RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY AND WELLBEING: Can spiritual/religious practice improve individuals’ wellbeing?

This chapter presents a review of the effects of religious/spiritual (RS) interventions on individual wellbeing. The analysis presents a synergy of 22 relevant publications (published over the past two decades), which cover a wide range of interventions such as meditation, mantra chanting, and programmes targeting specific aspects (like trust, resilience, patience, active listening, supportive presence). The most substantial effects were observed among participants receiving religious or mixed religious/spiritual interventions, compared to those receiving solely spiritual interventions. Improvement is particularly significant among participants with mental and physical problems. The positive effects are, most probably, due to the comforting influence of RS interventions, which leads to a decrease in stress and pressure, improves mood, and provides a sense of meaning, purpose, or hope, leading to improved emotional wellbeing and resilience. No significant effects were found for samples consisting of older people, possibly due to the sample being drawn from residential care homes and centres. These community centres provide a strong social support network, reducing feelings of isolation possibly replacing the role of RS interventions. Based on these results actionable points include awareness campaigns, targeted at specific populations.