The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Management of Chronic Illness
John Graham, M.D., M.S., D.Min., President/CEO, Institute for Spirituality and Health
In the past, medical care was focused on the management of infection and the treatment of injuries. Today, the management of chronic illnesses has become the primary focus as human longevity increases year after year. Changes in lifestyle behaviors to improve the health of all Americans are among the 10-year national objectives of The Healthy People 2020 project. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are a leading cause of chronic illness and are responsible for 63% of all deaths. A recent study by Rush Medical School has reported a 60% decrease in the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease if five lifestyle behaviors were practiced. The five behaviors are healthy nutrition, regular exercise, avoidance of tobacco, limitation of alcohol intake, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities. What is missing in this list of lifestyle behaviors is recognition of the value of spirituality/religion, faith, and meaning and purpose in life, yet robust studies indicate this is an important factor in developing a sense of well-being, especially in the patient who is living with chronic disease. This presentation highlights the fact that all-too-often today the importance of spirituality/religion, one’s faith, and finding meaning and purpose in life is seldom acknowledged. Studies are presented to show the importance of placing a value on religion, spirituality, and faith in medical care that is holistic in nature. Merely telling patients to correct their behavior in the five areas mentioned, can miss the importance of the metaphysical and spiritual dimensions of human life.
Bibliography
Kushner, R. F. & Sorensen, K. W. (2013). Lifestyle medicine: The future of chronic disease management. Current Opinion, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, 20(5), 389-395.
Hood, R. W. (2005). Mystical, spiritual, and religious experiences. In R. F. Paloutzian and C. L. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. New York: The Guilford Press, 348-377.
Koenig, H. G. (2013). Religion and spirituality in coping with acute and chronic illness. In K. J. Pargament, A. Mahoney, and E. P. Shafranske (Eds.). APA Handbook of Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. Vol. 2, 275-295.
Pargament, K. I. (1997). The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice. New York: The Guildford Press.
Bibliography
Kushner, R. F. & Sorensen, K. W. (2013). Lifestyle medicine: The future of chronic disease management. Current Opinion, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, 20(5), 389-395.
Hood, R. W. (2005). Mystical, spiritual, and religious experiences. In R. F. Paloutzian and C. L. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. New York: The Guilford Press, 348-377.
Koenig, H. G. (2013). Religion and spirituality in coping with acute and chronic illness. In K. J. Pargament, A. Mahoney, and E. P. Shafranske (Eds.). APA Handbook of Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. Vol. 2, 275-295.
Pargament, K. I. (1997). The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice. New York: The Guildford Press.