IS RESILIENCE ENHANCED by SPRITUAL and RELIGIOUS BELIEFS?
IS RESILIENCE ENHANCED by SPRITUAL and RELIGIOUS BELIEFS?
By Alan M. Solomon, Ph.D.
A previous blog discussed the impact of spirituality on well-being: “Is There Scientific Evidence to Support the Practice of Prayer”. New study that covers many research projects focused on the impact of spiritual and religious beliefs on resilience (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1359105320984537 ).
This study reviewed thirty-four individual research efforts. A “moderate positive correlation” was found between spiritual/religious beliefs and resilience. It’s important to note that correlation is not causation: because these two factors were associated with each other does not mean that spiritual or religious beliefs cause greater resilience. It is entirely possible that something else leads to greater resilience, and that spirituality co-exists at the same time.
The COVID-19 pandemic makes this all the more relevant, since all of us are being tested in our abilities to remain resilient. Even those of us who have not directly confronted being ill, perhaps hospitalized, and the loss of loved ones, have dealt with living under restrictions, fear and worry, possible economic impacts, and isolation. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, suicide risks, sleep disruption have all been very widespread. People living alone have been deeply impacted. Children and adolescents have been seriously at risk.
Therapists in the Independent Psychotherapy Network have all been helping extraordinary numbers of clients these past many months. Part of that help is respecting and supporting our clients’ religious and spiritual beliefs and practices.
Alan M. Solomon, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Torrance, CA. A member of the Independent Psychotherapy Network, he can be reached at 310 539-2772 or dralanms@gmail.com In-person or telehealth sessions are available.
Copyright 2022 by Alan M. Solomon, Ph.D.
