Paper Topic:

The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Mental Health

In her essay on The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health ' Laura DeVeau argues that religion and spirituality are positive forces in the field of mental health , despite the prevailing opinion of the American Psychological Association . The apparent purpose for this was to issue a challenge against the non-spiritual psychological establishment namely that religion on a whole is more beneficial than deleterious to a patient 's mental health . However , it quickly becomes a personal campaign as she talks about her own religious journey . At once , she strips herself of credibility as an

unbiased source . However , if this is in a publication valuing an approach to the issues in the context of personal experience , it would be quite effective in that medium . One study she includes had shown conclusive evidence that religion is by and large good for people , the positive religious coping pattern was tied to benevolent outcomes , including fewer symptoms of psychological distress , [and] reports of psychological and spiritual growth as a result of the stressor (Pargament et al , 721 . Perhaps this feeling is derived from the belief that there is an all-powerful universal force taking a personal interest in human affairs . Many religions believe that deities are able to hear and see everything and alter the natural course of events , especially if it is unfavorable

The path through this is not always clear since the writer goes on several digressions however , there are five main points in the text First , she poses her question : is religion harmful ? While she brings up a few examples of religious cults and orthodox sects , she answers strongly in the positive . While she often changed her religion , there was never any time that she was a secular humanist or atheist Secondly , she offers her own personal experience as a Catholic and new wave devotee to illustrate her own spiritual development (and apparent mental stability . This part helps to prove the point that she is like most people . The vast majority of the globe is religious , and the psychological community not only dismisses them out of hand , but her as well . People respond more to personal stories than impersonal facts and airtight research . Third , she introduces the popular alternative religious movement before presenting the arguments of the critics . This part illustrates the decline of organized religion . Next , she addresses the assertions that implicate religion in mental illness such as cults and fanatic sects that impose severe rules on their followers - rules they are most likely unable to live up to leading to severe neuroses She concludes with pro-religion arguments to prove her premise that spirituality in general contributes to the development of stronger coping skills

Psychologists have not been very accepting of religion . According to DeVeau , less than 45 have spiritual beliefs , compared to 90 of the general population (218 . Indeed , some new wave places sponsors meditation and yoga retreats offering a break from our everyday environment where our brains are bustling and our bodies are exhausting themselves (Psychological Benefits , 99 ) are...

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