Religion and Mental Health

Religion and Mental Health: Research and Clinical Applications summarizes research on how religion may help people better cope or exacerbate their stress, covering its relationship to depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, well-being, happiness, life satisfaction, optimism, generosity, gratitude and meaning and purpose in life. The book looks across religions and specific faiths, as well as to spirituality for those who don't ascribe to a specific religion. It integrates research findings with best practices for treating mental health disorders for religious clients, also covering religious beliefs and practices as part of therapy to treat depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Summarizes research findings on the relationship of religion to mental healthInvestigates religion's positive and negative influence on copingPresents common findings across religions and specific faithsIdentifies how these findings inform clinical practice interventionsDescribes how to use religious practices and beliefs as part of therapy