Many studies investigating the impact of spirituality on physical health are methodologically flawed and frequently cannot be generalized to others outside of the study. Numerous studies employ the term “spirituality” to represent such things as religion, rituals, or subjective measures of spiritual connectivity; thus, what is being measured is not “spirituality” but some other element. In addition, frequently studies do not control for confounding variables, which produce false results and render their findings useless. Furthermore the impact of spirituality on physical health varies according to such factors as age, gender, race and so on. For example, what is found in young females who are black may not be true for older males who are black
Considering these things, it may seem as if research on this subject is fruitless, but it is not. Spiritual research is fabulously young, and this level of conflict and confusion is a normal part of infancy in any field. One must remember that humans needed thousands of years to discover that the earth is not flat, not the center of the universe, and likely to be struck by meteors. Thus, it will take time to sort out the workings of spirituality.
Nevertheless, let us begin on solid ground by considering how spirituality can be detrimental to one’s health. At first, this finding seems contrary to our impressions of spirituality. However, we need to keep in mind the elusive and shifting nature of the term: as spirituality is often treated as being synonymous with religion or one’s psycho-philosophical positioning.
Clearly, one’s beliefs impact one’s behaviors, and when these beliefs include viewing illness as an illusion, or a demonic trick or enslavement, one may seek a cure that is in line with its etiology: such as ignoring the “illusion” of illness, seeking a faith healing, or casting out spirits. In some religious systems, seeking medical attention demonstrates a lack of faith and disbelief in holy authority over this world, and is thus a sin. A person may be spiritually instructed to “pray intensely and fast” where a doctor would order “food and rest.” Other systems may rely on jugulated chicken sacrifices to cleanse the spirit and not the use of pharmaceutical products. In such cases, “spiritual” adherence can result in poor medical compliance or even refusal.
On the other hand, in cases where spirituality is reported as having a healthful effect, the effect vanishes when other factors are controlled. For example, a person who embraces a raw food diet and daily exercise for non-spiritual reasons will be just as healthy as a person who does the same for spiritual reasons. Furthermore, people who attend weekly religious services likely have better health due to getting out more often, receiving the benefits of greater social support and structure, and remaining active: the “spiritual” component may do nothing. Similar considerations can be traced back to the mid- 1800s (See, “The Efficacy of Prayer” by F. Galton.)
Such findings bring us one step closer to understanding spirituality apart from other influences. For example, an emerging picture is that the positive correlates between spirituality and health fall in the realm of stress management. The impact of stress management on physical health are so well documented that it is akin to the known benefits of washing one’s hands. In earlier articles the relationship between spirituality and the brain were briefly discussed. Once spiritual centers of the brain have developed, the body manages stressful events differently. And lower stress equates to better health. This may be where spirituality has its greatest impact.
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