Handbook of Religion and Health

The Handbook of Religion and Health is a seminal research text on religion, spirituality, and health, outlining a rational argument for the connection between the two. The Third Edition is the most scientifically rigorous edition to date, covering the best research published through 2021 with an emphasis on prospective studies and randomized controlled trials. It examines research on the relationship between religion and health outcomes, surveys the historical connections between religion and health, and discusses the distinction between religion and spirituality in research and clinical practice. It also explores the direct relationships between religion and physical health, covering topics such as immune and endocrine function, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, neurological disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. Additionally, most of its 34 chapters conclude with clinical and community applications, making it relevant to both health care professionals and clergy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1200 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Handbook of Religion and Health has emerged as a groundbreaking and seminal work in the field of religion, spirituality, and health, presenting a compelling and rational argument for the profound connection between these three aspects of human life. Over the past two decades, this invaluable resource has been widely recognized as the most cited reference on the subject, serving as a valuable guide for scholars, researchers, and practitioners alike. In this Third Edition, we are proud to present the most scientifically rigorous edition to date, encompassing the most cutting-edge research published through 2021. With a strong emphasis on prospective studies and randomized controlled trials, this volume aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of the relationship between religion and health outcomes.

In this comprehensive volume, we delve into the intricate relationship between religion and health outcomes, surveying the historical connections between religion and health throughout different cultures and time periods. We explore the distinction between the terms "religion" and "spirituality" in research and clinical practice, examining their respective roles and implications in understanding the relationship between these two aspects of human life.

The chapters in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including research on religion and mental health, literature on the mind-body relationship, and the development of a model to explain how religious involvement may impact physical health through the mind-body mechanisms. We examine the direct relationships between religion and physical health, covering a diverse array of topics such as immune and endocrine function, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, neurological disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. We also explore the consequences of illness, including chronic pain, disability, and quality of life, and examine how religious practices and beliefs can assist individuals in managing these challenges.

Throughout the book, we conclude each chapter with clinical and community applications, making this text relevant to both health care professionals and clergy. By highlighting the practical implications of research findings, we aim to provide valuable insights and guidance for those working in the fields of health and religion.

In conclusion, The Handbook of Religion and Health is a indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the relationship between religion and health. With its comprehensive coverage, scientific rigor, and practical applications, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that will be invaluable to scholars, researchers, practitioners, and individuals alike. As we continue to navigate the complex terrain of religion, spirituality, and health, this handbook will serve as a guiding light, illuminating the ways in which these three aspects of human life intersect and influence one another.

Weight: 2082g
Dimension: 260 x 190 x 55 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190088859
Edition number: 3 Revised edition