance during difficult decisions and transitions, such as coming to terms with death or spiritual initiation.
A study by the University of Manchester found that fewer people have real faith than passively 'belong' to a religion. Religious parents having more children may be a factor slowing the decline, as around one child in 12 opt for a denomination not mentioned by either parent.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that children raised by two religious parents are more likely to reject the church, but not necessarily due to a lack of faith. The report argues that institutional religion has a 'half-life' of one generation and that individual differences in faith play a significant role.
A study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that academic scientists in the natural sciences are less likely to believe in God compared to those in the social sciences. The survey of over 2,000 faculty members revealed distinct frameworks for viewing religion and spirituality among different disciplines.
Research finds that exposure to political messages within churches increases protest behaviors among black people without a college education or those not part of secular organizations. Church participation does not significantly impact involvement in protests, but rather secular organization membership and education do.
The majority of ALS patients were never depressed during the study period, with only eight percent experiencing depression. Despite approaching death, people's attitudes towards life did not become more negative.
Researchers analyzed how mortality salience affects consumer behavior, particularly in food choice and charitable donations, highlighting the role of self-esteem as a buffer against existential anxiety. The study concludes that individuals respond differently to mortality salience based on their sources of self-esteem.
Researchers aim to understand the impact of sanctification on families transitioning to parenthood, examining spiritual emotions and investment in family life. The four-year project will involve 160 couples in Toledo, Ohio, shedding light on spirituality's role in shaping parenting experiences.
A study of 68 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease found that higher levels of spirituality and religiosity may slow cognitive decline. Spirituality and private religious practices accounted for 20% of the total variance in cognitive decline.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago has revealed that African Americans who have a strong relationship with God are significantly less likely to report depressive symptoms. This is particularly significant given that discrimination and related experiences result in higher levels of alienation, which may...
The University of Pennsylvania will direct a three-year project exploring the relationship between the mind and spirituality. The initiative aims to advance fields like cognitive neuroscience, theology, and philosophy by examining issues related to love, compassion, and epistemology.
Researchers found that brand communities exhibit transformative experiences, magic, religion, and supernatural elements. Consumers take on a cult-like role, modifying products, innovating, and sharing stories to sustain the brand's values and beliefs.
A study on twin pairs found that environmental influences play a role in shaping religiousness during childhood, but a stronger genetic influence emerges in adulthood. Like other personality traits, adult religiousness is heritable, indicating that an individual's faith can be influenced by their genetic makeup.
Charles Townes, 89, won the 2005 Templeton Prize for his investigations into microwave properties and co-invention of the laser. His research has led to numerous inventions and discoveries in medicine, telecommunications, and other areas.
The Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship program brings together renowned journalists and scholars to explore the intersection of science and religion. Fellows will conduct in-depth research and produce publishable pieces on topics such as origins of life, anthropic principle, and spirituality and health.
A recent study found that natural mentoring relationships had a significant impact on teens' lives, reducing the likelihood of gang involvement and substance abuse. However, these benefits were often outweighed by other risk factors such as poverty and family relationships.
Researchers found couples to be highly similar on attitudes and values, but little to no similarity on personality traits. Personality similarity plays a significant role in marital satisfaction, whereas attitude similarity does not.
Researchers used HurryDate speed dating events to study human mating behavior, finding that physical appearance and personality traits dominate decision-making. Contrary to expectations, financial factors like income and education played a negligible role in attraction.
A study of physicians' experiences with religious conflicts in medicine found that certain cases can push doctors over the threshold towards negotiation and persuasion. Doctors described strategies such as encouraging prayer as an adjunct to medicine or appealing to the patient's religious community to navigate these tensions.
Research by Dr David Voas reveals that the people of Hereford are the strongest Christmas churchgoers in Britain, with more than 10% taking to the pews during the festival. In contrast, Manchester and Guildford have much lower attendance figures, with fewer than 2% of people attending Anglican services at Christmas.
Two studies found that physicians who cared for more terminally ill patients were less likely to support assisted suicide, but more supportive of terminal sedation. Attending religious services also appeared to increase opposition to assisted suicide. The findings suggest a complex relationship between medical ethics and personal beliefs.
Researchers will examine current level of relationship satisfaction among original participants, comparing it to their initial responses. The study aims to understand how increasing legal recognition affects gay and lesbian couples' relationships with families.
A recent study analyzing 100,000 students preparing for the SAT, ACT, and GRE reveals poor study habits among high schoolers. The study found that students spent more time on the test preparation website than expected, with many not practicing math or reading comprehension questions.
A new study suggests that high levels of church attendance in the ninth grade may protect some African-American teenagers from engaging in risky behaviors throughout their high school career. The research found that more religious activity in the ninth grade was associated with smaller increases in marijuana use among boys and cigarett...
A new psychological theory proposes that 16 basic human needs, such as honor and idealism, drive individuals to adopt religious beliefs. The theory, developed by Steven Reiss at Ohio State University, suggests that each person balances their unique set of needs when engaging with religion.
A new study found that forgiving others and feeling forgiven were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, life stressors, and improved quality of life. Expressing forgiveness in the context of HIV infection also decreased the likelihood of placing others at risk.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that overall reported sadness returned to pre-incident levels within four to six weeks, while increased trust in national, state and local governments persisted. Young adults between 18 and 26 were more likely to report religious feelings and higher psychological ...
Adolescents who viewed religion as meaningful and a way to cope with problems were half as likely to use drugs. The effect was consistent across different ethnic groups, suggesting that religiosity provides a buffering impact against substance use.
A study of 156 spouses of people with lung cancer found that those using moderate levels of religious coping had lower depressive symptoms. High levels of religious coping were linked to higher depression scores, suggesting a complex relationship between the two.
A new study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that religious individuals who cope with grief through religion experience better physical and mental health outcomes. After four months, these individuals reported similar health status to less religious counterparts, but had fewer doctor visits.
A study of 835 public-housing residents in Baltimore found that strong religious and social support were key 'protective' factors against suicidal thoughts, with 90% reporting comfort from religion. These findings may inform interventions to prevent suicide among older African Americans.
A new set of patient interview questions has been developed to improve understanding of Hmong culture and traditions. The study found that many patients use both shamans and physicians for their health care, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to patient care.
A new study by Pamela Paxton found that organizations with strong connections to the larger community promote democracy, while isolated groups have a negative impact. Countries with more of these connected groups tend to score higher on measures of democracy.
A study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found little to no empirical support for claims that religious involvement leads to better physical and mental health. The researchers analyzed the medical literature and found that most studies on religion and health were irrelevant or had significant methodological flaws.