Spirituality and Health

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has been cited in a number of papers, magazines and news articles. It surveyed physicians on their view of science and spirituality.

The results were not too surprising for most readers. A majority of physicians (56 percent) believe religion and spirituality have much or very much influence on the health of patients. Only 6 percent believe some type of deity intervenes to change “hard” medical outcomes.

The basic outcome is that most physicians believe that spirituality helps patients cope with their diseases and underlying diagnoses. It also helps families cope with the situation as well.