Bookedited by Harold G. Koenig.
Summary: 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.
Contents:
1. Religion vs. spirituality
2. Measurement of religiosity
3. Religion and coping
4. Negative emotions and behaviors
5. Chronic mental and neurocognitive disorders
6. Positive emotions
7. Mechanisms
8. Religious struggles and doubt
9. Questions answered, questions that remain
10. General applications in clinical practice
11. Evidence-based religious interventions
12. Identifying the religious psychotherapy client
13. When religion is the problem
14. Conclusions and recommendations
Resources: researchers, clinicians, educators, and clergy
Index.