Articles tagged with Spirituality
A recent study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that religion is often viewed as a workplace problem to manage rather than an important part of employees' identities. The research suggests that conversations about faith can reveal broader questions about ethics, belonging, and inclusion that affect everyone in...
Researchers investigated how individuals interpret nonordinary experiences, finding that most people view them as neutral or positive. The study's findings suggest that how a person interprets an unusual experience matters more than the experience itself in determining its impact on wellbeing.
The restitution follows several years of collaborative provenance research under the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which showed that the objects were most likely looted from the Kingdom of Benin during the British attack in 1897. The returned artefacts will be displayed at the National Museum in Lagos and temporarily stored in Edo State.
Atimiaphobia is a culturally specific psychological concept tied to honor cultures and shame societies, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and compulsive conformity to social norms. Researchers validated the Atimiaphobia Scale, revealing positive correlations between atimiaphobia and anxiety, as well as lower social intelligence.
The Global Flourishing Study dataset, spanning two waves and 200,000 participants across 22 countries, is now publicly available. Researchers can access the data without pre-registration, expanding the study's impact on understanding human flourishing.
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
Patients with neurological diseases face profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning, but neurologists often lack training and tools to address these concerns. A new paper offers practical strategies for incorporating spiritual assessment into routine neurological care.
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies found a significant protective association between spirituality and hazardous alcohol and drug use. The study suggests that spiritual practices may be effective in preventing or reducing the risks associated with these substances.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that God-believing religious nones are more likely to hold conservative views than other nones. They tend to support school prayer, the death penalty, and anti-abortion laws, while opposing increased spending on welfare and education.
The new book, Promise the Earth: A safe planet in good faith, calls for a rethink on how we live, hope, lead, and take responsibility to solve the climate crisis. Authors Professor Julian Allwood and Professor Andrew Davison argue that individual action, especially from comfortable lives, is crucial now.
A researcher warns that AI can distort our perceptions of death and existence by blurring presence and absence. He suggests that embracing selfless selves, or interconnectedness, can help us accept impermanence and the inevitability of death.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
Researchers found that group-based interventions, mindfulness-based techniques, and expressive therapies can reduce emotional distress and build resilience in people with cancer. CHMs like peer support and psychoeducation help patients reclaim their sense of self.
Researchers identified specific ways to address religion and spirituality during radiation therapy, highlighting their importance in patient coping mechanisms. The study found that nearly all patients considered spiritual history questions helpful, especially those related to coping with stress.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.
A recent study surveyed over 1,200 Jewish-Israeli university students during the Israel-Gaza war, finding that half reported changes in their religiosity and/or spirituality. The research reveals a striking picture of how war can both strengthen and weaken religious and spiritual beliefs.
A newly discovered medieval document suggests the Shroud of Turin was not authentic, with a Norman theologian claiming it was a 'clear' and 'patent' fake. The document, published in the Journal of Medieval History, provides historical evidence that even in the Middle Ages, people questioned the Shroud's genuineness.
The Seshat History of Moralizing Religion examines how societies across the world have answered ancient human questions about gods, morality, and the afterlife. The book reveals surprising insights into the development of religious traditions with a strong moral agenda, including Egypt's early adoption of divine punishment and reward.
A comprehensive analysis shows that sports fandom stems from evolutionarily ingrained tendencies which enhance social unity and therefore survival. The study highlights the role of cognitive biases, emotional connections, and heuristics in sustaining fans' beliefs.
Dr. Deanna Kaplan's innovative voice-capture app, Fabla, captures unstructured voice narratives to study how clinical interventions influence daily life. The platform has found applications across diverse health domains, including veteran experiences and healthcare provider burnout.
A national survey of internal medicine physicians found that experiencing sacred moments is common among physicians. However, discussing these experiences with colleagues is infrequent, suggesting a potential impact on physician well-being.
A six-year US longitudinal study suggests that religious and spiritual engagement are associated with better physical health outcomes. The research found no evidence to support the notion that religion or spirituality leads to improved physical well-being.
A study by Emory University researchers has found that spiritual health practitioners' personal experiences with psychedelics drive their careers in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The study introduced a novel training approach, emphasizing self-literacy and reflective learning to balance personal experience with cl...
Researchers identified risk factors for sudden unusual mental or somatic experiences, including past psychedelic use, reality distorting practices, and extensive spiritual practice. These findings can help clinicians diagnose and treat associated suffering, and inform the development of practical guidelines.
A new study finds that large numbers of Americans are leaving organized religion to pursue spirituality in ways that align with their individual values. The research shows a decline in religious attendance and affiliation, but an increase in individual faith and meditation practice.
A USF study has confirmed the existence of hallucinogenic cocktails in ancient Egyptian fertility rituals, using a Bes mug as evidence. The concoction, flavored with honey and other ingredients, was likely used to induce dream-vision in magic rituals reenacting Egyptian myths.
A recent study found that 85% of veterans who used psychedelics reported benefiting from the experience, with many seeking mental health care or returning to VA services. The survey also identified factors that lower the likelihood of negative outcomes, such as being older and using psilocybin.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
A new framework analyzes dark tourism, thanatology, and collective memory studies to understand why people are drawn to events steeped in themes of death, disaster, and suffering. The study reveals a complex interplay of curiosity, thrill-seeking behavior, cultural traditions, and psychological exploration.
A single mindfulness and compassion session significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in participants one week later. The study, conducted on 91 individuals, demonstrated the efficacy of a single session mindfulness-based intervention.
A new study reveals that online political engagement and conspiracy theories played key roles in shaping Japanese anti-vaccine sentiments. Long-term anti-vaxxers tended to lean left, while those brought into the fold during the pandemic exhibited weaker interest and frequent references to spirituality.
The study reveals unprecedented insights into Philistine cultic rituals and beliefs, connecting them with broader Mediterranean religious traditions. The discovery of plant species with psychoactive and medicinal properties underscores the significance of nature in Philistine spirituality.
A University of Cambridge study found that people of religious faith experienced lower levels of unhappiness and stress during the UK's Covid-19 lockdowns. The research suggests that religion may act as a bulwark against increased distress and reduced wellbeing during times of crisis.
Researchers found 48% of Ojibwe tribal elders reported frequent visions of benevolent spiritual beings and/or ancestors. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural context in diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis of neuropsychiatric disease.
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that engaged congregations are crucial in maintaining faith among youth as they age. The study found that youth groups and religious education courses lead to higher levels of personal religiosity in young people.
A West Virginia University study found that over half of surveyed faith community nurses and leaders reported moderate-to-high stress and compassion fatigue. The researchers recommend team-based approaches to support these individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing burnout and promoting self-care.
A study led by Brown University researchers found that qigong practice significantly improved cancer-related fatigue in participants. The program was as effective as a more standard exercise program in reducing fatigue levels.
A new poll finds that most older Americans (84%) have religious and/or spiritual beliefs important to them, with 71% citing religious beliefs. Many believe health care providers should respect their personal beliefs, but want them to discuss their faith with providers when needed.
New Rotman School research shows that emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of artistic works can increase public support. By highlighting the collective value of art, people are more willing to protect it.
Researchers studied dietary patterns and offerings at a Roman necropolis, uncovering insights into Western Roman Empire's food culture. The study used anthropological and archaeozoological approaches to analyze ancient Roman cuisine and funerary practices.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that incorporating spirituality into care can lead to healthier lives, including greater longevity and quality of life. The researchers recommend increasing awareness among clinicians about the protective benefits of spiritual community particip...
A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.
A literature review found that spirituality can improve quality of life for heart failure patients, reducing depression and anxiety. Researchers are now working to develop a spirituality screening tool to identify patients at risk for spiritual distress.
A new smartphone application, iCanQuit, has been shown to be more effective in helping Black US adults quit smoking and remain abstinent. The app uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help users manage cravings and stay motivated.
A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that spirituality is a significant component of wisdom, correlated positively with age and sex. The researchers used a self-report-based measure of wisdom and spirituality, finding that both components were associated with better mental health and well-being.
Research by Olga Miroshnichenko found that household income and spirituality are linked, with mortgagers who prioritize morality tend to repay loans before maturity. The study analyzed data from the Russian bank sector between 2008-2018, concluding that economic growth and moral values influence mortgage behavior.
The study identifies three dimensions of meaning in the brain: language, reference to self or external source, and social constructs. The researchers used functional MRI scans to analyze neural activation patterns for individual abstract concepts across participants.
African Music, Power, and Being in Colonial Zimbabwe explores how British colonists suppressed and co-opted African music and dance, while Chikowero argues that indigenous people used music as a form of resistance. The book reveals the role of music in the subjugation and liberation of African culture during colonial times.
Researchers used fMRI to identify brain areas linked to Christmas spirit, including the primary motor and parietal lobules. The study's findings could advance understanding of festive cultural traditions and help patients with Christmas spirit deficiencies.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude was associated with better mood, sleep, and reduced inflammation in patients with asymptomatic heart failure. Writing down things for which they were thankful daily also showed reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improved heart rate variability.
Researchers found that people's home cities shape their moral character, with quicker decisions indicating a more positive moral evaluation. A glucose mouth rinse was also shown to refuel willpower, suggesting a simple yet effective way to overcome self-control depletion.
Researchers identified central, unifying elements of wisdom, including its uniqueness to humans, experiential nature, and personal quality. The study provides insight into the characteristic qualities of wisdom, shedding light on its distinctiveness from intelligence and spirituality.
A new study by Prof. Ofra Mayseless at the University of Haifa found a moderate correlation between psychological maturity and spiritual development in college students. The study suggests that each developmental domain contributes independently to attributes such as generosity and pro-social actions.
A new study by Yu Chen found that buying and viewing art share similar benefits, including the desire for aesthetics, sociality, and novelty. Collectors and visitors to galleries share common values but differ in their motivations, with collectors seeking a long-term intimate relationship with artworks.
A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that many smokers are receptive to using their own spiritual resources when attempting to quit. The research, conducted by Oregon Health & Science University, discovered that women were more likely to report a spiritual practice or belief compared to men, and smokers who smo...
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals that spirituality positively affects African-American women's willingness to talk about breast cancer and engage in preventative measures. For Caucasian women, spiritual locus of control plays no significant role in paying attention to breast cancer information.