TY - JOUR ID - 4532 T1 - Ethnic identification, religious identity, and psychological well-being among Muslim and Christian Palestinians in Israel. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802387330 A1 - Abu-Rayya,Maram Hussien A1 - Abu-Rayya,Hisham Motkal VL - 12 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - This study examined relationships between ethnic identification, religious identity, and psychological well-being. The participants were 854 indigenous Israeli Palestinians, of whom 520 (36% males and 64% females) were Muslim and 334 (39% males and 61% females) Christian students, respectively. The sample ranged in age between 17 and 38 years, with a mean of 24.31 (SD = 4.43). Measures of Palestinian ethnic identity, religious identity, and psychological well-being were administered to study participants. The analysis revealed that, for each of the Muslim and Christian samples, Palestinian ethnic identity and religious identity were weakly positively correlated, a finding indicating a possible relative independence between these constructs. After partialling out the effect of age and religious identity, increased degrees of Palestinian ethnic identification linked to higher degrees of positive indicators of well-being and to lower degrees of negative indicators of well-being within each of the samples. These findings held, and were even more pronounced, in the case of religious identity, after controlling for age and Palestinian ethnic identity. The study concludes that religious identity may equal or exceed ethnic identity in importance as a feature of minority individuals' self-concept informing their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Christians KW - ETHNICITY -- Psychological aspects KW - IDENTIFICATION (Religion) KW - Israel KW - MUSLIMS KW - PALESTINIAN Arabs -- Israel KW - SELF-perception -- Religious aspects KW - WELL-being -- Psychological aspects SP - 147 EP - 155 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4533 T1 - Pilot study: Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL): Weight, eating behavior, and psychological outcomes associated with a mindfulness-based intervention for people with obesity JF - Complementary Therapies in Medicine M3 - 10.1016/j.ctim.2010.09.008 A1 - Dalen,Jeanne A1 - Smith,Bruce W. A1 - Shelley,Brian M. A1 - Sloan,Anita Lee A1 - Leahigh,Lisa A1 - Begay,Debbie VL - 18 IS - 6 PY - 2010/12// N2 - SummaryObjectives The purpose of this study was to pilot a brief (6-week) group curriculum for providing mindfulness training to obese individuals, called Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL).Setting and design Participants were recruited through a local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in spring 2006. Data was collected at three time points: baseline, completion of intervention (6 weeks), and 3-month follow-up (12 weeks).Intervention Six weekly two-hour group classes (with two monthly follow-up classes). Content included training in mindfulness meditation, mindful eating, and group discussion, with emphasis on awareness of body sensations, emotions, and triggers to overeat.Main outcome measures Key variables assessed included changes in weight, body-mass index (BMI), eating behavior, and psychological distress. In addition, physiological markers of cardiovascular risk were evaluated including C-reactive protein (hsCRP), adiponectin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).Results Ten obese patients enrolled with a mean BMI of 36.9 kg/m2 [SD ± 6.2]. The mean weight was 101 kg/m2 and the mean age was 44 years (SD = 8.7; range = 31-62). Compared to baseline data, participants showed statistically significant increases in measures of mindfulness and cognitive restraint around eating, and statistically significant decreases in weight, eating disinhibition, binge eating, depression, perceived stress, physical symptoms, negative affect, and C-reactive protein.Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that a eating focused mindfulness-based intervention can result in significant changes in weight, eating behavior, and psychological distress in obese individuals. KW - Clinical health psychology KW - Eating Behavior KW - Emotions KW - Meditation KW - Mindfulness KW - Obesity SP - 260 EP - 264 SN - 0965-2299 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WCS-51FFT5V-1/2/4166de1e4a39857ce70d3e9f59a002f3 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4535 T1 - Religiosity and quality of life in breast cancer patients JF - Collegium Antropologicum JA - Coll Antropol A1 - Aukst-Margetić,Branka A1 - Jakovljević,Miro A1 - Ivanec,Dragutin A1 - Margetić,Branimir A1 - Ljubicić,Duliano A1 - Samija,Mirko VL - 33 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - Our aim was to assess relations between the quality of life and religiosity in breast cancer patients. The participants were 115 consecutively admitted female in-patients with breast cancer in the radiotherapy unit in the course of six months. The measures used were Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF), World Health Organisation Well-Being Index Five (WHO-WBI 5) and International Breast Cancer Study Group Quality of Life (IBCSG-QL) Questionnaire. The participants responded on three statements relating to religious coping with cancer. Moderate religiosity was associated with perception of worse physical health. The statement "the illness decreased my faith" was associated with worse quality of life (QOL) domains: less well-being, more pain, poor physical health, more effort to cope, worse fatigue and less general satisfaction. The statement "the faith helps me in illness" was associated with higher social support. SP - 1265 EP - 1271 SN - 0350-6134 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4536 T1 - The role of spirituality healing with perceptions of the medical encounter among Latinos JF - Journal of General Internal Medicine JA - J Gen Intern Med M3 - 10.1007/s11606-009-1067-9 A1 - Reyes-Ortiz,Carlos A A1 - Rodriguez,Michael A1 - Markides,Kyriakos S VL - 24 IS - Suppl 3 PY - 2009/11// N2 - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between spirituality healing and perceptions about the medical encounter among Latinos. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between spirituality healing and attitudes of self-reported perceptions about the medical encounter. DESIGN: A cross-sectional telephone survey. PARTICIPANTS: 3,728 Latinos aged >or=18 years residing in the United States from Wave 1 of the Pew Hispanic Center/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Latino Health Survey. MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables were ever prayed for healing (yes/no), ever asked others to pray for healing (yes/no), considered important spiritual healing (very vs. somewhat or not important), and ever consulted a 'curandero' (folk healer in Latin America) (yes/no). The primary independent variables were feelings about the last time seeing a Doctor (confused by information given, or frustrated by lack of information) and perception of quality of medical care (excellent, good, fair or poor) within the past 12 months. RESULTS: Six percent of individuals reported that they had ever consulted a curandero, 60% prayed for healing, 49% asked others to pray for healing, and 69% considered spiritual healing as very important. In multivariable analyses, feeling confused was associated with increased odds of consulting a curandero (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.45), praying for healing (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.03-1.64), asking others to pray for healing (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62), and considering spiritual healing as very important (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01-1.66). Feeling frustrated by a lack of information was associated with asking others to pray for healing (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.60). A better perception of quality of medical care was associated with lower odds of consulting a curandero (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.98). CONCLUSION: Feelings about the medical encounter were associated with spirituality healing, praying for healing, and asking others to pray for healing. Feeling confused and perception of poor quality of medical care were associated with consulting a curandero. SP - 542 EP - 547 SN - 1525-1497 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19842004 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4537 T1 - The correlates of chaplains' effectiveness in meeting the spiritual/religious and emotional needs of patients JF - The Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling: JPCC JA - J Pastoral Care Counsel A1 - Flannelly,Kevin J A1 - Oettinger,Margaret A1 - Galek,Kathleen A1 - Braun-Storck,Arnd A1 - Kreger,Ralph VL - 63 IS - 1-2 PY - 2009///Spring-Summer N2 - The study was designed to assess the degree to which two sets of measures about chaplains' visits with patients predicted patients' perceptions that their spiritual/religious needs and their emotional needs were met by the chaplain. The first set consisted of seven items about the chaplain's demeanor during the visit. The second set measured patient satisfaction with seven aspects of the chaplain's care, including specific interventions. Overall, the latter items were more highly correlated with, and were better predictors of patients' perceptions that the chaplain met both their spiritual/religious needs and their emotional needs than were the demeanor items. The findings indicate the usefulness of measuring the effectiveness of specific chaplain interventions. The authors discuss that effectiveness measures may be more useful that patient satisfaction measures for assessing pastoral care. KW - Clergy KW - Emotions KW - Female KW - Health Services Needs and Demand KW - Humans KW - Male KW - New York City KW - PATIENTS KW - Professional Role KW - Questionnaires KW - Religion and Medicine KW - spirituality SP - 9-1-15 EP - 9-1-15 SN - 1542-3050 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4539 T1 - "Moved by the spirit": does spirituality moderate the interrelationships between subjective well-being subscales? JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20694 A1 - Schuurmans-Stekhoven,James VL - 66 IS - 7 PY - 2010/07// N2 - Despite the recent escalation of research into the spirituality and well-being link, past efforts have been plagued by methodological problems. However, the potential for measurement error within psychometric instruments remains largely unexplored. After reviewing theory and evidence suggesting spirituality might represent an affective misattribution, moderation modeling-with each subjective well-being (SWB) subscale as a dependent variable as predicted by the remaining SWB subscales-is utilized to test the assumption of scale invariance. These interrelationships were shown to vary in conjunction with spirituality; that is the analysis revealed significant spirituality x subscale interactions. Importantly, in all models the spirituality main effect was either nonsignificant or accounted for by other predictors. In combination, the findings suggest the interrelationship between the subscales rather than the level of SWB varies systematically with spirituality and casts considerable doubt on the previously reported "belief-as-benefit" effect. SP - 709 EP - 725 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4540 T1 - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as a treatment for chronic depression: A preliminary study JF - Behaviour Research and Therapy JA - Behav Res Ther M3 - 10.1016/j.brat.2009.01.019 A1 - Barnhofer,Thorsten A1 - Crane,Catherine A1 - Hargus,Emily A1 - Amarasinghe,Myanthi A1 - Winder,Rosie A1 - Williams,J Mark G VL - 47 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N1 -

This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a treatment combining mindfulness meditation and interventions taken from cognitive therapy, in patients suffering from chronic-recurrent depression. Self-reported symptoms of depression decreased from severe to mild levels in the MBCT group while there was no significant change in the TAU group.

N2 - This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a treatment combining mindfulness meditation and interventions taken from cognitive therapy, in patients suffering from chronic-recurrent depression. Currently symptomatic patients with at least three previous episodes of depression and a history of suicidal ideation were randomly allocated to receive either MBCT delivered in addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU; N=14 completers) or TAU alone (N=14 completers). Depressive symptoms and diagnostic status were assessed before and after treatment phase. Self-reported symptoms of depression decreased from severe to mild levels in the MBCT group while there was no significant change in the TAU group. Similarly, numbers of patients meeting full criteria for depression decreased significantly more in the MBCT group than in the TAU group. Results are consistent with previous uncontrolled studies. Although based on a small sample and, therefore, limited in their generalizability, they provide further preliminary evidence that MBCT can be used to successfully reduce current symptoms in patients suffering from a protracted course of the disorder. SP - 366 EP - 373 SN - 1873-622X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4541 T1 - Enhancement of the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy by the pineal hormone melatonin and its relation with the psychospiritual status of cancer patients JF - Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences JA - J Res Med Sci A1 - Messina,Giuseppina A1 - Lissoni,Paolo A1 - Marchiori,Paolo A1 - Bartolacelli,Erio A1 - Brivio,Fernando A1 - Magotti,Luciano VL - 15 IS - 4 PY - 2010/07// N1 -

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a biochemotherapeutic regimen in metastatic cancer patients, and its therapeutic activity in relation to the psychospiritual status of patients. In conclusion, the efficacy of chemotherapy may be enhanced by the pineal hormone MLT, by representing a new promising biochemotherapeutic combination; also despite its objective ability to enhance chemotherapy efficacy, the activity of MLT is depending at least in part on the psychospiritual status of cancer patients, and it is maximal in the presence of a real spiritual faith.

N2 - BACKGROUND The anti-oxidant and immunomodulating natural agents may enhance the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. One of the most important agents is the pineal hormone melatonin (MLT) which may exert both anti-oxidant and antiproliferative immunostimulating anticancer effects. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a biochemotherapeutic regimen in metastatic cancer patients, and its therapeutic activity in relation to the psychospiritual status of patients. METHODS The study included 50 metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and a control group of 100 patients. Chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin plus gemcitabine. MLT was given orally at 20 mg/day in the evening. Patients were subdivided into 5 psychic profiles, as follows: spiritual faith, rationale faith, anxiety, apathy, and accusation behavior. RESULTS Tumor response rate was significantly higher in patients treated by chemotherapy plus MLT than in those treated by chemotherapy alone (21/50 vs. 24/100, p < 0.001). However, the percentage of objective tumor regressions obtained in patients with spiritual faith was significantly higher than that found in the overall other patients concomitantly treated by chemotherapy plus MLT (6/8 vs. 15/42, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the efficacy of chemotherapy may be enhanced by the pineal hormone MLT, by representing a new promising biochemotherapeutic combination; also despite its objective ability to enhance chemotherapy efficacy, the activity of MLT is depending at least in part on the psychospiritual status of cancer patients, and it is maximal in the presence of a real spiritual faith. SP - 225 EP - 228 SN - 1735-7136 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21526086 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4542 T1 - The association of religiosity, spirituality, and ethnic background with ego-pathology in acute schizophrenia JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902800133 A1 - Röhricht,Frank A1 - Basdekis-Jozsa,Raphaela A1 - Sidhu,Juggy A1 - Mukhtar,Amer A1 - Suzuki,Iris A1 - Priebe,Stefan VL - 12 IS - 6 PY - 2009/09// N2 - Studies have highlighted the impact of ego-consciousness, religiosity and spirituality on psychotic symptoms, although so far no study has investigated if and how these factors may be interrelated. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, involving 42 patients with a diagnosis of acute paranoid schizophrenia (DSM-IV), we assessed religiosity (Religious Orientation Test) spirituality (Spiritual Transcendence Scale) and ego-pathology (Ego Pathology Inventory) and analysed any relationship with these and psychopathological symptoms (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale). The subjects were divided into four ethnic groups (Caucasian, Afro-Caribbean, African, and Asian) and a structured, qualitative interview on religious needs and self-concepts was also conducted. Using a multivariate analysis, we found statistically significant negative associations between the scores on ego and common pathology and religiosity and spirituality as covariates. This was seen across all ethnic groups. The findings are discussed in respect of the potential clinical importance of ethnic, religious and spiritual factors for assessment and management of patients with schizophrenia. SP - 515 EP - 526 SN - 1367-4676 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/13674670902800133 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4543 T1 - Religion and HIV/AIDS stigma: Implications for health professionals in Puerto Rico JF - Global Public Health JA - Glob Public Health M3 - 10.1080/17441690903436581 A1 - Varas-Díaz,N A1 - Neilands,T B A1 - Malavé Rivera,S A1 - Betancourt,E VL - 5 IS - 3 PY - 2010/01/19/ N1 -

The main objective of this study was to explore the role of religion in HIV/AIDS stigma manifested by Puerto Rican health professionals in practice and in training. Through a mixed-method approach, 501 health professionals completed qualitative interviews (n=80) and self-administered questionnaires (n=421). Results show that religion plays some role in conceptualisations of health and illness among participants in the study. Furthermore, the importance placed on religion and participation in such activities was related to higher levels of HIV/AIDS stigma.

N2 - HIV/AIDS stigma continues to be a barrier for prevention efforts. Its detrimental effects have been documented among people living with HIV/AIDS and encompass loss of social support and depression. When it is manifested by health professionals, it can lead to sub-optimal services. Although strides have been made to document the effects of HIV/AIDS stigma, much needs to be done in order to understand the structural factors that can foster it. Such is the case of religion's role on HIV/AIDS stigma in Puerto Rico. The Caribbean Island has a Judeo-Christian-based culture due to years of Spanish colonisation. This religious influence continued under Protestantism as part of the Island's integration as a non-incorporated territory of the USA. The main objective of this study was to explore the role of religion in HIV/AIDS stigma manifested by Puerto Rican health professionals in practice and in training. Through a mixed-method approach, 501 health professionals completed qualitative interviews (n=80) and self-administered questionnaires (n=421). Results show that religion plays some role in conceptualisations of health and illness among participants in the study. Furthermore, the importance placed on religion and participation in such activities was related to higher levels of HIV/AIDS stigma. SP - 295 EP - 312 SN - 1744-1706 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4544 T1 - A Longitudinal Analysis of Self-Regulation and Well-Being: Avoidance Personal Goals, Avoidance Coping, Stress Generation, and Subjective Well-Being. JF - Journal of Personality M3 - 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2011.00694.x A1 - Elliot,Andrew J. A1 - Thrash,Todd M. A1 - Murayama,Kou VL - 79 IS - 3 PY - 2011/06// N1 -

Questions different approaches to self-regulation on mental health, specifically examining avoidance goals, avoidance coping, and how avoidance relates to increased life stressors. 

N2 - We conducted 2 longitudinal meditational studies to test an integrative model of goals, stress and coping, and well-being. Study 1 documented avoidance personal goals as an antecedent of life stressors and life stressors as a partial mediator of the relation between avoidance goals and longitudinal change in subjective well-being (SWB). Study 2 fully replicated Study 1 and likewise validated avoidance goals as an antecedent of avoidance coping and avoidance coping as a partial mediator of the relation between avoidance goals and longitudinal change in SWB. It also showed that avoidance coping partially mediates the link between avoidance goals and life stressors and validated a sequential meditational model involving both avoidance coping and life stressors. The aforementioned results held when controlling for social desirability, basic traits, and general motivational dispositions. The findings are discussed with regard to the integration of various strands of research on self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - GOAL (Psychology) KW - MOTIVATION (Psychology) KW - Social Desirability KW - SOCIAL psychology KW - STRESS (Psychology) KW - Well-Being SP - 643 EP - 674 SN - 00223506 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4545 T1 - Evidence-based cognitive hypnotherapy for depression. JF - Contemporary Hypnosis M3 - 10.1002/ch.391 A1 - Alladin,Assen VL - 26 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - Clinical depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders treated by psychiatrists and psychotherapists. It also poses special problems to therapists as it is a complex disorder that affects the whole person – emotions, bodily functions, behaviours and thoughts. Although depression is treated successfully with antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, a significant number of depressives do not respond to either medication or existing psychotherapies. It is thus important for clinicians to continue to develop more effective treatments for depression. This article describes Cognitive Hypnotherapy (CH), an evidence-based multimodal treatment for depression, which can be applied to a wide range of patients with depression. The components of CH are described in sufficient detail to allow for their replication and validation. Moreover, CH for depression provides a template for studying the additive effect of hypnosis as an adjunctive treatment with other medical and psychological disorders. Although this article emphasizes evidence-based practice, this approach should not limit the scope of therapists' creativity in the application of hypnosis to the management of depression. Copyright © 2009 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ANTIDEPRESSANTS KW - COMBINED modality therapy KW - DEPRESSION in children -- Prevention KW - DEPRESSION, Mental -- Treatment KW - HYPNOTISM -- Therapeutic use KW - MENTAL illness -- Treatment -- Research KW - Psychotherapy SP - 245 EP - 262 SN - 09605290 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45516183&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4548 T1 - Psychoanalysis and spirituality-catastrophic change and becoming "o" JF - The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry JA - J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.137 A1 - Nachmani,Gilead VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - This article considers the relationship between post-Kleinian psychoanalysis and spiritual experience in the healing process of a physically ill man undergoing medical care for an unknown disorder. He entered psychoanalytic psychotherapy after two years of being ill and after numerous medical interventions had failed. The psychotherapy involved certain religious experiences in the patient and the analyst that attuned them to one another. It also involved his fighting with doctors, family, and analyst. The fights were considered a transcendence of his troubling life, a mustering of courage and strength to live with illness and loss, and his use of a godlike fantasy figure, which could also be considered as a vivid good internal object. The therapeutic work was punctuated by numerous instances of catastrophic change, hope, and disappointment and by his not knowing about why his body acted as it has and why important people treated him as they had. He learned to know, in the sense that Bion used the term, to live with adversity, and return to as normal a life as is possible. The psychotherapy is a work in progress. KW - Adult KW - Attitude to Death KW - Conflict (Psychology) KW - Countertransference (Psychology) KW - Defense Mechanisms KW - dreams KW - Fantasy KW - Holocaust KW - Humans KW - Judaism KW - Male KW - Object Attachment KW - Projection KW - Psychoanalytic Interpretation KW - Psychoanalytic Therapy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Resilience, Psychological KW - Sick Role KW - spirituality SP - 137 EP - 152 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4553 T1 - Religion and Suicide JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-008-9181-2 A1 - Gearing,Robin E. A1 - Lizardi,Dana VL - 48 IS - 3 PY - 2009/09// N2 - Abstract Religion impacts suicidality. One’s degree of religiosity can potentially serve as a protective factor against suicidal behavior. To accurately assess risk of suicide, it is imperative to understand the role of religion in suicidality. PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases were searched for published articles on religion and suicide between 1980 and 2008. Epidemiological data on suicidality across four religions, and the influence of religion on suicidality are presented. Practice guidelines are presented for incorporating religiosity into suicide risk assessment. Suicide rates and risk and protective factors for suicide vary across religions. It is essential to assess for degree of religious commitment and involvement to accurately identify suicide risk. SP - 332 EP - 341 SN - 0022-4197 UR - http://www.springerlink.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/index/10.1007/s10943-008-9181-2 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4554 T1 - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: findings from a preliminary study JF - The British Journal of Clinical Psychology / the British Psychological Society JA - Br J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1348/014466509X414970 A1 - Hepburn,Silvia R A1 - Crane,Catherine A1 - Barnhofer,Thorsten A1 - Duggan,Danielle S A1 - Fennell,Melanie J V A1 - Williams,J Mark G VL - 48 IS - Pt 2 PY - 2009/06// N2 - OBJECTIVES: Thought suppression is a strategy aimed at mental control that may paradoxically increase the frequency of unwanted thoughts. This preliminary study examined effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on thought suppression and depression in individuals with past depression and suicidality. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial design, 68 participants were allocated to an MBCT group or a treatment-as-usual waitlist control. Measures of thought suppression and depression were taken pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: MBCT did not reduce thought suppression as measured by the White Bear Suppression Inventory, but significantly reduced self-reported attempts to suppress in the previous week. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that MBCT for suicidality may reduce thought suppression, but differential effects on thought suppression measures warrant further studies. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Awareness KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Depressive Disorder KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Personality Inventory KW - Psychotherapy, Group KW - Recurrence KW - Research Design KW - Suicide KW - Treatment Outcome KW - Waiting Lists SP - 209 EP - 215 SN - 0144-6657 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4557 T1 - Mind-body therapies for menopausal symptoms: a systematic review JF - Maturitas JA - Maturitas M3 - 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.01.016 A1 - Innes,Kim E. A1 - Selfe,Terry Kit A1 - Vishnu,Abhishek VL - 66 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the peer-reviewed literature regarding the effects of self-administered mind-body therapies on menopausal symptoms. METHODS: To identify qualifying studies, we searched 10 scientific databases and scanned bibliographies of relevant review papers and all identified articles. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed systematically using predefined criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-one papers representing 18 clinical trials from 6 countries met our inclusion criteria, including 12 randomized controlled trials (N=719), 1 non-randomized controlled trial (N=58), and 5 uncontrolled trials (N=105). Interventions included yoga and/or meditation-based programs, tai chi, and other relaxation practices, including muscle relaxation and breath-based techniques, relaxation response training, and low-frequency sound-wave therapy. Eight of the nine studies of yoga, tai chi, and meditation-based programs reported improvement in overall menopausal and vasomotor symptoms; six of seven trials indicated improvement in mood and sleep with yoga-based programs, and four studies reported reduced musculoskeletal pain. Results from the remaining nine trials suggest that breath-based and other relaxation therapies also show promise for alleviating vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms, although intergroup findings were mixed. Most studies reviewed suffered methodological or other limitations, complicating interpretation of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, findings of these studies suggest that yoga-based and certain other mind-body therapies may be beneficial for alleviating specific menopausal symptoms. However, the limitations characterizing most studies hinder interpretation of findings and preclude firm conclusions regarding efficacy. Additional large, methodologically sound trials are needed to determine the effects of specific mind-body therapies on menopausal symptoms, examine long-term outcomes, and investigate underlying mechanisms. SP - 135 EP - 149 SN - 1873-4111 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4558 T1 - The value of mindfulness-based methods in teaching at a clinical field placement JF - Psychological Reports JA - PR M3 - 10.2466/PR0.106.2.455-466 A1 - Gökhan,Nurper A1 - Meehan,Edward F. A1 - Peters,Kevin VL - 106 IS - 2 PY - 2010/// SP - 455 EP - 466 SN - 0033-2941 UR - http://asp.ammonsscientific.com/find.php?resource=PR0.106.2.455 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4559 T1 - One method for objective adherence measurement in mind-body medicine JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) JA - J Altern Complement Med M3 - 10.1089/acm.2010.0316 A1 - Wahbeh,Helané A1 - Zwickey,Heather A1 - Oken,Barry VL - 17 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Abstract Objectives: Home practice is frequently prescribed as part of mind-body medicine interventions, although rarely objectively measured. This brief methods report describes one method for objectively measuring home practice adherence using a custom monitoring software program. Design: Methods for objectively measuring adherence were developed as part of a randomized controlled trial on the mechanisms of mindfulness meditation. Settings/location: The study was conducted at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon. Subjects: The subjects comprised 11 combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Interventions: The method used was mindfulness meditation. Outcome measures: There were subjective and objective adherence measurements of mindfulness meditation home practice. Results: The first iteration of objective adherence monitoring used an iPod device and had limitations in participant usage and correctly capturing data. In the second iteration, objective data were easily collected, uploaded, and viewed using the custom software application, iMINDr. Participants reported that iMINDr was straightforward to use, and they returned the monitoring units as directed. Conclusions: The iMINDr is an example of a simple objective adherence measurement system that may help mind-body researchers examine how home practice adherence may affect outcomes in future clinical trials. SP - 175 EP - 177 SN - 1557-7708 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4560 T1 - Effect of integrated yogic practices on positive and negative emotions in healthy adults JF - International Journal of Yoga JA - Int J Yoga M3 - 10.4103/0973-6131.78174 A1 - Narasimhan,Lakshmi A1 - Nagarathna,R A1 - Nagendra,Hr VL - 4 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - BACKGROUND Studies on affective wellbeing have shown the beneficial role of positive emotions on cognitive processing and the harmful role of negative emotions on coping, stress and health status. Studies have shown that yoga practices reduce anxiety and depression and improve wellbeing. OBJECTIVE The aims of the study were to, (i) examine the safety and feasibility of conducting a weeklong free yoga camp, and (ii) assess its impact on the negative and positive affect in normal healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this open-arm study450 participants were taught integrated yoga module. It included asanas, pranayama, relaxation, notional correction and devotional sessions. Assessment was carried out on the first and last day of the camp, using a modified version of Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). It has ten questions each to measure positive (PA) and negative affect (NA). Nine questions have been added which are referred as other positive affect (OPA) and other negative affect (ONA) domains. RESULTS Three hundred and twelve sets of pre-post data were analyzed. There was an increase in PA of PANAS by 13% (P<0.001, Wilcoxon's signed rank test) and OPA by 17% (P<0.001). The NA reduced by 47% (P<0.001) and ONA by 48% (P<0.001). CONCLUSION It is feasible and safe to conduct a weeklong yoga camp in an urban setting, and integrated yoga practices can reduce the negative affect and increase the positive affect within one week. SP - 13 EP - 19 SN - 0973-6131 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21654970 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4561 T1 - “God Had Something Else in Mind”: Family, Religion, and Infertility JF - Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, A1 - Jennings,Patricia K. VL - 39 PY - 2010/04// N1 -

An exploration of how infertile women who profess some religious affinity utilize medicine and religion to achieve their reproductive goals. Explores the complex intersections of religion and gender via issues such as IVF and adoption. Recommends future directions for research on religion and infertility.

N2 - Feminist scholarship has generated a large body of work that reveals that medical discourse encourages infertile women to embrace assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a path to “normative” family formation. The role that religion plays in the decision-making process is absent from this body of scholarship. This study is part of a larger study on infertility. In this article, I explore how infertile women who profess some religious affinity utilize medicine and religion to achieve their reproductive goals. Findings, which are drawn from participant observation of RESOLVE meetings and face-to-face interviews with infertile women, suggest that religion intersects with gender in complex ways. For many of the women in this study, growing up in traditional “church-going” families coupled with their continued connection to mainstream religion reaffirmed their desire for a child-centered family. Most of the women in this study pursued some form of ART. This held even for those who affiliated with religions that opposed ART (e.g., the Catholic Church). When ART failed, some women drew on religious discourse to renegotiate their views on adoption. For a small number of women, religious experience moved them to adopt “hard to adopt” children. I draw on these findings to suggest strategies for future research on religion and infertility. ER - SP - 215 EP - 237 UR - http://jce.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/39/2/215 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4562 T1 - Support from neurobiology for spiritual techniques for anxiety: a brief review JF - Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy JA - J Health Care Chaplain M3 - 10.1080/08854720903451055 A1 - Mayo,Kelley Raab VL - 16 IS - 1-2 PY - 2009/// N2 - Research in neurobiology supports use of spiritual techniques as a beneficial treatment for anxiety. Psychotherapy, including mindfulness CBT and meditation, has been shown to change brain structure. The amygdala-the brain structure responsible for processing emotion and anxiety-demonstrates plasticity, and the purpose of therapy may be to allow the cortex to establish more effective and efficient synaptic links with the amygdala. A main feature of spiritual approaches is changing one's focus of attention. Instead of worry, one focuses on peaceful thoughts, thoughts of helping others, etc. Research demonstrates that thought, meditation, and other manifestations of mind can alter the brain, sometimes in an enduring way. Few studies have addressed the neurobiological underpinnings of meditation. Limited evidence, however, suggests that brain changes occur during prolonged meditation and that meditation activates neural structures involved in attention and control of the autonomic nervous system. KW - Amygdala KW - Anxiety KW - Autonomic Nervous System KW - Brain KW - Humans KW - Spiritual Therapies SP - 53 EP - 57 SN - 1528-6916 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4564 T1 - Religion, HIV/AIDS and sexual risk-taking among men in Ghana JF - Journal of Biosocial Science JA - J Biosoc Sci M3 - 10.1017/S0021932010000027 A1 - Gyimah,Stephen Obeng A1 - Tenkorang,Eric Y. A1 - Takyi,Baffour K. A1 - Adjei,Jones A1 - Fosu,Gabriel VL - 42 IS - 4 PY - 2010/07// N1 -

Given the patriarchal nature of African culture, this paper argues for the inclusion of men, a critical group whose sexual behaviours have increasingly been linked to the spread and sustenance of the virus in the region. Drawing on different theoretical discourses and using data from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, this paper examines how religious affiliation influences men's risky sexual behaviours. While the results from the bivariate analysis suggested that Muslims and Traditionalists were significantly less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour compared with Christians, those differences disappeared once socioeconomic variables were controlled, rendering support for the selectivity thesis. This finding could benefit programmatic and policy formulation regarding AIDS prevention in Ghana.

N2 - Although a growing body of research has linked religious involvement with HIV/AIDS protective behaviour in Africa, the focus has mainly been on women. Given the patriarchal nature of African culture, this paper argues for the inclusion of men, a critical group whose sexual behaviours have increasingly been linked to the spread and sustenance of the virus in the region. Drawing on different theoretical discourses and using data from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, this paper examines how religious affiliation influences men's risky sexual behaviours. While the results from the bivariate analysis suggested that Muslims and Traditionalists were significantly less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour compared with Christians, those differences disappeared once socioeconomic variables were controlled, rendering support for the selectivity thesis. This finding could benefit programmatic and policy formulation regarding AIDS prevention in Ghana. SP - 531 EP - 547 SN - 1469-7599 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4565 T1 - "You look, thank God, quite good on the outside": imitating the ideal self in a Jewish ultra-Orthodox rehabilitation site JF - Medical Anthropology Quarterly JA - Med Anthropol Q A1 - Goodman,Yehuda C VL - 23 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Rather than viewing therapeutic interventions as either compliance or resistance to the social order, I analyze them as mimesis of cultural ideal selves. In particular, I examine the new mediations of the social order constituted in mimetic therapeutic practices and their entailed creativity and ambivalence. Drawing on participant observation in a Jewish ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) rehabilitation site I explore how, given the ruptures brought about in mental disorders, caretakers offer their clients new ways to inhabit the normal self through its imitation. Specifically, caregivers construct replications of dominant selves by selectively deploying modern and neotraditional discourses of the self in diverse social contexts and in multiple registries like body, emotions, social relations, and ways of belonging to the community. I suggest that mimetic therapeutic work is carried out along emerging social distinctions that are associated with Haredim's complex relations with the secular society, and with cultural contestations within the community itself. KW - Anthropology, Cultural KW - Humans KW - Jews KW - Mental Disorders KW - Psychotherapy KW - Self Concept KW - Social Class SP - 122 EP - 141 SN - 0745-5194 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4567 T1 - Religious commitment, adult attachment, and marital adjustment in newly married couples JF - Journal of Family Psychology: JFP: Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43) JA - J Fam Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0022943 A1 - Lopez,Jamie L A1 - Riggs,Shelley A A1 - Pollard,Sara E A1 - Hook,Joshua N VL - 25 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04// N2 - Existing literature on the role of religiosity in marital functioning is often difficult to interpret due to the frequent use of convenience samples, statistical approaches inadequate for interdependent dyadic data, and the lack of a theoretical framework. The current study examined the effects of religious commitment and insecure attachment on marital adjustment. Newly married couples who did not have children (N = 92 couples, 184 individuals) completed measures of religious commitment, adult attachment, and marital functioning. There was a small positive association between religious commitment and marital adjustment. Religious commitment buffered the negative association between attachment avoidance and marital adjustment, but exacerbated the negative association between attachment anxiety and marital adjustment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). SP - 301 EP - 309 SN - 1939-1293 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480709 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4568 T1 - The moderation of Mindfulness-based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: Results from a randomized controlled trial. JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20761 A1 - Shapiro,Shauna L. A1 - Brown,Kirk Warren A1 - Thoresen,Carl A1 - Plante,Thomas G. VL - 67 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown effectiveness for a variety of mental health conditions. However, it is not known for whom the intervention is most effective. In a randomized controlled trial ( N = 30), we explored whether individuals with higher levels of pretreatment trait mindfulness would benefit more from MBSR intervention. Results demonstrated that relative to a control condition ( n = 15), MBSR treatment ( n = 15) had significant effects on several outcomes, including increased trait mindfulness, subjective well-being, and empathy measured at 2 and 12 months after treatment. However, relative to controls, MBSR participants with higher levels of pretreatment mindfulness showed a larger increase in mindfulness, subjective well-being, empathy, and hope, and larger declines in perceived stress up to 1 year after treatment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 00:1-11, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Empathy KW - mental health KW - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy KW - RANDOMIZED controlled trials KW - STRESS (Psychology) KW - Well-Being SP - 267 EP - 277 SN - 00219762 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4569 T1 - Self-blame, self-forgiveness, and spirituality in breast cancer survivors in a public sector setting JF - Journal of Cancer Education: The Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Education JA - J Cancer Educ M3 - 10.1007/s13187-010-0048-3 A1 - Friedman,Lois C A1 - Barber,Catherine R A1 - Chang,Jenny A1 - Tham,Yee Lu A1 - Kalidas,Mamta A1 - Rimawi,Mothaffar F A1 - Dulay,Mario F A1 - Elledge,Richard VL - 25 IS - 3 PY - 2010/09// N2 - Cognitive appraisal affects adjustment to breast cancer. A self-forgiving attitude and spirituality may benefit breast cancer survivors who blame themselves for their cancer. One hundred and eight women with early breast cancers completed questionnaires assessing self-blame, self-forgiveness, spirituality, mood and quality of life (QoL) in an outpatient breast clinic. Women who blamed themselves reported more mood disturbance (p < 0.01) and poorer QoL (p < 0.01). Women who were more self-forgiving and more spiritual reported less mood disturbance and better QoL (p's < 0.01). Interventions that reduce self-blame and facilitate self-forgiveness and spirituality could promote better adjustment to breast cancer. SP - 343 EP - 348 SN - 1543-0154 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4570 T1 - Influence of religion on sexual self-perception and sexual satisfaction in patients suffering from schizophrenia and depression JF - International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine JA - Int J Psychiatry Med A1 - Peitl,Marija Vucic A1 - Peitl,Vjekoslav A1 - Pavlovic,Eduard VL - 39 IS - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - OBJECTIVE: It is well documented that religion has an impact on mental health of both healthy people and mental health patients. However, scientific research regarding the influence of religion on sexual experiences and sexual self-perception in mental health patients and healthy people is very scarce. GOAL: Therefore, our goal was to research how and in what measure religious and atheistic views of patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia and healthy people influence their sexual functions and sexual self-perception. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This research was conducted on 100 patients suffering from schizophrenia and 100 patients suffering from depression, while 100 healthy individuals served as a control group. DMS-IV criteria were used when diagnosing schizophrenia and depression. In order to research the aspects of sexual self-perception we used Bezinović's questionnaire and Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX) to research the aspects of sexual intercourse. RESULTS: Results show that Roman-Catholic patients suffering from schizophrenia experience greater sexual satisfaction than Eastern-Orthodox or atheist schizophrenic patients. Among patients suffering from depression in regard to their differing religious views there were no significant differences regarding sexual satisfaction or the aspects of sexual self-perception. Furthermore, there is a significant difference among healthy individuals when taking into consideration religious views. We established that Muslims have a significantly stronger sexual drive then atheists, Roman-Catholic or Eastern-Orthodox individuals. Compared to Roman-Catholic and Eastern-Orthodox individuals, atheists have better consciousness of their own sexuality. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that religious views have an influence on sexual functioning and sexual self-perception of patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia and also healthy individuals. Thus, further research on a bigger sample of participants--not only of those religious denominations covered in this research, but also of those that are less present in our society and of other mental health disorders and illnesses--is needed. KW - Adult KW - Catholicism KW - Depressive Disorder KW - Eastern Orthodoxy KW - Female KW - Humans KW - ISLAM KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Questionnaires KW - Reference Values KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Religion and Sex KW - Schizophrenia KW - Schizophrenic Psychology KW - Self Concept KW - Sexuality SP - 155 EP - 167 SN - 0091-2174 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 4571 T1 - Religion and Spirituality in Psychotherapy: An Individual Psychology Perspective CY - New York A1 - Johansen,Thor PB - Springer Publishing Company PY - 2009/12/07/ SN - 0826103855 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4572 T1 - Predicaments in Researching Spirituality and Religion: A Response to Glicksman's “Contemporary Study of Religion and Spirituality Among the Elderly” JF - Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging M3 - 10.1080/15528030903029997 A1 - Moberg,David O. VL - 21 IS - 4 PY - 2009/10//undefined N2 - Glicksman's perceptive critique calls attention to significant recurrent issues in the study of religion and spirituality that point to the need for humility by all who engage in it. Among these issues are implicit questions: What is spirituality? Is it a universal feature of humanity even though its manifestations are very diverse? How do researchers' assumptions and answers to those questions affect the methodologies they use to study religion and spirituality? Is theology relevant? Examples of overlapping scriptures of Judaism and evangelical Protestantism show how easily theological doctrines and philosophical values are misinterpreted by outsiders and how important they are for understanding the faith-related behavior of any group of people. Multidisciplinary research on the spirituality of people from all religions and none, global comparisons of the results, and painstaking analyses of the findings can bring us closer to comprehending the mysteries of spirituality and using them for the benefit of humanity. SP - 297 EP - 309 SN - 1552-8030 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/15528030903029997 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4573 T1 - Belief in conspiracy theories. The role of paranormal belief, paranoid ideation and schizotypy. JF - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2011.02.027 A1 - Darwin,Hannah A1 - Neave,Nick A1 - Holmes,Joni VL - 50 IS - 8 PY - 2011/06// N2 - Surveys indicate that belief in conspiracy theories is widespread. Previous studies have indicated that such beliefs are related to agreeableness, low levels of self esteem, certain negative attitudes towards authority, and paranoia. The current study investigated the relationship between conspiracy theory beliefs, paranormal belief, paranoid ideation, and schizotypy, in a study involving 60 females and 60 males aged 18–50. Sex differences were found in paranormal belief, with females scoring significantly higher than males in spiritualism, precognition, psi, and overall paranormal belief. Partial correlations controlling for sex showed that conspiracy beliefs were significantly and positively correlated with paranormal beliefs, paranoid ideation and schizotypy. Confirmatory analysis revealed a best fit model to explain conspiracy beliefs that included schizotypy and paranoid ideation, but not paranormal beliefs. These findings suggest that paranoid ideation and schizotypy are strongly associated with belief in conspiracy theories. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - attitudes KW - conspiracy theory beliefs KW - Ideation KW - paranoid ideation KW - paranormal belief KW - Personality traits KW - Schizotypy SP - 1289 EP - 1293 SN - 0191-8869 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4575 T1 - Ashtanga yoga for children and adolescents for weight management and psychological well being: an uncontrolled open pilot study JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice JA - Complement Ther Clin Pract M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.12.004 A1 - Benavides,Sandra A1 - Caballero,Joshua VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2009/05// N2 - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pilot study was to determine the effect of yoga on weight in youth at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Secondarily, the impact of participation in yoga on self-concept and psychiatric symptoms was measured. METHODS: A 12-week prospective pilot Ashtanga yoga program enrolled twenty children and adolescents. Weight was measured before and after the program. All participants completed self-concept, anxiety, and depression inventories at the initiation and completion of the program. RESULTS: Fourteen predominately Hispanic children, ages 8-15, completed the program. The average weight loss was 2kg. Weight decreased from 61.2+/-20.2kg to 59.2+/-19.2kg (p=0.01). Four of five children with low self-esteem improved, although two had decreases in self-esteem. Anxiety symptoms improved in the study. CONCLUSION: Ashtanga yoga may be beneficial as a weight loss strategy in a predominately Hispanic population. KW - Adolescent KW - Anxiety KW - Body Weight KW - Child KW - depression KW - Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Mexican Americans KW - Pilot Projects KW - Prospective Studies KW - Risk Factors KW - Self Concept KW - yoga SP - 110 EP - 114 SN - 1873-6947 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4576 T1 - Using mindfulness meditation to teach beginning therapists therapeutic presence: a qualitative study JF - Journal of Marital and Family Therapy JA - J Marital Fam Ther M3 - 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2010.00214.x A1 - McCollum,Eric E A1 - Gehart,Diane R VL - 36 IS - 3 PY - 2010/07/01/ N2 - Some of the more difficult to define aspects of the therapeutic process (empathy, compassion, presence) remain some of the most important. Teaching them presents a challenge for therapist trainees and educators alike. In this study, we examine our beginning practicum students' experience of learning mindfulness meditation as a way to help them develop therapeutic presence. Through thematic analysis of their journal entries a variety of themes emerged, including the effects of meditation practice, the ability to be present, balancing being and doing modes in therapy, and the development of acceptance and compassion for themselves and for their clients. Our findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may be a useful addition to clinical training. SP - 347 EP - 360 SN - 1752-0606 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4577 T1 - Spiritual struggle related to plasma interleukin-6 prior to cardiac surgery. JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0015775 A1 - Ai,Amy L. A1 - Seymour,E Mitchell A1 - Tice,Terrence N. A1 - Kronfol,Ziad A1 - Bolling,Steven F. VL - 1 IS - 2 PY - 2009/05// N1 -

Spiritual struggle appeared consistently to predict poor health outcomes, including mortality. Despite surging interest in the health benefits of religion and spirituality, the health hassle of existential conflicts and proinflammatory cytokines as a potential physiological mechanism has been overlooked. Based on psychological and theological assumptions, we argue for the universal nature of spiritual struggle, a crisis-related existential conflict, and for investigating its physiological influence as essential to understanding human nature. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been linked with adverse health outcomes and negative emotions. This study thus examined spiritual struggle related to plasma IL-6 in 235 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, along with positive religious coping, general coping, and optimism, controlling for standardized clinical medical indicators. Multiple regression analysis, following a preplanned sequence, showed that spiritual struggle (p = .011), behavioral coping (p = .013) were positively associated with excess plasma IL-6, controlling for medical correlates (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction). We conclude that spiritual struggle, indicating the crisis in an existential relation, and behavioral coping strategies are associated with elevated pre-operative plasma IL-6. The interdisciplinary implications are discussed.

N2 - Spiritual struggle appeared consistently to predict poor health outcomes, including mortality. Despite surging interest in the health benefits of religion and spirituality, the health hassle of existential conflicts and proinflammatory cytokines as a potential physiological mechanism has been overlooked. Based on psychological and theological assumptions, we argue for the universal nature of spiritual struggle, a crisis-related existential conflict, and for investigating its physiological influence as essential to understanding human nature. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been linked with adverse health outcomes and negative emotions. This study thus examined spiritual struggle related to plasma IL-6 in 235 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, along with positive religious coping, general coping, and optimism, controlling for standardized clinical medical indicators. Multiple regression analysis, following a preplanned sequence, showed that spiritual struggle (p = .011), behavioral coping (p = .013) were positively associated with excess plasma IL-6, controlling for medical correlates (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction). We conclude that spiritual struggle, indicating the crisis in an existential relation, and behavioral coping strategies are associated with elevated pre-operative plasma IL-6. The interdisciplinary implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) KW - cardiac diseases & cardiac surgery KW - Coping Behavior KW - coping with stress KW - Heart Disorders KW - Heart Surgery KW - immune-inflammatory marker interleukin-6 KW - Interleukins KW - religion KW - spiritual struggle KW - spirituality KW - Stress SP - 112 EP - 128 SN - 1941-1022 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4578 T1 - The faith, activity, and nutrition (FAN) program: design of a participatory research intervention to increase physical activity and improve dietary habits in African American churches JF - Contemporary Clinical Trials JA - Contemp Clin Trials M3 - 10.1016/j.cct.2010.03.011 A1 - Wilcox,Sara A1 - Laken,Marilyn A1 - Parrott,Allen W A1 - Condrasky,Margaret A1 - Saunders,Ruth A1 - Addy,Cheryl L A1 - Evans,Rebecca A1 - Baruth,Meghan A1 - Samuel,May VL - 31 IS - 4 PY - 2010/07// N2 - BACKGROUND: African Americans are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer morbidity and mortality. Physical activity and healthy dietary practices can reduce this risk. The church is a promising setting to address health disparities, and community-based participatory research is a preferred approach. OBJECTIVES: Using a community-based participatory approach and the social ecologic model, the FAN trial aims to increase self-reported moderate-intensity physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce blood pressure in African American church members. Secondary aims are to increase objectively measured moderate-intensity physical activity and fiber/whole grain consumption and reduce fat consumption. DESIGN: FAN is a group randomized trial (GRT) with two levels of clustering: participants (N=1279; n=316 accelerometer subgroup) within church and church within church cluster. In the first wave, seven clusters including 23 churches were randomized to an immediate intervention or delayed intervention. In subsequent waves, 51 churches were randomized to an immediate or delayed intervention. METHODS: Church committee members, pastors, and cooks participate in full-day trainings to learn how to implement physical activity and dietary changes in the church. Monthly mailings and technical assistance calls are delivered over the 15-month intervention. Members complete measurements at baseline and 15 months. A detailed process evaluation is included. SUMMARY: FAN focuses on modifying the social, cultural, and policy environment in a faith-based setting. The use of a community-based participatory research approach, engagement of church leaders, inclusion of a detailed process evaluation, and a formal plan for sustainability and dissemination make FAN unique. SP - 323 EP - 335 SN - 1559-2030 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4579 T1 - Religious and Nonreligious Spirituality in Relation to Death Acceptance or Rejection. JF - Death Studies M3 - 10.1080/07481187.2011.535383 A1 - Cicirelli,Victor G. VL - 35 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Meanings of religious and nonreligious spirituality are explored, with implications for death acceptance, death rejection, and life extension. In the first of two exploratory studies, 16 elders low on intrinsic religiosity were compared with 116 elders high in religiosity; they differed both in qualitative responses and on death attitudes. In the second, 48 elders were assessed on religious and nonreligious spirituality and compared on attitudes toward death rejection, life extension, and death acceptance. Conclusions were that a sizable minority of elders hold nonreligious spirituality beliefs, and these beliefs are related to greater acceptance of life extension and death rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Analysis of Variance KW - death attitudes KW - INDIANA KW - INTERVIEWS KW - OLD age KW - PROBABILITIES KW - Research KW - spirituality SP - 124 EP - 146 SN - 07481187 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4580 T1 - Psychotherapy: What's metaphysical got to do with it? JF - Psychiatry JA - Psychiatry (Edgmont) A1 - Sansone,Randy A. A1 - Sansone,Lori A. VL - 6 IS - 12 PY - 2010/01// N2 - Clinicians have a number of treatment options for dealing with the emotional ills of patients, including psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. However, after years of experience in the clinical field, we have recognized that these treatment options may not be sufficient to adequately address the problems of some patients. We have found that adding a metaphysical/spiritual component may be helpful, particularly for those patients with histories of childhood trauma. In this edition of The Interface, we discuss four metaphysical techniques for facilitating patient healing—1) refocusing on the present, 2) reframing adversity, 3) practicing surrender, and 4) meditation. These approaches can be mutually integrated and compliment a psychological treatment in either the psychiatric or primary care setting, regardless of whether or not the patient has formal religious beliefs. SP - 26 EP - 31 SN - 1550-5952 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4581 T1 - Identity Importance and the Overreporting of Religious Service Attendance: Multiple Imputation of Religious Attendance Using the American Time Use Study and the General Social Survey. JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01554.x A1 - Brenner,Philip S. VL - 50 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - The difference between religious service attendance measured using conventional surveys and time diaries has been attributed to identity processes; a high level of religious identity importance may prompt overreporting on a survey question. This article tests the hypothesized role of identity importance as an individual determinant of overreporting and the result of socially desirable behavior. A time diary measure of attendance (from the American Time Use Study 2003-2008) is imputed for conventional survey data (from the General Social Survey 2002-2008) using the multiple imputation for multiple studies procedure ( ). Logistic regression models predicting self-reported attendance and overreported attendance are estimated using identity importance as a key covariate and controlling for demographic variables associated with attendance. Identity importance is a strong predictor of both self-reported and overreported attendance. Attendance, while a biased measure of actual behavior, may be a good indicator of religiosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Church attendance KW - IDENTITY (Psychology) KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Regression Analysis KW - RELIGIOUS institutions KW - SOCIAL surveys SP - 103 EP - 115 SN - 00218294 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4582 T1 - Strength of faith and body image in Muslim and non-Muslim women. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802358190 A1 - Mussap,Alexander J. VL - 12 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - A questionnaire was completed by 98 Muslim and 91 non-Muslim Australian women to examine the relationship between Islam and body image. Path analyses revealed that for Muslim women (but not non-Muslim women) strength of religious faith was inversely related to body dissatisfaction, body self-objectification, and dietary restraint. These relationships were mediated by increased use of modest clothing and by reduced media consumption. These results are consistent with the proposition that adherence to Islam can indirectly protect women's body image from appearance-based public scrutiny and from exposure to Western media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Australia KW - BELIEF & doubt -- Psychological aspects KW - BODY image -- Research KW - BODY image in women -- Religious aspects KW - FAITH (Islam) -- Psychology KW - MUSLIM women KW - PATH analysis (Statistics) SP - 121 EP - 127 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4584 T1 - Religiosity and Sexual Behaviors in African American and White Youth JF - Journal of Adolescent Health M3 - 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.11.239 A1 - Evans,Yolanda A1 - Richardson,Laura A1 - McCarty,Cari A1 - Zhou,Chuan VL - 48 IS - 2, Supplement 1 PY - 2011/02// KW - religiosity KW - sexual behaviors SP - S117 EP - S117 SN - 1054-139X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4585 T1 - Effects of a Brief, Comprehensive, Yoga-Based Program on Quality of Life and Biometric Measures in an Employee Population: A Pilot Study JF - EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing M3 - 10.1016/j.explore.2010.10.004 A1 - Thomley,Barbara S. A1 - Ray,Siddiqi H. A1 - Cha,Stephen S. A1 - Bauer,Brent A. VL - 7 IS - 1 PY - undefined/01//undefined N2 - Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether a comprehensive, yoga-based wellness program could positively affect multiple markers of health and wellness in an employee population.Design Self-selected employees who enrolled in a new wellness class were invited to participate in a yoga-based wellness program. Participants met six days per week (Monday through Saturday) at 5:10 am. Sessions lasted for at least one hour, and the program was six weeks long. Each session consisted of power yoga interwoven with philosophical concepts and instruction about the benefits of mindfulness, breath, and meditation. Certain classes each week incorporated large and small group sharing, journal writing, and mindful eating exercises. Main outcome measures were biometric measures (height, weight, blood pressure, flexibility, body fat) and quality-of-life measures (physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being).Results Fifty-nine employees were invited to join the program; 50 consented to participate, of which 37 (74%) attended more than 90% of classes. Participant age ranged from 24 to 76 years. Statistically significant improvements were observed in weight (-4.84 ± 5.24 kg; P < .001), diastolic blood pressure (-2.66 ±8.31 mm/Hg; P = .03), flexibility score (relative change 11% ± 20.92; P <.001), body fat percentage (-1.94 ±2.68; P < .001), and overall quality of life (linear analog self-assessment [LASA] score 3.73 ± 8.11; P = .03).Conclusions This pilot study suggests that a yoga-based, comprehensive wellness program is both feasible and efficacious in creating positive, short-term improvements in multiple domains of health and wellness for a population of employees. KW - employee health KW - Health promotion KW - Meditation KW - yoga SP - 27 EP - 29 SN - 1550-8307 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4586 T1 - Is learning mindfulness associated with improved affect after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy? JF - British Journal of Psychology M3 - 10.1348/000712609X424195 A1 - Schroevers,Maya J. A1 - Brandsma,Rob VL - 101 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N2 - The increased popularity of mindfulness-based interventions and the growing body of empirical evidence confirming the positive effects of these interventions on well-being warrant more research to determine if the effects are indeed related to learning mindfulness. The present study extends previous studies, by examining whether and how changes in five core aspects of mindfulness are related to changes in the report of negative and positive affect during an 8-week course of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. The study was performed in 64 individuals from the community with mild to moderate psychological problems. Data were collected by self-report questionnaires before and directly after the training. Results showed significant decreases in negative affect and increases in positive affect. We also found significant increases in four of the five aspects of mindfulness. Importantly, changes in mindfulness were significantly associated with improved affect, with a distinct pattern found for positive and negative affect. Hereby, our findings extend previous research by showing that learning distinct aspects of mindfulness is differently related to an improved positive affect and a decreased negative affect. Future randomized controlled trials with a larger sample and longer follow-up period are needed to replicate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - PUBLIC opinion KW - RANDOMIZED controlled trials KW - RATIONAL-emotive psychotherapy KW - WELL-being -- Psychological aspects SP - 95 EP - 107 SN - 00071269 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4587 T1 - Spirituality in psychiatry: a biopsychosocial perspective JF - Psychiatry JA - Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/psyc.2010.73.2.145 A1 - Galanter,Marc VL - 73 IS - 2 PY - 2010/// N2 - This paper reviews a body of findings in order to define the nature of spirituality from a biopsychosocial perspective and to illustrate its relevance to the field of psychiatry. The emergence of spirituality within the common culture is described, after which a number of sociobiologically related studies are presented to illustrate how its component dimensions can be defined. These are evolutionary adaptation, affectional ties, subjective experiences, and positive psychology. The relevance of spiritually related issues in psychiatric diagnosis are illustrated, along with examples of their role in symptom relief. The paper concludes with a description of a program implemented to integrate the issue of spirituality into resident training and into group support for hospital-based patients. SP - 145 EP - 157 SN - 1943-281X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4588 T1 - The puzzle of Muslim advantage in child survival in India JF - Journal of Health Economics JA - J Health Econ M3 - 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2009.11.002 A1 - Bhalotra,Sonia A1 - Valente,Christine A1 - van Soest,Arthur VL - 29 IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N2 - The socioeconomic status of Indian Muslims is, on average, considerably lower than that of upper-caste Hindus. Muslims nevertheless exhibit substantially higher child survival rates, and have done for decades. This paper analyses this seeming puzzle. A decomposition of the survival differential confirms that some compositional effects favour Muslims but that, overall, differences in characteristics and especially the Muslim deficit in parental education predict a Muslim disadvantage. The results of this study contribute to a recent literature that debates the importance of socioeconomic status (SES) in determining health and survival. They augment a growing literature on the role of religion or culture as encapsulating important unobservable behaviours or endowments that influence health, indeed, enough to reverse the SES gradient that is commonly observed. SP - 191 EP - 204 SN - 1879-1646 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4589 T1 - Exercise, yoga, and meditation for depressive and anxiety disorders JF - American Family Physician JA - Am Fam Physician A1 - Saeed,Sy Atezaz A1 - Antonacci,Diana J A1 - Bloch,Richard M VL - 81 IS - 8 PY - 2010/04/15/ N2 - Anxiety and depression are among the most common conditions cited by those seeking treatment with complementary and alternative therapies, such as exercise, meditation, tai chi, qigong, and yoga. The use of these therapies is increasing. Several studies of exercise and yoga have demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness superior to no-activity controls and comparable with established depression and anxiety treatments (e.g., cognitive behavior therapy, sertraline, imipramine). High-energy exercise (i.e., weekly expenditure of at least 17.5 kcal per kg) and frequent aerobic exercise (i.e., at least three to five times per week) reduce symptoms of depression more than less frequent or lower-energy exercise. Mindful meditation and exercise have positive effects as adjunctive treatments for depressive disorders, although some studies show multiple methodological weaknesses. For anxiety disorders, exercise and yoga have also shown positive effects, but there are far less data on the effects of exercise on anxiety than for exercise on depression. Tai chi, qigong, and meditation have not shown effectiveness as alternative treatments for depression and anxiety. SP - 981 EP - 986 SN - 1532-0650 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4590 T1 - God-sent ordeals and their discontents: Ultra-orthodox Jewish women negotiate prenatal testing JF - Social Science & Medicine (1982) JA - Soc Sci Med M3 - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.03.007 A1 - Ivry,Tsipy A1 - Teman,Elly A1 - Frumkin,Ayala VL - 72 IS - 9 PY - 2011/05// N1 -

This study concludes that prenatal testing is a spiritual ordeal for ultra-Orthodox Jewish women due to the fact that finding fetal anomalies results in anxiety about the capacity of the woman to fulfill her G-d-given task of raising a disabled child, even when responsibility for making challenging reproductive decisions was handed over to a rabbi.

N2 - Through narrative interviews with 20 pregnant ultra-orthodox [Haredi] Jewish women in Israel conducted between 2007 and 2009, we examine the implications for such women of prenatal testing, and of pregnancy as a gendered route of piety. We found that pregnancy signified both a divine mission and possible reproductive misfortunes. Bearing a child with a disability was taken as a test of faith and God's decree was to be accepted. Fetal anomaly created anxiety about the women's ability to fulfill their God-given task and about their position in an unwritten hierarchy of gendered righteousness. Challenging reproductive decisions were often assigned to rabbis, but this did not exempt women from viewing themselves as inadequate in their religious devotion. We conclude that prenatal testing becomes a spiritual ordeal that aggravates pregnancy tensions. SP - 1527 EP - 1533 SN - 1873-5347 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21470732 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4591 T1 - Atheism and mental health JF - Harvard Review of Psychiatry JA - Harv Rev Psychiatry M3 - 10.3109/10673221003747674 A1 - Whitley,Rob VL - 18 IS - 3 PY - 2010/06// N2 - The exploration of the impact of religiosity on mental health is an enduring, if somewhat quiet, tradition. There has been virtually no exploration, however, of the influence of atheism on mental health. Though not a "religion," atheism can be an orienting worldview that is often consciously chosen by its adherents, who firmly believe in the "truth" of atheism-a phenomenon known as "positive atheism." Atheism, especially positive atheism, is currently enjoying something of a renaissance in the Western liberal democracies-a trend often referred to as the "new atheism." I argue that atheism, especially positive atheism, should be treated as a meaningful sociocultural variable in the study of mental health. I argue that atheism (just like theism) is an appropriate domain of study for social and cultural psychiatrists (and allied social scientists) interested in exploring socio-environmental stressors and buffers relating to mental health. Specifically, I argue that (1) atheism needs to be accurately measured as an individual-level exposure variable, with the aim of relating that variable to psychiatric outcomes, (2) there needs to be greater systematic investigation into the influence of atheism on psychiatry as an institution, and (3) the relation of atheism to mental health needs to be explored by examining atheistic theory and its practical application, especially as it relates to the human condition, suffering, and concepts of personhood. SP - 190 EP - 194 SN - 1465-7309 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4592 T1 - Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis JF - Psychiatry Research JA - Psychiatry Res M3 - 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.08.011 A1 - Chiesa,Alberto A1 - Serretti,Alessandro VL - 187 IS - 3 PY - 2011/05/30/ N2 - Mindfulness- based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a meditation program based on an integration of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Mindfulness-based stress reduction. The aim of the present work is to review and conduct a meta-analysis of the current findings about the efficacy of MBCT for psychiatric patients. A literature search was undertaken using five electronic databases and references of retrieved articles. Main findings included the following: 1) MBCT in adjunct to usual care was significantly better than usual care alone for reducing major depression (MD) relapses in patients with three or more prior depressive episodes (4 studies), 2) MBCT plus gradual discontinuation of maintenance ADs was associated to similar relapse rates at 1year as compared with continuation of maintenance antidepressants (1 study), 3) the augmentation of MBCT could be useful for reducing residual depressive symptoms in patients with MD (2 studies) and for reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder in remission (1 study) and in patients with some anxiety disorders (2 studies). However, several methodological shortcomings including small sample sizes, non-randomized design of some studies and the absence of studies comparing MBCT to control groups designed to distinguish specific from non-specific effects of such practice underscore the necessity for further research. KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Databases, Factual KW - Humans KW - Mental Disorders KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 441 EP - 453 SN - 0165-1781 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20846726 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4593 T1 - Systemic hypnosis with depressed individuals and their families JF - The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis JA - Int J Clin Exp Hypn M3 - 10.1080/00207140903523277 A1 - Loriedo,Camillo A1 - Torti,Chiara VL - 58 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Historically, depression has been considered almost exclusively from an intrapersonal viewpoint, focusing almost entirely on the depressed individual in treatment. In this article, the focus is shifted to an interpersonal view of depression, emphasizing the role of family and cultural influences on the evolution of depression and its successful treatment. Patterns of hypnosis that can be applied in a systemic treatment framework are described and illustrated with case examples. SP - 222 EP - 246 SN - 1744-5183 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4595 T1 - Measuring mindfulness and examining its relationship with alcohol use and negative consequences JF - Psychology of Addictive Behaviors: Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors JA - Psychol Addict Behav M3 - 10.1037/a0021742 A1 - Fernandez,Anne C A1 - Wood,Mark D A1 - Stein,L A R A1 - Rossi,Joseph S VL - 24 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Mindfulness has been proposed as a useful adjunct to alcohol abuse treatment. However, very little research has examined the basic relationship between alcohol use and mindfulness. Inconsistency in definition and measurement of mindfulness across studies makes such research difficult to interpret and conduct. Therefore, the current research sought to validate an emerging mindfulness measure, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and examine its relationship with alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences among a sample of 316 college-aged adults. The purported factor structure of the FFMQ was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to examine relations among mindfulness, alcohol use, and alcohol-related negative consequences. Consistent with past research, results supported the five-factor structure of the FFMQ. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that two awareness-based factors of mindfulness were negatively related to alcohol use. After controlling for alcohol use, one acceptance-based factor (nonjudging of thoughts and feelings) was negatively related to alcohol-related consequences, and one awareness-based factor was positively related to consequences (all ps < .05). Effect sizes were small-medium. The results reported here inform the burgeoning development of mindfulness-based addiction treatment and provide additional psychometric validation of the FFMQ. KW - Alcohol Abuse KW - Mindfulness SP - 608 EP - 616 SN - 1939-1501 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4596 T1 - Dynamical complexity changes during two forms of meditation JF - Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications JA - Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications M3 - 10.1016/j.physa.2011.02.003 A1 - Li,Jin A1 - Hu,Jing A1 - Zhang,Yinhong A1 - Zhang,Xiaofeng VL - 390 IS - 12 PY - 2011/06// N2 - Detection of dynamical complexity changes in natural and man-made systems has deep scientific and practical meaning. We use the base-scale entropy method to analyze dynamical complexity changes for heart rate variability (HRV) series during specific traditional forms of Chinese Chi and Kundalini previous termYoga meditationnext term techniques in healthy young adults. The results show that dynamical complexity decreases in previous termmeditationnext term states for two forms of previous termmeditation.next term Meanwhile, we detected changes in probability distribution of m-words during previous termmeditationnext term and explained this changes using probability distribution of sine function. The base-scale entropy method may be used on a wider range of physiologic signals. SP - 2381 EP - 2387 SN - 03784371 UR - http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378437111001117 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4598 T1 - Building Spiritual Fitness in the Army: An Innovative Approach to a Vital Aspect of Human Development JF - American Psychologist M3 - 10.1037/a0021657 A1 - Pargament,Kenneth I. A1 - Sweeney,Patrick J. VL - 66 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - This article describes the development of the spiritual fitness component of the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) program. Spirituality is defined in the human sense as the journey people take to discover and realize their essential selves and higher order aspirations. Several theoretically and empirically based reasons are articulated for why spirituality is a necessary component of the CSF program: Human spirituality is a significant motivating force, spirituality is a vital resource for human development, and spirituality is a source of struggle that can lead to growth or decline. A conceptual model developed by Sweeney, Hannah, and Snider (2007) is used to identify several psychological structures and processes that facilitate the development of the human spirit. From this model, an educational, computer-based program has been developed to promote spiritual resilience. This program consists of three tiers: (a) building awareness of the self and the human spirit, (b) building awareness of resources to cultivate the human spirit, and (c) building awareness of the human spirit of others. Further research will be needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative and potentially important program. KW - Prevention KW - resilience KW - spiritual struggles KW - spirituality KW - values SP - 58 EP - 64 SN - 0003-066X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4599 T1 - Attention management as a treatment for chronic pain JF - European Journal of Pain M3 - 10.1016/j.ejpain.2008.12.002 A1 - Elomaa,Minna M. A1 - de C. Williams,Amanda C. A1 - Kalso,Eija A. VL - 13 IS - 10 PY - 2009/11// N1 -

Attention management is often included in cognitive-behavioural treatments (CBT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of attention management strategies in the treatment for chronic pain. The present pilot study consisted of six weekly 90-min treatment sessions and was based on a CBT attention management manual describing techniques such as attention diversion, imagery and mindfulness exercises. The intended outcomes were reduction in pain-related anxiety and hypervigilance to pain and decrease in pain impact of everyday life, measured by self-report. Information was collected at baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. The results at the end of treatment, and at 3-month follow-up, show significant reductions in pain-related anxiety, hypervigilance and interference of pain (effect sizes 0.40–0.90). Reduction in pain-related interference and anxiety remained at the 6-month follow-up. The results indicate that attention control skills can be a useful method to reduce anxiety in the short term. Clinical implications of the results are discussed.

N2 - Attention management is often included in cognitive-behavioural treatments (CBT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of attention management strategies in the treatment for chronic pain. The present pilot study consisted of six weekly 90-min treatment sessions and was based on a CBT attention management manual describing techniques such as attention diversion, imagery and mindfulness exercises. The intended outcomes were reduction in pain-related anxiety and hypervigilance to pain and decrease in pain impact of everyday life, measured by self-report. Information was collected at baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. The results at the end of treatment, and at 3-month follow-up, show significant reductions in pain-related anxiety, hypervigilance and interference of pain (effect sizes 0.40-0.90). Reduction in pain-related interference and anxiety remained at the 6-month follow-up. The results indicate that attention control skills can be a useful method to reduce anxiety in the short term. Clinical implications of the results are discussed. KW - Attention management KW - Chronic pain KW - Cognitive-behavioural therapy KW - Pain-related anxiety SP - 1062 EP - 1067 SN - 1090-3801 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WF3-4VC745B-1/2/ca6907b49c3ecb19f2c338d6d9107606 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4600 T1 - Spirituality and Young Women in Transition: A Preliminary Investigation. JF - Counseling & Values A1 - Livingston,Kimberly A. A1 - Cummings,Anne L. VL - 53 IS - 3 PY - 2009/04// N2 - This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge about spirituality and life transitions Through qualitative investigation, 9 young women in professional education programs described their definition of spirituality, their spiritual activities, and hew they used their spirituality to cope with life transitions as they prepared to enter the workforce. These women viewed spirituality as including connectedness and a special relationship with a Being outside of themselves Their spiritual activities were private and nontraditional (e.g, meditation, prayer, being in nature), and most of them reported that their spirituality helped them deal with their life transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CAREER education KW - LABOR market KW - LABOR supply KW - PROFESSIONAL education KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - spirituality SP - 224 EP - 235 SN - 01607960 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4601 T1 - Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders JF - Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics JA - Expert Rev Neurother M3 - 10.1586/ern.09.140 A1 - Hammond,D Corydon VL - 10 IS - 2 PY - 2010/02// N2 - Self-hypnosis training represents a rapid, cost-effective, nonaddictive and safe alternative to medication for the treatment of anxiety-related conditions. Here we provide a review of the experimental literature on the use of self-hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders, including anxiety associated with cancer, surgery, burns and medical/dental procedures. An overview of research is also provided with regard to self-hypnotic treatment of anxiety-related disorders, such as tension headaches, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. The tremendous volume of research provides compelling evidence that hypnosis is an efficacious treatment for state anxiety (e.g., prior to tests, surgery and medical procedures) and anxiety-related disorders, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Although six studies demonstrate changes in trait anxiety, this review recommends that further randomized controlled outcome studies are needed on the hypnotic treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and in documenting changes in trait anxiety. Recommendations are made for selecting clinical referral sources. SP - 263 EP - 273 SN - 1744-8360 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4602 T1 - Religion and psychosis: the effects of the Welsh religious revival in 1904-1905 JF - Psychological Medicine JA - Psychol Med M3 - 10.1017/S0033291709991917 A1 - Linden,S C A1 - Harris,M A1 - Whitaker,C A1 - Healy,D VL - 40 IS - 8 PY - 2010/08// N2 - BACKGROUND: Psychotic symptoms have been linked to religious experience, but empirical evidence is scarce. We have investigated the impact of the Welsh religious revival (RR) of 1904-1905 on the number of admissions to the regional psychiatric hospital, their diagnostic features and lifelong course. METHOD: All case-notes of patients admitted to the North Wales Hospital between 1902 and 1907 were included. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in admissions for brief polymorphic psychoses (BPP; ICD-10: F23.0 and F23.1) in the revival years, but the number of first admissions for other mental disorders did not change. The vast majority of BPP admissions were linked to a revival meeting and did not result in further admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive religious experience can lead to transient psychotic episodes. Our data also support the view that BPP triggered by life events rarely lead to chronic mental illness, distinguishing them from other psychoses and supporting the validity of the concept of reactive psychosis. SP - 1317 EP - 1323 SN - 1469-8978 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4603 T1 - The brief serenity scale: a psychometric analysis of a measure of spirituality and well-being JF - Journal of Holistic Nursing: Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association JA - J Holist Nurs M3 - 10.1177/0898010108327212 A1 - Kreitzer,Mary Jo A1 - Gross,Cynthia R A1 - Waleekhachonloet,On-anong A1 - Reilly-Spong,Maryanne A1 - Byrd,Marcia VL - 27 IS - 1 PY - 2009/03// N2 - PURPOSE: This article describes a factor analysis of a 22-item version of the Serenity Scale, a tool that measures spirituality and well-being. METHOD: A sample of 87 participants, enrolled in a National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trial examining the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on symptom management post-solid organ transplantation, completed the abbreviated instrument. FINDINGS: Exploratory factor analysis yielded three subscales: acceptance, inner haven, and trust. The Serenity Scale was positively associated with positive affect and mindful awareness and inversely related to negative affect, anxiety, depression, health distress and transplant-related stress. CONCLUSIONS: Serenity, a dimension of spirituality that is secular and distinct from religious orientation or religiosity, shows promise as a tool that could be used to measure outcomes of nursing interventions that improve health and well-being. IMPLICATIONS: Spirituality is recognized as being an essential component of holistic nursing practice. As nurses expand their use of spiritual interventions, it is important to document outcomes related to nursing care. The Serenity Scale appears to capture a dimension of spirituality, a state of acceptance, inner haven and trust that is distinct from other spirituality instruments. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Attitude to Health KW - Female KW - Holistic Health KW - Holistic Nursing KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical KW - Nursing Methodology Research KW - Personality Assessment KW - Psychometrics KW - Quality of Life KW - spirituality KW - United States SP - 7 EP - 16 SN - 0898-0101 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4605 T1 - The mutual redemption of divine and human being JF - The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry JA - J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.111 A1 - Mackenna,Christopher VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - A clinical experience with a religiously-minded patient is presented, in which an unthinking observation made by the analyst-based on the mistaken belief that he and his patient had evolved a shared God language-proved nearly catastrophic for the work. Subsequent analysis revealed the complicated intertwining of maternal and paternal material in previously unconscious aspects of the patient's god image. Analysis of these components and greater understanding of transference dynamics brought limited therapeutic gains, until the patient was able to overcome her resistance to speaking about a core sexual fantasy. This achievement was the prelude to a vision that revealed the common root of her sexual and spiritual eros. Working through these understandings led both to greater personal integration and to the "humanizing" of her primitive god image. KW - Adult KW - Christianity KW - Communication KW - Conflict (Psychology) KW - Countertransference (Psychology) KW - Culture KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Psychoanalytic Interpretation KW - Psychoanalytic Therapy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Transference (Psychology) SP - 111 EP - 122 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4606 T1 - Distance delivery of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: Project UPLIFT JF - Epilepsy & Behavior M3 - 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.07.031 A1 - Thompson,Nancy J. A1 - Walker,Elizabeth Reisinger A1 - Obolensky,Natasha A1 - Winning,Ashley A1 - Barmon,Christina A1 - DiIorio,Colleen A1 - Compton,Michael T. VL - 19 IS - 3 PY - 2010/11// N2 - This study evaluated the efficacy of a newly developed, home-based depression intervention for people with epilepsy. Based on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), the eight-session, weekly intervention was designed for group delivery via the Internet or telephone. Forty participants were randomly assigned to intervention or waitlist. Depressive symptoms and other outcomes were measured at baseline, after intervening in the intervention group (~ 8 weeks), and after intervening in the waitlist group (~ 16 weeks). Depressive symptoms decreased significantly more in the intervention group than the waitlist group; Internet and telephone did not differ. This effect persisted over the 8 weeks when those waitlisted received the intervention. Knowledge/skills increased significantly more in the intervention than the waitlist group. All other changes, though not significant, were in the expected direction. Findings indicate that distance delivery of group MBCT can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in people with epilepsy. Directions for future research are proposed. KW - Cognitive behavioral therapy KW - Depression KW - Distance delivery KW - Epilepsy KW - Mindfulness SP - 247 EP - 254 SN - 1525-5050 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WDT-512DT02-1/2/5b396892e9a3c6b160754f8c2af67aea ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4607 T1 - Religion and Suicide: Buddhism, Native American and African Religions, Atheism, and Agnosticism JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9248-8 A1 - Lizardi,D. A1 - Gearing,R. E. VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Research has repeatedly demonstrated that religiosity can potentially serve as a protective factor against suicidal behavior. A clear understanding of the influence of religion on suicidality is required to more fully assess for the risk of suicide. The databases PsycINFO and MEDLINE were used to search peer-reviewed journals prior to 2008 focusing on religion and suicide. Articles focusing on suicidality across Buddhism, Native American and African religions, as well as on the relationship among Atheism, Agnosticism, and suicide were utilized for this review. Practice recommendations are offered for conducting accurate assessment of religiosity as it relates to suicidality in these populations. Given the influence of religious beliefs on suicide, it is important to examine each major religious group for its unique conceptualization and position on suicide to accurately identify a client’s suicide risk. SP - 377 EP - 384 SN - 0022-4197 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4608 T1 - Culture analysis and metaphor psychotherapy with Arab-Muslim clients JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20568 A1 - Dwairy,Marwan VL - 65 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - Attempting to reveal unconscious content and promoting self-actualization may be counterproductive for clients who come from collectivistic cultures. Such treatment goals may expose clients to harsh confrontations with the family. Clients with dependency traits, low ego-strength, and strict families may be helped through metaphor psychotherapy or culture analysis. Metaphor therapy makes it possible to deal symbolically and indirectly with unconscious content; culture analysis can pave the way to reveal unconscious needs and enable clients to establish a new order within their belief systems and within their families. The present article describes these two therapy methods and illustrates their clinical use with an Arab-Muslim suffering from depression. Through such therapy anchored in his own culture and religion, the client altered his beliefs, became satisfied with himself, and found successful ways to adapt to his family. KW - Arabs KW - Culture KW - depression KW - Humans KW - ISLAM KW - Male KW - Metaphor KW - Outcome Assessment (Health Care) KW - Prognosis KW - Psychotherapy KW - Young Adult SP - 199 EP - 209 SN - 1097-4679 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19061250 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4609 T1 - The relationship between dispositional mindfulness and conditional goal setting in depressed patients JF - The British Journal of Clinical Psychology / the British Psychological Society JA - Br J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1348/014466509X455209 A1 - Crane,Catherine A1 - Barnhofer,Thorsten A1 - Hargus,Emily A1 - Amarasinghe,Myanthi A1 - Winder,Rosie VL - 49 IS - Pt 3 PY - 2010/09// N2 - OBJECTIVES: This study explored the association between conditional goal setting (CGS; the tendency to view the achievement of high order goals for the self as conditional upon the achievement of lower order goals) and dispositional mindfulness. DESIGN/METHODS: CGS and dispositional mindfulness were assessed in 31 depressed patients in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: A significant association was identified between increased dispositional mindfulness and reduced CGS, which remained after controlling for severity of depressed mood. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that treatment interventions that increase levels of mindful awareness may have the capacity to reduce CGS in depressed patients. SP - 281 EP - 290 SN - 0144-6657 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4611 T1 - Considering religion and beliefs in child protection and safeguarding work: Is any consensus emerging? JF - Child Abuse Review M3 - 10.1002/car.1059 A1 - Gilligan,Philip VL - 18 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Diverse, but significant, phenomena have combined to raise both the profile of issues related to religion and child abuse and the need for professionals to understand and respond appropriately to them. The nature of some of these issues is explored and attempts made to clarify them. Data collected by the author primarily from questionnaires completed by professionals involved in child protection and safeguarding work are analysed and discussed. Some patterns are identified and explored. Finally, it is suggested that, despite the apparent emergence of a more general recognition and acknowledgement of these issues amongst many professionals, relevant day-to-day practice remains largely dependent on individual views and attitudes. Moreover, practitioners are able to continue with 'religion-blind' and 'belief-blind' approaches without these being significantly challenged by agency policies or by professional cultures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - attitudes KW - Beliefs KW - CHILD abuse KW - child protection KW - Child Welfare KW - Protective Services KW - religion KW - Religious Beliefs KW - safeguarding work KW - Safety SP - 94 EP - 110 SN - 0952-9136 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4612 T1 - Faith and Religious Beliefs in an Outpatient Military Population JF - Southern Medical Journal M3 - 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e3181de0304 A1 - McLaughlin,S. S. A1 - McLaughlin,A. D. A1 - Van Slyke,J. A. VL - 103 IS - 6 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Background: This study of outpatients at a military medical center seeks to evaluate the extent that this population relies on religion and spirituality to cope with health-related stress. This study also assesses outpatients' desire for spiritual intervention in the context of their medical appointments. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 670 outpatients presenting at a military medical center. Results: The majority of respondents endorsed a Christian religious affiliation (87%), a belief in God (91%), and attendance at religious services at least a few times a month (53%). Respondents who were male, younger than age 43, and on active duty were significantly less likely to attend religious services, believe in God (or a 'higher power'), or rely on religion or spirituality to cope with illness. Outpatients presenting for procedures or treatments were more likely to desire prayer or other religious intervention, as compared to patients who had regular clinic appointments. Conclusions: Compared to the general US population, a higher percentage of this patient population believes in God ( 91% vs. 78%), attends religious services once a week or more (42% vs. 30%), and endorses a Christian religious affiliation (87% vs. 73%). Because one-third of the surveyed outpatients desired prayer or other religious support, we concluded that all outpatients should be explicitly notified of the pastoral care and counseling services that are available for them. SP - 527 EP - 531 SN - 0038-4348 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4613 T1 - Private prayer and quality of life in cardiac patients: Pathways of cognitive coping and social support. JF - Social Work in Health Care M3 - 10.1080/00981380802589829 A1 - Ai,Amy L. A1 - Corley,Connie S. A1 - Peterson,Christopher A1 - Huang,Bu A1 - Tice,Terrence N. VL - 48 IS - 4 PY - 2009/05// N1 -

Despite the growing evidence linking faith with health and well-being, national leaders noted the need to explore the mechanism underlying these linkages. The goal of this prospective study was to investigate the psychosocial mechanisms involved in the preoperative use of private prayer for coping and the effects of such act on short-term quality of life (SPQOL) in 294 patients following open-heart surgery. Using established instruments, three interviews were conducted with middle-aged and older patients (average age 62) at two weeks and two days preoperatively, then 36 days postoperatively. The endpoints were assessed with levels of distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) and fatigue symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical model. The final model showed the indirect influence of using prayer for coping on SPQOL through the mediation of cognitive coping and perceived social support. However, this mediation was not observed for behavioral, anger, and avoidant coping. Psychosocial factors may explain the potential role of using prayer for coping on short-term postoperative quality of life.

N2 - Despite the growing evidence linking faith with health and well-being, national leaders noted the need to explore the mechanism underlying these linkages. The goal of this prospective study was to investigate the psychosocial mechanisms involved in the preoperative use of private prayer for coping and the effects of such act on short-term quality of life (SPQOL) in 294 patients following open-heart surgery. Using established instruments, three interviews were conducted with middle-aged and older patients (average age 62) at two weeks and two days preoperatively, then 36 days postoperatively. The endpoints were assessed with levels of distress (e.g., depression and anxiety) and fatigue symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical model. The final model showed the indirect influence of using prayer for coping on SPQOL through the mediation of cognitive coping and perceived social support. However, this mediation was not observed for behavioral, anger, and avoidant coping. Psychosocial factors may explain the potential role of using prayer for coping on short-term postoperative quality of life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - cardiac patients KW - Coping KW - Coping Behavior KW - Heart Surgery KW - prayer KW - private prayer KW - Quality of Life KW - short term quality of life SP - 471 EP - 494 SN - 0098-1389 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4614 T1 - Religiosity and Sexuality: Experiences of Brazilian Catholic Women JF - Health Care for Women International JA - Hlth. Care for Women Int. M3 - 10.1080/07399332.2010.486881 A1 - Hoga,Luiza Akiko Komura A1 - Tibúrcio,Cristiane Alves A1 - Borges,Ana Luiza Vilela A1 - Reberte,Luciana Magnoni VL - 31 IS - 8 PY - 2010/08// N2 - The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of a group of Catholic women related to the orientations received from priests and parents and their influence on sexual attitudes. The oral history method was used to interview 17 Catholic women. Three categories summarize women's experiences: orientations about sexuality received from priests; lack of orientation or existence of open dialogue about sexuality: distinct experiences in the family context; adherence or repudiation; and distinct attitudes toward orientations received. Health professionals systematically should seek knowledge about women's religious principles, because this is essential for meaningful and ethical health care. SP - 700 EP - 717 SN - 0739-9332 UR - http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?genre=article&doi=10.1080/07399332.2010.486881&magic=crossref||D404A21C5BB053405B1A640AFFD44AE3 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4615 T1 - Religious involvement and cigarette smoking among Iranian university students JF - International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine JA - Int J Psychiatry Med A1 - Nakhaee,Nouzar A1 - Divsalar,Kouros A1 - Jadidi,Nadjme VL - 39 IS - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence of cigarette smoking in a group of Iranian Muslim students and also to find out if there is a relationship between religious practices and cigarette smoking. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 950 university students in Kerman, Iran were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions on demographic data, cigarette smoking, and religious practices. It was explained that the study was anonymous and voluntary, and confidentiality was assured. RESULTS: All 833 subjects who participated in the study were Muslims, 54.1% of whom were female and 89.3% were single. Approximately 40% of male students and 5.8% of the female ones were smokers. Based on bivariate analysis, some differences were noted in the prevalence of smoking according to gender, marital status, income, average university scores, close friend's smoking, parental smoking, reading the Quran, saying prayers, mosque attendance, and fasting. Using multivariate analysis, male gender, higher income, lower average exam scores, and close friend's smoking being associated with the likelihood to smoke cigarettes. The odds ratio for cigarette smoking in the upper tertile compared with those in the lower tertile of religious activity was 0.53 (CI 95% 0.33-0.84). CONCLUSION: Religious activities may have a protective role against cigarette smoking among Muslim college students in the country. KW - Adolescent KW - Cross-Sectional Studies KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Iran KW - ISLAM KW - Male KW - Odds Ratio KW - Questionnaires KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Smoking KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - Students KW - Young Adult SP - 189 EP - 198 SN - 0091-2174 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4616 T1 - Mindfulness-based approaches: are they all the same? JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20776 A1 - Chiesa,Alberto A1 - Malinowski,Peter VL - 67 IS - 4 PY - 2011/04// N2 - Mindfulness-based approaches are increasingly employed as interventions for treating a variety of psychological, psychiatric and physical problems. Such approaches include ancient Buddhist mindfulness meditations such as Vipassana and Zen meditations, modern group-based standardized meditations, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and further psychological interventions, such as dialectical behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. We review commonalities and differences of these interventions regarding philosophical background, main techniques, aims, outcomes, neurobiology and psychological mechanisms. In sum, the currently applied mindfulness-based interventions show large differences in the way mindfulness is conceptualized and practiced. The decision to consider such practices as unitary or as distinct phenomena will probably influence the direction of future research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1-21, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Behavior Therapy KW - BUDDHIST meditations KW - MEDITATION -- Therapeutic use KW - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy KW - Neurobiology KW - stress management SP - 404 EP - 424 SN - 00219762 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4617 T1 - Religious coping and caregiver well-being in Mexican-American families JF - Aging & Mental Health JA - Aging Ment Health M3 - 10.1080/13607860802154507 A1 - Herrera,Angelica P A1 - Lee,Jerry W A1 - Nanyonjo,Rebecca D A1 - Laufman,Larry E A1 - Torres-Vigil,Isabel VL - 13 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N2 - OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore the association of religious and spiritual coping with multiple measures of well-being in Latinos caring for older relatives with long-term or permanent disability, either with or without dementia. METHODS: Using a multi-dimensional survey instrument, we conducted in-home interviews with 66 predominantly Mexican-American Catholic family caregivers near the US-Mexico border. We assessed caregivers' intrinsic, organizational and non-organizational religiosity with the Duke Religiosity Index, as well as Pargament's brief positive and negative spiritual coping scale to determine the association of religiosity with caregivers' mental and physical health, depressive symptomatology and perceived burden. RESULTS: Using regression analysis, we controlled for sociocultural factors (e.g. familism, acculturation), other forms of formal and informal support, care recipients' functional status and characteristics of the caregiving dyad. Intrinsic and organizational religiosity was associated with lower perceived burden, while non-organizational religiosity was associated with poorer mental health. Negative religious coping (e.g. feelings that the caregiver burden is a punishment) predicted greater depression. CONCLUSION: Measures of well-being should be evaluated in relation to specific styles of religious and spiritual coping, given our range of findings. Further investigation is warranted regarding how knowledge of the positive and negative associations between religiosity and caregiving may assist healthcare providers in supporting Latino caregivers. KW - Activities of Daily Living KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - California KW - Caregivers KW - Disabled Persons KW - Female KW - Health Status KW - Humans KW - Interviews as Topic KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Mexican Americans KW - Middle Aged KW - Regression Analysis KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Young Adult SP - 84 EP - 91 SN - 1364-6915 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4618 T1 - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: an efficacious community-based group intervention for depression and anxiety in a sample of cancer patients JF - The Medical Journal of Australia JA - Med. J. Aust A1 - Sharplin,Greg R A1 - Jones,Simeon B W A1 - Hancock,Barbara A1 - Knott,Vikki E A1 - Bowden,Jacqueline A A1 - Whitford,Hayley S VL - 193 IS - 5 Suppl PY - 2010/09/06/ N2 - OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of an 8-week structured mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program on individuals experiencing distress as a consequence of cancer. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective study of 16 participants with a history of cancer and five carers of people with cancer recruited from August 2008 to February 2009 through calls to the Cancer Council South Australia Helpline. Participants were assessed for anxiety and depression before and after undergoing a course in MBCT between 30 September and 18 November 2008 and 20 February and 10 April 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Depression, anxiety and mindfulness as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), respectively, and a consumer-centred evaluation. RESULTS There were significant reductions in depression (F[1,24] = 6.37; P = 0.012; partial-eta2 = 0.27) and anxiety (F[2,34] = 9.43; P = 0.001, partial-eta2 = 0.36) and mindfulness (F[2,32] = 8.36; P = 0.001; partial-eta2 = 0.34) following the intervention, and these effects were sustained at the 3-month follow-up. Reliable change indices further support these findings. Participants' scores on measures of depression and anxiety decreased as a function of increased mindfulness, as reflected by significant (P < 0.05) negative correlations between FMI scores and BDI-II scores (ranging from r = -0.46 to r = -0.79) and STAI scores (ranging from r = -0.46 to r = -0.50) scores at all time points. CONCLUSION The MBCT program appears to be an efficacious intervention for use among people affected by cancer who also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Anxiety KW - Causality KW - Cognition KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Comorbidity KW - depression KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasms KW - Prospective Studies KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Psychotherapy, Group KW - Quality of Life KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - social support KW - South Australia KW - Treatment Outcome SP - S79-82 EP - S79-82 SN - 0025-729X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21542452 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4620 T1 - Yoga and disc degenerative disease in cervical and lumbar spine: an MR imaging-based case control study JF - European Spine Journal: Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society JA - Eur Spine J M3 - 10.1007/s00586-010-1547-y A1 - Jeng,Chin-Ming A1 - Cheng,Tzu-Chieh A1 - Kung,Ching-Huei A1 - Hsu,Hue-Chen VL - 20 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - The objective of the current study was to find out whether yoga practice was beneficial to the spine by comparing degenerative disc disease in the spines of long-time yoga practitioners and non-yoga practicing controls, using an objective measurement tool, magnetic resonance imaging. This matched case-control study comprised 18 yoga instructors with teaching experience of more than 10 years and 18 non-yoga practicing asymptomatic individuals randomly selected from a health checkup database. A validated grading scale was used to grade the condition of cervical and lumbar discs seen in magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, and the resulting data analyzed statistically. The mean number of years of yoga practice for the yoga group was 12.9 ± 7.5. The overall (cervical + lumbar) disc scores of the yoga group were significantly lower (indicating less degenerative disc disease) than those of the control group (P < 0.001). The scores for the cervical vertebral discs of the yoga group were also significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001), while the lower scores for the yoga group in the lumbar group approached, but did not reach, statistical significance (P = 0.055). The scores for individual discs of yoga practitioners showed significantly less degenerative disease at three disc levels, C3/C4, L2/L3 and L3/L4 (P < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the group of long-term practitioners of yoga studied had significantly less degenerative disc disease than a matched control group. SP - 408 EP - 413 SN - 1432-0932 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20711844 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4621 T1 - The development of the Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture JA - Mental Hlth., Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802637643 A1 - AlMarri,Tayyiba A1 - Oei,Tian A1 - Al-Adawi,Samir VL - 12 IS - 5 PY - 2009/07// N2 - The authors developed a measure of religious practices and beliefs for Muslims, the “Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale,” and tested its validity with surveys of Arab Muslims living the United Arab Emirates and Oman (N = 611) and Asian Muslims living in Malaysia and Indonesia (N = 303). Analysis of the results indicates that the data fit the model well, with good internal consistency and validity. SP - 415 EP - 426 SN - 1367-4676 UR - http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?genre=article&doi=10.1080/13674670802637643&magic=crossref||D404A21C5BB053405B1A640AFFD44AE3 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4622 T1 - "If God wanted me yesterday, I wouldn't be here today": religious and spiritual themes in patients' experiences of advanced cancer JF - Journal of Palliative Medicine JA - J Palliat Med M3 - 10.1089/jpm.2009.0343 A1 - Alcorn,Sara R A1 - Balboni,Michael J A1 - Prigerson,Holly G A1 - Reynolds,Amy A1 - Phelps,Andrea C A1 - Wright,Alexi A A1 - Block,Susan D A1 - Peteet,John R A1 - Kachnic,Lisa A A1 - Balboni,Tracy A VL - 13 IS - 5 PY - 2010/05// N1 -

This study sought to inductively derive core themes of religion and/or spirituality (R/S) active in patients' experiences of advanced cancer to inform the development of spiritual care interventions in the terminally ill cancer setting. The authors concluded that R/S plays a variety of important and inter-related roles for most advanced cancer patients. Future research is needed to determine how spiritual care can incorporate these five themes and address R/S concerns.

N2 - BACKGROUND: This study sought to inductively derive core themes of religion and/or spirituality (R/S) active in patients' experiences of advanced cancer to inform the development of spiritual care interventions in the terminally ill cancer setting. METHODS: This is a multisite, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study of randomly-selected patients with advanced cancer (n = 68). Scripted interviews assessed the role of R/S and R/S concerns encountered in the advanced cancer experience. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed. Theme extraction was performed with interdisciplinary input (sociology of religion, medicine, theology), utilizing grounded theory. Spearman correlations determined the degree of association between R/S themes. Predictors of R/S concerns were assessed using linear regression and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 53, 78%) stated that R/S had been important to the cancer experience. In descriptions of how R/S was related to the cancer experience, five primary R/S themes emerged: coping, practices, beliefs, transformation, and community. Most interviews (75%) contained two or more R/S themes, with 45% mentioning three or more R/S themes. Multiple significant subtheme interrelationships were noted between the primary R/S themes. Most participants (85%) identified 1 or more R/S concerns, with types of R/S concerns spanning the five R/S themes. Younger, more religious, and more spiritual patients identified R/S concerns more frequently (beta = -0.11, p < 0.001; beta = 0.83, p = 0.03; and beta = 0.89, p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: R/S plays a variety of important and inter-related roles for most advanced cancer patients. Future research is needed to determine how spiritual care can incorporate these five themes and address R/S concerns. SP - 581 EP - 588 SN - 1557-7740 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4624 T1 - Subjective well-being and religiosity in Egyptian college students JF - Psychological Reports JA - Psychol Rep A1 - Abdel-Khalek,Ahmed M VL - 108 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - A sample of 224 Egyptian college students (101 men, 123 women) was recruited. Their ages ranged from 17 to 29 years (M = 18.9, SD = 1.5). They responded to the Arabic versions of the Oxford Happiness Inventory, the Love of Life Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale, as well as five separate single-item self-rating scales assessing physical health, mental health, happiness, satisfaction, and religiosity. All correlations between the measures and rating scales of subjective well-being and religiosity were statistically significant and positive, the largest between satisfaction and religiosity. Only one factor was retained in principal components factor analysis of the correlation matrix and labeled "Well-being and religiosity." It was concluded that religious persons in the present sample reported higher subjective well-being. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Cross-Cultural Comparison KW - Egypt KW - Female KW - Humans KW - ISLAM KW - Male KW - Personal Satisfaction KW - Personality Inventory KW - Psychometrics KW - Quality of Life KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality KW - Students KW - Young Adult SP - 54 EP - 58 SN - 0033-2941 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21526591 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4625 T1 - Prospective study of religious coping among patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation JF - Journal of Behavioral Medicine JA - J Behav Med M3 - 10.1007/s10865-008-9179-y A1 - Sherman,Allen C A1 - Plante,Thomas G A1 - Simonton,Stephanie A1 - Latif,Umaira A1 - Anaissie,Elias J VL - 32 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N2 - Considerable attention has focused on relationships between religious or spiritual coping and health outcomes among cancer patients. However, few studies have differentiated among discrete dimensions of religious coping, and there have been surprisingly few prospective investigations. Negative or conflicted aspects of religious coping, in particular, represent a compelling area for investigation. This prospective study examined negative religious coping, positive religious coping, and general religious orientation among 94 myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation. Participants were assessed during stem cell collection, and again in the immediate aftermath of transplantation, when risks for morbidity are most elevated. Outcomes included Brief Symptom Inventory anxiety and depression and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMI) scales. Negative religious coping at baseline predicted worse post-transplant anxiety, depression, emotional well-being, and transplant-related concerns, after controlling for outcome scores at baseline and other significant covariates. Post-transplant physical well-being was predicted by an interaction between baseline positive and negative religious coping. Results suggest that religious struggle may contribute to adverse changes in health outcomes for transplant patients, and highlight the importance of negative or strained religious responses to illness. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Models, Statistical KW - Multiple Myeloma KW - Prospective Studies KW - Regression Analysis KW - Religion and Medicine KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Stem Cell Transplantation KW - Transplantation, Autologous KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 118 EP - 128 SN - 0160-7715 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18855130 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4626 T1 - Aging among Jewish Americans: implications for understanding religion, ethnicity, and service needs JF - The Gerontologist JA - Gerontologist M3 - 10.1093/geront/gnp070 A1 - Glicksman,Allen A1 - Koropeckyj-Cox,Tanya VL - 49 IS - 6 PY - 2009/12// N2 - PURPOSE: This article challenges popular conceptions of the nature of ethnicity and religiousness in the gerontological literature. Using the example of older Jewish Americans, the authors argue for more nuanced definitions and usage of terms such as "religion" and "ethnicity" in order to begin to understand the complex interweaving of these two dimensions in the lives of older persons. DESIGN AND METHODS: The analyses used data from the 2000-2001 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) as well as comparisons with the 1990 NJPS. There were 1,099 respondents aged 65 years and older in the 2000-2001 NJPS who reported themselves to be Jewish. This sample was then split into three groups: those who reported observing only Judaism and were affiliated with a denomination within Judaism (n = 776) or were not affiliated (n = 277) and those who reported observing another faith in addition to Judaism (n = 46). RESULTS: Respondents to the 2000-2001 NJPS were older, wealthier, and less likely to be members of a religious denomination than those in the 1990 NJPS. Denominational affiliates were more likely than the other two groups to have a strong ethnic identity but less likely to indicate that religion was important in their lives. Denomination members were also more likely to be children or grandchildren of immigrants. IMPLICATIONS: Several key assumptions in the study of ethnicity and religiousness in much of current gerontological research need reassessment especially assumptions about the links between religious identification, beliefs, practices, and communal solidarity. SP - 816 EP - 827 SN - 1758-5341 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19542519 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4627 T1 - Religion, health beliefs and the use of mental health services by the elderly JF - Aging & Mental Health JA - Aging Ment Health M3 - 10.1080/13607863.2010.508771 A1 - Ng,Tze Pin A1 - Nyunt,Ma Shwe Zin A1 - Chiam,Peak Chiang A1 - Kua,Ee Heok VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2011/03// N2 - BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated whether elderly people of particular religious affiliations were more or less likely to seek treatment for mental illness, and whether it was related to their health beliefs. METHOD In the National Mental Survey of Elderly Singaporeans in 2004, data were collected on reported religious affiliations, and 1-year prevalence of mental disorders (DSM-IV diagnoses of psychiatric disorders) from diagnostic interviews using the Geriatric Mental State schedule, self-report of treatment for mental health problems, and health beliefs about the curability of mental illness, embarrassment and stigma, ease in discussing mental problems, effectiveness and safety of treatment, and trust in professionals. RESULTS Compared to those with no religious affiliation, elderly people of all religious affiliations showed higher prevalence of mental health problems, yet reported less frequent treatment by healthcare professionals. In multivariate analyses, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of association with seeking treatment were for Christianity, 0.12 (0.02-0.57); Islam, 0.12 (0.01-1.31); Buddhism/Taoism, 0.59 (0.18-1.88); and Hinduism, 0.21 (0.02-2.56) versus no affiliation. Various religious affiliations differ from each other and from non-religious affiliation on some negative health beliefs, but they did not adequately explain why religious affiliates were less likely to seek treatment. CONCLUSION Further studies should evaluate the lower tendency of elderly people with religious affiliations to seek treatment for mental health problems. SP - 143 EP - 149 SN - 1364-6915 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20938847 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4629 T1 - Religiosity, Sense of Meaning, and Health Behavior in Older Adults. JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508619.2010.481225 A1 - Homan,Kristin J. A1 - Boyatzis,Chris J. VL - 20 IS - 3 PY - 2010/07//Jul-Sep2010 N2 - The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between older adults' religiosity, sense of meaning in life, and health behavior. Three dimensions of religiosity were assessed: religious orientation (intrinsic and extrinsic), sanctification of the body, and relationship with God. Five health behaviors were measured: smoking, exercise, taking responsibility for one's own health, nutritious eating, and stress management. In general, stronger religiosity and sense of meaning were associated with healthier behaviors; however, extrinsic religious orientation was associated with decreased rates of healthy behavior. In regression analyses that controlled for service attendance, sex, age, and education, sense of meaning in life was the construct most consistently related to health behavior. Results support a model in which religion and sense of meaning affect health by motivating certain behaviors that are then tied directly to overall physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 173 EP - 186 SN - 10508619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4631 T1 - Cultural, ethical, and spiritual implications of natural disasters from the survivors' perspective JF - Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America JA - Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am M3 - 10.1016/j.ccell.2010.09.005 A1 - Varghese,Shainy B VL - 22 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Cultural, ethical, and spiritual implications of disaster depend on various factors. The impact of a disaster on a particular culture depends on the people in that culture and the strength and resilience of the culture. Disasters may slow cultural development; however, typically the customs, beliefs, and value systems remain the same even if the outward expressions of culture change. Critical to survivors is the implication of aid that is culturally sensitive. Ethical questions and dilemmas associated with disasters and their management are profound. Adhering to ethical principles does not solve all of the issues related to disaster management, but awareness of their utility is important. People affected by a disaster may not be capable of responding to human rights violations, so it is the first responders who must be cognizant of their responsibility to protect the victims’ dignity and rights. Ethical treatment of survivors entails a crucial blend of knowledge about ethnic culture, religious beliefs, and human rights. A strong awareness of ethical principles is merely a beginning step to well-informed decision making in disaster situations. The literature also suggests that during a crisis, spirituality helps victims to cope. Important to any catastrophic event is the understanding that every disaster creates unique circumstances that require relief responses tailored to the specific situation. SP - 515 EP - 522 SN - 1558-3481 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/21095559 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4633 T1 - Different Types of Religious/Spiritual Well-Being in Relation to Personality and Subjective Well-Being. JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508619.2011.557003 A1 - Unterrainer,Human-Friedrich A1 - Ladenhauf,Karl Heinz A1 - Wallner-Liebmann,Sandra Johanna A1 - Fink,Andreas VL - 21 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04//Apr-Jun2011 N2 - In this study the authors attempt to present different types of Religious/Spiritual Well-Being (RSWB) and discuss their relation to personality and psychological well-being. The Multidimensional Inventory for Religious/Spiritual Well-Being 48 is employed for this study, which consists of 6 subscales. To find different types of RSWB, an agglomerative cluster analysis on these subscales was performed based on the responses obtained in a nonclinical adult sample (n = 463). A 4-cluster solution was accepted. The clusters were labeled as Religious/Spiritual High, Religiously Oriented, Existentially Oriented, and Religious/Spiritual Low, and were found to be substantially related to Sense of Coherence (n = 263) and Six Factors of Personality (n = 200) in two different subsamples. By presenting a first empirical model for a 4-field typology of RSWB, we hope to further contribute to the ongoing discussion on how to deal with religious/spiritual issues in personality research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Cluster Analysis KW - PERSONALITY -- Religious aspects KW - Personality Assessment KW - RELIGIOUSNESS -- Psychological aspects KW - SENSE of coherence KW - WELL-being -- Religious aspects SP - 115 EP - 126 SN - 10508619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4634 T1 - Do medical models of mental illness relate to increased or decreased stigmatization of mental illness among orthodox Jews? JF - The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease JA - J. Nerv. Ment. Dis M3 - 10.1097/NMD.0b013e3181e07d99 A1 - Pirutinsky,Steven A1 - Rosen,Daniel D A1 - Shapiro Safran,Rachel A1 - Rosmarin,David H VL - 198 IS - 7 PY - 2010/07// N2 - Research suggests that attributing mental illness to moral causes and perceiving it as dangerous relates to greater stigma, whereas belief in biomedical factors is associated with less. Within the family-centric Orthodox Jewish community, mental illness is perceived as a risk to family functioning and future generations, and is therefore stigmatizing of the individual and their family. Since biomedical models may exacerbate these concerns, we hypothesized that unlike within the general population, biological causal attributions would relate to increased stigma among Orthodox Jews. Consequently, we also examined the attitudinal correlates of stigmatization of obsessive-compulsive disorder within the Orthodox community, as measured by both social distance and family/marriage concerns. Results indicated that, unlike previous research, biological models were associated with greater marriage/family stigma, and did not predict less social distance. This suggests that biomedical approaches may increase salient aspects of stigma within the Orthodox community, and clinical practice should be sensitive to these concerns. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Attitude to Health KW - Culture KW - Family Relations KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Jews KW - Male KW - Mental Disorders KW - Middle Aged KW - OBSESSIVE-compulsive disorder KW - prejudice KW - Rejection (Psychology) KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Social Desirability KW - Social Distance KW - Young Adult SP - 508 EP - 512 SN - 1539-736X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4635 T1 - The psychological outcome of religious coping with stressful life events in a Swiss sample of church attendees JF - Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics JA - Psychother Psychosom M3 - 10.1159/000219523 A1 - Winter,Urs A1 - Hauri,Dimitri A1 - Huber,Stefan A1 - Jenewein,Josef A1 - Schnyder,Ulrich A1 - Kraemer,Bernd VL - 78 IS - 4 PY - 2009/// N2 - BACKGROUND: Recent research suggested that religious coping, based on dispositional religiousness and spirituality (R/S), is an important modulating factor in the process of dealing with adversity. In contrast to the United States, the effect of R/S on psychological adjustment to stress is a widely unexplored area in Europe. METHODS: We examined a Swiss sample of 328 church attendees in the aftermath of stressful life events to explore associations of positive or negative religious coping with the psychological outcome. Applying a cross-sectional design, we used Huber's Centrality Scale to specify religiousness and Pargament's measure of religious coping (RCOPE) for the assessment of positive and negative religious coping. Depressive symptoms and anxiety as outcome variables were examined by the Brief Symptom Inventory. The Stress-Related Growth Scale and the Marburg questionnaire for the assessment of well-being were used to assess positive outcome aspects. We conducted Mann-Whitney tests for group comparisons and cumulative logit analysis for the assessment of associations of religious coping with our outcome variables. RESULTS: Both forms of religious coping were positively associated with stress-related growth (p < 0.01). However, negative religious coping additionally reduced well-being (p = 0.05, beta = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.27-0.99) and increased anxiety (p = 0.02, beta = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.10-3.39) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.01, beta = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.27-4.06). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of religious coping on the psychological adjustment to stressful life events seem relevant. These findings should be confirmed in prospective studies. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Cross-Sectional Studies KW - Culture KW - Depressive Disorder KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Life Change Events KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Personality Inventory KW - Quality of Life KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Resilience, Psychological KW - spirituality KW - Switzerland KW - Young Adult SP - 240 EP - 244 SN - 1423-0348 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4636 T1 - Measuring spirituality, religiosity, and denial in individuals working in funeral service to predict death anxiety JF - Omega JA - Omega (Westport) A1 - Harrawood,Laura K VL - 60 IS - 2 PY - 2009///2010 N2 - The aim of the present study was to examine predictors of death anxiety in U.S. funeral directors/embalmers who were part of a larger study (n = 234). Backward stepwise multiple regression was conducted to determine whether or not spirituality, intrinsic religiosity, extrinsic religiosity, and denial predicted levels of death anxiety. Results indicated that spirituality along with age of the participants accounted for 19% of the variance of death anxiety, R2 = .190, R2(adj) = .180, F(2, 168) = 19.64, p < .001. Intrinsic religiosity, extrinsic religiosity, and denial were not significant in the regression model. Several items, however, in the model had a significant positive correlation with each other at the .01 alpha level including spirituality with intrinsic religiosity (r = .63) and age (r = .21), and intrinsic religiosity with denial (r = .22) and age (r = .24). Other variables correlated negatively with one another at the .01 alpha level. Namely, death anxiety with spirituality (-.38), intrinsic religiosity (r = -.36), and age (-.28); spirituality with extrinsic religiosity (-.22); intrinsic religiosity with extrinsic religiosity (-.45); and extrinsic religiosity with age (r = -.19). Limitations of the study and implications for practice were discussed. KW - Adult KW - Anxiety KW - Attitude to Death KW - Comorbidity KW - Denial (Psychology) KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Job Satisfaction KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Mortuary Practice KW - Occupational Diseases KW - Questionnaires KW - spirituality KW - United States SP - 129 EP - 142 SN - 0030-2228 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20222233 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4637 T1 - Is the New Age phenomenon connected to delusion-like experiences? Analysis of survey data from Australia JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903131843 A1 - Aird,Rosemary L. A1 - Scott,James G. A1 - McGrath,John A1 - Najman,Jake M. A1 - Al Mamun,Abdullah VL - 13 IS - 1 PY - 2010/// N2 - Recent studies have shown that delusion-like experiences (DLEs) are common among general populations. This study investigates whether the prevalence of these experiences are linked to the embracing of New Age thought. Logistic regression analyses were performed using data derived from a large community sample of young adults (N = 3777). Belief in a spiritual or higher power other than God was found to be significantly associated with endorsement of 16 of 19 items from Peters et al. (1999b) Delusional Inventory following adjustment for a range of potential confounders, while belief in God was associated with endorsement of four items. A New Age conception of the divine appears to be strongly associated with a wide range of DLEs. Further research is needed to determine a causal link between New Age philosophy and DLEs (e.g. thought disturbance, suspiciousness, and delusions of grandeur). SP - 37 EP - 37 SN - 1367-4676 UR - http://www.informaworld.com/10.1080/13674670903131843 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4639 T1 - Addressing Children's Beliefs Through Fowler's Stages of Faith JF - Journal of Pediatric Nursing JA - J Pediatr Nurs M3 - 10.1016/j.pedn.2009.09.002 A1 - Neuman,Michelle E VL - 26 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - Knowledge of child development, including faith development, is important in providing holistic care to the child. Pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners may be inadequately prepared to meet the spiritual needs of children in developmentally appropriate ways. This article demonstrates why it is necessary to asses a child's or an adolescent's religious and spiritual beliefs and when and how a nurse intervenes. Modeled here is one way in which pediatric nurses can effectively combine their knowledge of child development and Fowler's theory of faith development to address the child and adolescent's spiritual needs. SP - 44 EP - 50 SN - 1532-8449 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4640 T1 - Sacred space, analytic space, the self, and god JF - The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry JA - J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.175 A1 - Rizzuto,Ana-María VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - Parental figures influence the type of religious experiences a person may have. Clinical material from the analysis of a young woman documents the importance of having an actual sacred space in which one can be oneself in religious life and a psychoanalytic space during treatment to progressively experience oneself. KW - Adult KW - Christianity KW - dreams KW - Ego KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Individuation KW - Parent-Child Relations KW - Personal Space KW - Psychoanalytic Interpretation KW - Psychoanalytic Therapy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality KW - Transference (Psychology) SP - 175 EP - 188 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4641 T1 - Laughter yoga versus group exercise program in elderly depressed women: a randomized controlled trial JF - International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry JA - Int J Geriatr Psychiatry M3 - 10.1002/gps.2545 A1 - Shahidi,Mahvash A1 - Mojtahed,Ali A1 - Modabbernia,Amirhossein A1 - Mojtahed,Mohammad A1 - Shafiabady,Abdollah A1 - Delavar,Ali A1 - Honari,Habib VL - 26 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - BACKGROUND Laughter Yoga founded by M. Kataria is a combination of unconditioned laughter and yogic breathing. Its effect on mental and physical aspects of healthy individuals was shown to be beneficial. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Kataria's Laughter Yoga and group exercise therapy in decreasing depression and increasing life satisfaction in older adult women of a cultural community of Tehran, Iran. METHODS Seventy depressed old women who were members of a cultural community of Tehran were chosen by Geriatric depression scale (score>10). After completion of Life Satisfaction Scale pre-test and demographic questionnaire, subjects were randomized into three groups of laughter therapy, exercise therapy, and control. Subsequently, depression post-test and life satisfaction post-test were done for all three groups. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and Bonferroni's correction. RESULTS Sixty subjects completed the study. The analysis revealed a significant difference in decrease in depression scores of both Laughter Yoga and exercise therapy group in comparison to control group (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference between Laughter Yoga and exercise therapy groups. The increase in life satisfaction of Laughter Yoga group showed a significant difference in comparison with control group (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between exercise therapy and either control or Laughter Yoga group. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that Laughter Yoga is at least as effective as group exercise program in improvement of depression and life satisfaction of elderly depressed women. SP - 322 EP - 327 SN - 1099-1166 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20848578 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4642 T1 - Duality and nonduality in meditation research JF - Consciousness and Cognition JA - Conscious Cogn M3 - 10.1016/j.concog.2010.03.016 A1 - Josipovic,Zoran VL - 19 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12//undefined N2 - The great variety of meditation techniques found in different contemplative traditions presents a challenge when attempting to create taxonomies based on the constructs of contemporary cognitive sciences. In the current issue of Consciousness and Cognition, Travis and Shear add 'automatic self-transcending' to the previously proposed categories of 'focused attention' and 'open monitoring', and suggest characteristic EEG bands as the defining criteria for each of the three categories. Accuracy of current taxonomies and potential limitations of EEG measurements as classifying criteria are discussed. SP - 1119-1121; discussion 1122-1123 EP - 1119-1121; discussion 1122-1123 SN - 1090-2376 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4643 T1 - How long does a mindfulness-based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20555 A1 - Carmody,James A1 - Baer,Ruth A VL - 65 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N2 - The mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program was designed to be long enough for participants to grasp the principles of self-regulation through mindfulness and develop skill and autonomy in mindfulness practice. It traditionally consists of 26 hours of session time including eight classes of 2-1/2 hours and an all-day class. The circumstances of some groups exclude them from participating in this standard form and a number of trials have evaluated programs with abbreviated class time. If lower program time demands can lead to similar outcomes in psychological functioning, it would support their utility in these settings and might lead to greater participation. However, the effect of variation in class hours on outcomes has not been systematically studied. To obtain preliminary information related to this question we examined effect sizes for psychological outcome variables in published studies of MBSR, some of which had adapted the standard number of class hours. The correlation between mean effect size and number of in-class hours was nonsignificant for both clinical and nonclinical samples and suggests that adaptations that include less class time may be worthwhile for populations for whom reduction of psychological distress is an important goal and for whom longer time commitment may be a barrier to their ability or willingness to participate. However, the standard MBSR format has accrued the most empirical support for its efficacy and session time may be important to the development of other kinds of program outcomes. The result points to the importance of empirical studies systematically examining this question. KW - Adult KW - Awareness KW - Humans KW - Outcome Assessment (Health Care) KW - Patient Compliance KW - Psychotherapy KW - Relaxation Therapy KW - Social Control, Informal KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Time Factors SP - 627 EP - 638 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4644 T1 - Older adults' preferences for religion/spirituality in treatment for anxiety and depression JF - Aging & Mental Health JA - Aging Ment Health M3 - 10.1080/13607863.2010.519326 A1 - Stanley,Melinda A A1 - Bush,Amber L A1 - Camp,Mary E A1 - Jameson,John P A1 - Phillips,Laura L A1 - Barber,Catherine R A1 - Zeno,Darrell A1 - Lomax,James W A1 - Cully,Jeffrey A VL - 15 IS - 3 PY - 2011/04// N2 - Objectives: To examine patient preferences for incorporating religion and/or spirituality into therapy for anxiety or depression and examine the relations between patient preferences and religious and spiritual coping styles, beliefs and behaviors. Method: Participants (66 adults, 55 years or older, from earlier studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy for late-life anxiety and/or depression in primary care) completed these measures by telephone or in-person: Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Client Attitudes Toward Spirituality in Therapy, Patient Interview, Brief Religious Coping, Religious Problem Solving Scale, Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith, and Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness and Spirituality. Spearman's rank-order correlations and ordinal logistic regression examined religious/spiritual variables as predictors of preferences for inclusion of religion or spirituality into counseling. Results: Most participants (77-83%) preferred including religion and/or spirituality in therapy for anxiety and depression. Participants who thought it was important to include religion or spirituality in therapy reported more positive religious-based coping, greater strength of religious faith, and greater collaborative and less self-directed problem-solving styles than participants who did not think it was important. Conclusion: For individuals like most participants in this study (Christians), incorporating spirituality/religion into counseling for anxiety and depression was desirable. SP - 334 EP - 343 SN - 1364-6915 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21491218 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4645 T1 - Hypnotically catalyzing experiential learning across treatments for depression: actions can speak louder than moods JF - The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis JA - Int J Clin Exp Hypn M3 - 10.1080/00207140903523228 A1 - Yapko,Michael D VL - 58 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - A number of psychotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of major depression have received empirical support in the literature, most notably cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies. Recent studies have shown the therapeutic value of the behavioral activation component of such interventions. Depressed individuals actively learning and applying new skills on their own behalf is widely considered a critical component of recovery. This article describes the use of hypnosis to catalyze experiential learning and to encourage behavioral activation in the depressed client by directly addressing and transforming cognitive and perceptual patterns that can impede such behavioral activation, especially global thinking and ruminative coping styles. SP - 186 EP - 201 SN - 1744-5183 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4646 T1 - Religiousness affects mental health, pain and quality of life in older people in an outpatient rehabilitation setting JF - Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine: Official Journal of the UEMS European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine JA - J Rehabil Med M3 - 10.2340/16501977-0784 A1 - Lucchetti,Giancarlo A1 - Lucchetti,Alessandra Granero A1 - Badan-Neto,Antonio M A1 - Peres,Patricia T A1 - Peres,Mario F P A1 - Moreira-Almeida,Alexander A1 - Gomes,Cláudio A1 - Koenig,Harold G VL - 43 IS - 4 PY - 2011/03// N2 - OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relationship between religiousness and mental health, hospitalization, pain, disability and quality of life in older adults from an outpatient rehabilitation setting in Sao Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS A total of 110 patients aged 60 years or older were interviewed during attendance at an outpatient rehabilitation service. METHODS Researchers administered a standardized questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic data, religiousness, self-reported quality of life, anxiety, physical activity limitation, depression, pain and cognition. Predictors were included in each model analysis, and a backward conditional method was used for variable selection using logistic regression (categorical outcomes) or linear regression (continuous outcomes). RESULTS Thirty-one patients (28.2%) fulfilled criteria for significant depressive symptoms, 27 (24.5%) for anxiety, and 10 (9.6%) for cognitive impairment. Pain was present in 89 (80.7%) patients. Limited depressive symptoms (as assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale), and greater self-reported quality of life were related to greater self-reported religiousness, as were scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (less cognitive impairment), and lower ratings of pain. CONCLUSION Religiousness is related to significantly less depressive symptoms, better quality of life, less cognitive impairment, and less perceived pain. Clinicians should consider taking a spiritual history and ensuring that spiritual needs are addressed among older patients in rehabilitation settings. KW - Activities of Daily Living KW - Aged KW - Cognition Disorders KW - Cross-Sectional Studies KW - depression KW - Female KW - Geriatric Assessment KW - Humans KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Middle Aged KW - Pain KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - REHABILITATION KW - Religion and Medicine KW - Self Report KW - spirituality SP - 316 EP - 322 SN - 1651-2081 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21305230 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4647 T1 - Epileptic seizures and spirit possession in Haitian culture: Report of four cases and review of the literature JF - Epilepsy & Behavior M3 - 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.07.002 A1 - Cavanna,A.E. A1 - Cavanna,S. A1 - Cavanna,A. VL - 19 IS - 1 PY - 2010/09// N1 -

This article presents a case series of four Haitian patients with epilepsy whose seizures were initially attributed to Voodoo spirit possession. All patients reported ictal experiential phenomena (epigastric aura, ictal fear, depersonalization, and derealization symptoms) followed by complete loss of consciousness. Electroclinical investigations revealed a temporal lobe focus. We review the existing literature on attitudes toward seizures within the Haitian culture and discuss the link between religion and epilepsy, highlighting the possible detrimental influence of specific traditional belief systems on the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of patients with epilepsy.

N2 - Epileptic seizures have historically been associated with religious beliefs in spirit possession. These attitudes and misconceptions about epilepsy still flourish in developing countries as byproducts of specific sociocultural environments. This article presents a case series of four Haitian patients with epilepsy whose seizures were initially attributed to Voodoo spirit possession. All patients reported ictal experiential phenomena (epigastric aura, ictal fear, depersonalization, and derealization symptoms) followed by complete loss of consciousness. Electroclinical investigations revealed a temporal lobe focus. We review the existing literature on attitudes toward seizures within the Haitian culture and discuss the link between religion and epilepsy, highlighting the possible detrimental influence of specific traditional belief systems on the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of patients with epilepsy. KW - belief KW - Epilepsy KW - Haiti KW - Possession KW - Voodoo SP - 89 EP - 91 SN - 1525-5050 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4648 T1 - Peaceful play yoga: serenity and balance for children with cancer and their parents JF - Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing: Official Journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses JA - J Pediatr Oncol Nurs M3 - 10.1177/1043454210363478 A1 - Thygeson,Megan V A1 - Hooke,Mary C A1 - Clapsaddle,Jeanine A1 - Robbins,Angela A1 - Moquist,Kristin VL - 27 IS - 5 PY - 2010/10//Sep-undefined N2 - Children with a cancer diagnosis experience symptom distress, including anxiety, because of the disease and its treatment. Parents experience stress and anxiety because of the uncertainty of the disease as well as the suffering of their children. Yoga is a complementary intervention that has physiological and psychological benefits in healthy children and healthy and chronically ill adults. On an inpatient hematology/oncology unit, 11 children aged 6 to 12 years, 5 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years, and 33 parents participated in a single yoga session tailored to the needs and abilities of the patients and parents. Sense of well-being pre- and postclass was measured with the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale. Children had normal anxiety scores preclass that did not change. Adolescents and parents experienced significant decreases in anxiety scores, and all cohorts gave positive feedback about the experience. The authors conclude that yoga is a feasible intervention for this population and is beneficial to adolescents and parents. SP - 276 EP - 284 SN - 1532-8457 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4649 T1 - Living in aged care: Using spiritual reminiscence to enhance meaning in life for those with dementia JF - International Journal of Mental Health Nursing M3 - 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2010.00684.x A1 - MacKinlay,Elizabeth A1 - Trevitt,Corinne VL - 19 IS - 6 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Spiritual reminiscence is a way of telling a life story with emphasis on meaning. Spiritual reminiscence can identify meaning associated with joy, sadness, anger, guilt, or regret. Exploring these issues in older age can help people to reframe some of these events and come to new understanding of the meaning and purpose of their lives. A total of 113 older adults with dementia, living in aged-care facilities, participated in this study. They were allocated to small groups for spiritual reminiscence, to meet weekly over 6 weeks or 6 months. Quantitative data were gathered using a behavioural scale before and after each spiritual reminiscence session. Qualitative data included taped and transcribed reminiscence sessions, individual interviews, and observer journals. A facilitator led the small-group discussion based on spiritual reminiscence. New relationships were developed among group members that improved life for these people in aged care. This paper examines aspects of the qualitative data around the themes of 'meaning in life' and 'vulnerability and transcendence'. Spiritual reminiscence offers nursing staff a way of knowing those with dementia in a deeper and more meaningful way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Dementia KW - GROUNDED theory KW - Life KW - MEDICAL rehabilitation KW - NURSING home patients -- Psychology KW - nursing homes KW - OLD age KW - PHENOMENOLOGY KW - Psychological Tests KW - REMINISCING KW - SOUND recordings KW - spirituality KW - THEMATIC analysis SP - 394 EP - 401 SN - 14458330 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4652 T1 - Impact of integrative restoration (iRest) meditation on perceived stress levels in multiple sclerosis and cancer outpatients JF - Stress and Health JA - Stress and Health M3 - 10.1002/smi.1290 A1 - Pritchard,Mary A1 - Elison-Bowers,Patt A1 - Birdsall,Bobbie VL - 26 IS - 3 PY - 2010/// N2 - Stress is a common occurrence in many chronically ill patients, and researchers are calling for cost-effective stress-reduction interventions. Meditation techniques have demonstrated a host of benefits for chronically ill patients. The present study examined the effects of a 6-week Yoga Nidra meditation programme on perceived stress in multiple sclerosis and cancer patients. Overall stress was significantly reduced over the course of the programme SP - 233 EP - 237 SN - 15323005 UR - http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/smi.1290 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4654 T1 - P2.160 The effects of a yoga program on Parkinson's disease JF - Parkinsonism & Related Disorders M3 - 10.1016/S1353-8020(09)70511-5 A1 - Scott,M. A1 - Masterson,M. A1 - Elmer,L. A1 - Coca,L. A1 - Jarouche,E. A1 - Krumdieck,A. A1 - Kovar,E. VL - 15 IS - Supplement 2 PY - 2009/12// N2 - Subjects: Nine subjects with PD participated (2females, 7males; mean age = 67.875 years; mean time since PD diagnosis = 4.67 years). Inclusion criteria included theability to ambulate independently and medical clearance to participate. Instrumentation: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional ReachTest (FRT), timed tandem stance (TS), timed single leg stance (SLS), repeated chair stand test, the GAITRiteWalking System, Geriat Depression Scale(GDS),the University of Illinois at Chicago Fear Falling Measure (FOF), and the PDQ-39 questionnaire. Procedures: Testing was completed prior to and after participati in a 12-week, twice weekly yoga program. Seventy-five minu classes were led by a certified yoga instructor with modifications in postures according to the participants limitations in mobility. Results: The chair stand test, FRT and GDS scores were significantly improved after the yoga program. Trends towards improvement were seen in all other physical and affective variables, although not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that yoga may be an effective way to address both physical and affective factors associated with PD. SP - S133 EP - S133 SN - 1353-8020 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6TB9-4XXN49M-KR/2/63ecf90e42b292bcc4cae3df2b7e6531 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4655 T1 - Participant experiences of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group for cardiac rehabilitation JF - Journal of Health Psychology JA - J Health Psychol M3 - 10.1177/1359105309104911 A1 - Griffiths,K A1 - Camic,P M A1 - Hutton,J M VL - 14 IS - 5 PY - 2009/07// N1 -

Recently there has been a growth of interest in mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic approaches across a range of medical problems. Cardiac rehabilitation patients often suffer from stress, worry, anxiety and depression, all of which can lead to poor prognosis and worsening of cardiac symptoms. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of participant experiences, this study reports on the first known Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy group adapted for cardiac rehabilitation. Analysis identified the development of awareness, commitment, within group experiences, relating to the material and acceptance as central experiential themes. The use of the approach was supported for this population.

N2 - Recently there has been a growth of interest in mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic approaches across a range of medical problems. Cardiac rehabilitation patients often suffer from stress, worry, anxiety and depression, all of which can lead to poor prognosis and worsening of cardiac symptoms. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of participant experiences, this study reports on the first known Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy group adapted for cardiac rehabilitation. Analysis identified the development of awareness, commitment, within group experiences, relating to the material and acceptance as central experiential themes. The use of the approach was supported for this population. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Aged KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Awareness KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Depressive Disorder KW - Female KW - Heart Diseases KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Mind-Body Relations (Metaphysics) KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 675 EP - 681 SN - 1359-1053 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19515682 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4656 T1 - Measurement of religiosity/spirituality in adolescent health outcomes research: trends and recommendations JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-010-9324-0 A1 - Cotton,Sian A1 - McGrady,Meghan E A1 - Rosenthal,Susan L VL - 49 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N1 -

This article is a systematic literature review was conducted to review and evaluate trends in measuring religious/spiritual (R/S) factors in adolescent health outcomes research. In this review a total of 100 articles met criteria for inclusion. Relatively few (n = 15) included adolescent-specific R/S measures or items accounting for developmentally relevant issues such as parental religiosity or age-appropriate language.

N2 - The relationship between religious/spiritual (R/S) factors and adolescent health outcomes has been studied for decades; however, the R/S measurement tools used may not be developmentally relevant for adolescents. A systematic literature review was conducted to review and evaluate trends in measuring R/S in adolescent health outcomes research. In this review a total of 100 articles met criteria for inclusion. Relatively few (n = 15) included adolescent-specific R/S measures or items accounting for developmentally relevant issues such as parental religiosity or age-appropriate language. Future R/S and health research with adolescents would be strengthened by incorporating developmentally relevant R/S measurement tools, psychometrics, and multidimensional measures. SP - 414 EP - 444 SN - 1573-6571 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/20127172 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4657 T1 - Psychological benefits for cancer patients and their partners participating in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) JF - Psycho-Oncology JA - Psychooncology M3 - 10.1002/pon.1651 A1 - Birnie,Kathryn A1 - Garland,Sheila N A1 - Carlson,Linda E VL - 19 IS - 9 PY - 2010/09// N2 - OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients experience many negative psychological symptoms including stress, anxiety, and depression. This distress is not limited to the patient, as their partners also experience many psychological challenges. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs have demonstrated clinical benefit for a variety of chronic illnesses, including cancer. This is the first study to report MBSR participation with partners of cancer patients. METHODS: This study examined the impact of an 8-week MBSR program for 21 couples who attended the program together on outcomes of mood disturbance, symptoms of stress, and mindfulness. RESULTS: Significant reductions for both patients and partners in mood disturbance (p<0.05) and the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory (C-SOSI) subscales of muscle tension (p<0.01), neurological/GI (p<0.05), and upper respiratory (p<0.01) symptoms were observed after program participation. Significant increases in mindfulness (p<0.05) were also reported in both groups. No significant correlations were observed between patient and partner scores on any measures at baseline or on change scores pre- to post-intervention; however, after MBSR participation couple's scores on the Profile of Mood States and C-SOSI were more highly correlated with one-another. Post-intervention, partners' mood disturbance scores were significantly positively correlated with patients' symptoms of stress and negatively correlated with patients' levels of mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the MBSR program was helpful for improving psychological functioning and mindfulness for both members of the couple. Several avenues of future research are suggested to further explore potential benefits of joint couple attendance in the MBSR program. SP - 1004 EP - 1009 SN - 1099-1611 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4658 T1 - Working with a patient claiming a direct relationship with God: Encountering otherness. T3 - The God representation in the psychoanalytic relationship JF - Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis & Dynamic Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.21 A1 - Charles,Marilyn VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - Although we expect to encounter otherness in the consulting room, some types of otherness are more difficult to encounter than others. Differing ethnicities, religions, lifestyles, or other aspects of worldview can bring us into uneasy alliance with the other, as we also encounter disowned or unclaimed aspects of self in this process. I will discuss some of my difficulties working with a man who was born into my own religion—thus offering some common heritage of world view—but subsequently adopted another religion with such intensity that his faith seemed to have psychotic aspects. I struggled to keep my bearings with a man who could at times be cogent, at other times seem quite crazy, and also struggled to keep in mind how prejudices in my own culture might skew my perspective such that intense faith and devoted adherence to scripture seems suspect rather than worthy of respect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - direct relationships KW - Faith KW - God KW - God Concepts KW - otherness KW - PSYCHOANALYSIS KW - psychotic aspects KW - Psychoticism KW - religion SP - 21 EP - 34 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4659 T1 - Limitations for measuring religion in a different cultural context--The case of Japan JF - The Social Science Journal M3 - 10.1016/j.soscij.2010.07.010 A1 - Tanaka,Kimiko VL - 47 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - The article points out the limitations in surveys measuring religiosity and spirituality using the measures developed in Christian or Western contexts. Japanese people think of religion (shukyo) as revealed religion such as Christianity that has specific doctrinal belief and faith. Through their history of religious regulation, Japanese people came to consider themselves "non-religious" as a way of survival, not to be punished by political authorities and not to be stigmatized in their community. Thus they tend to answer that they consider themselves "non-religious" in surveys, while performing ritual performances for their ancestors in Buddhist temples and Buddhist altars not only to thank ancestors but also to ease the psychological fear people have toward muenbotoke, restless ancestors who have no legitimate offspring to take care of them. To extend the study of spirituality or religiousness in the Japanese context, qualitative studies are necessary not to misinterpret religiousness and spirituality in Japanese context. KW - History KW - Japan KW - religion KW - Survey SP - 845 EP - 852 SN - 0362-3319 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4661 T1 - Efficacy and tolerability of yoga breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study JF - Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention JA - J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev M3 - 10.1097/HCR.0b013e31819a0227 A1 - Pomidori,Luca A1 - Campigotto,Federica A1 - Amatya,Tara Man A1 - Bernardi,Luciano A1 - Cogo,Annalisa VL - 29 IS - 2 PY - 2009/04//Mar-undefined N2 - PURPOSE: Yoga-derived breathing has been reported to improve gas exchange in patients with chronic heart failure and in participants exposed to high-altitude hypoxia. We investigated the tolerability and effect of yoga breathing on ventilatory pattern and oxygenation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Patients with COPD (N = 11, 3 women) without previous yoga practice and taking only short-acting beta2-adrenergic blocking drugs were enrolled. Ventilatory pattern and oxygen saturation were monitored by means of inductive plethysmography during 30-minute spontaneous breathing at rest (sb) and during a 30-minute yoga lesson (y). During the yoga lesson, the patients were requested to mobilize in sequence the diaphragm, lower chest, and upper chest adopting a slower and deeper breathing. We evaluated oxygen saturation (SaO2%), tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (E), respiratory rate (i>f), inspiratory time, total breath time, fractional inspiratory time, an index of thoracoabdominal coordination, and an index of rapid shallow breathing. Changes in dyspnea during the yoga lesson were assessed with the Borg scale. RESULTS: During the yoga lesson, data showed the adoption of a deeper and slower breathing pattern (VTsb L 0.54[0.04], VTy L 0.74[0.08], P = .01; i>fsb 20.8[1.3], i>fy 13.8[0.2], P = .001) and a significant improvement in SaO2% with no change in E (SaO2%sb 91.5%[1.13], SaO2%y 93.5%[0.99], P = .02; Esb L/min 11.2[1.1], Ey L/min 10.2[0.9]). All the participants reported to be comfortable during the yoga lesson, with no increase in dyspnea index. CONCLUSION: We conclude that short-term training in yoga is well tolerated and induces favorable respiratory changes in patients with COPD. KW - Aged KW - Breathing Exercises KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Oxygen KW - Pilot Projects KW - Plethysmography KW - Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive KW - Respiratory Function Tests KW - yoga SP - 133 EP - 137 SN - 1932-7501 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4662 T1 - Spirituality in well and ill adolescents and their parents: the use of two assessment scales JF - Pediatric Nursing JA - Pediatr Nurs A1 - Rubin,Daniel A1 - Dodd,Melissa A1 - Desai,Neelam A1 - Pollock,Bradley A1 - Graham-Pole,John VL - 35 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02//Jan-undefined N2 - The literature supporting a relationship between religion/spirituality and physical/mental health has led to recommendations that health professionals attend to these issues in patient assessment and intervention. Many studies indicate that spiritual issues are important to adolescents, especially those with physical and/or psychological health concerns. Although several instruments have been developed to measure religion/spirituality in adults, no validated instrument currently exists for assessing this concept in children or adolescents. The applicability of two adult scales, the SIBS and the SWBS, were assessed to explore the spiritual well-being of adolescents by comparing spirituality scores of 38 chronically ill and 38 healthy adolescents and their parents. No significant difference was found between ill and well adolescents on either scale. Parents scored significantly higher than adolescents on both scales. Although this could indicate that parents have greater spiritual well-being than their children, these two findings taken together suggest these measures may be insufficiently sensitive measures of spirituality in childhood. This is supported by the finding that most adolescents and their parents felt both scales to be ineffective measures of adolescent spirituality. The authors concluded that a more specific scale should be developed for measuring spirituality in the young, especially those with chronic illness. Such an instrument might best be developed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Case-Control Studies KW - Child KW - Chronic Disease KW - Humans KW - Parents KW - Reproducibility of Results KW - spirituality SP - 37 EP - 42 SN - 0097-9805 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4663 T1 - Yoga therapy decreases dyspnea-related distress and improves functional performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) JA - J Altern Complement Med M3 - 10.1089/acm.2008.0389 A1 - Donesky-Cuenco,DorAnne A1 - Nguyen,Huong Q A1 - Paul,Steven A1 - Carrieri-Kohlman,Virginia VL - 15 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N1 -

The primary purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a yoga program for its safety, feasibility, and efficacy for decreasing dyspnea intensity and dyspnea-related distress in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.After the program, the subjects tolerated more activity with less dyspnea-related distress and improved their functional performance. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, more sufficiently powered efficacy study.

N2 - BACKGROUND: There has been limited study of yoga training as a complementary exercise strategy to manage the symptom of dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a yoga program for its safety, feasibility, and efficacy for decreasing dyspnea intensity (DI) and dyspnea-related distress (DD) in older adults with COPD. METHODS: Clinically stable patients with COPD (n = 29; age 69.9 +/- 9.5; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) 47.7 +/- 15.6% predicted; female = 21) were randomized to a 12-week yoga program specifically designed for people with COPD or usual-care control (UC). The twice-weekly yoga program included asanas (yoga postures) and visama vritti pranayama (timed breathing). Safety measure outcomes included heart rate, oxygen saturation, dyspnea, and pain. Feasibility was measured by patient-reported enjoyment, difficulty, and adherence to yoga sessions. At baseline and at 12 weeks, DI and DD were measured during incremental cycle ergometry and a 6-minute walk (6MW) test. Secondary efficacy outcomes included physical performance, psychologic well-being, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS: Yoga training was safe and feasible for patients with COPD. While yoga training had only small effects on DI after the 6MW test (effect size [ES], 0.20; p = 0.60), there were greater reductions in DD in the yoga group compared to UC (ES, 0.67; p = 0.08). Yoga training also improved 6MW distance (+71.7 +/- 21.8 feet versus -27.6 +/- 36.2 feet; ES = 0.78, p = 0.04) and self-reported functional performance (ES = 0.79, p = 0.04) compared to UC. There were small positive changes in muscle strength and HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with COPD participated safely in a 12-week yoga program especially designed for patients with this chronic illness. After the program, the subjects tolerated more activity with less DD and improved their functional performance. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, more sufficiently powered efficacy study. KW - Activities of Daily Living KW - Aged KW - Dyspnea KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Muscle Strength KW - Pilot Projects KW - Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - Self Care KW - Self Efficacy KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - Treatment Outcome KW - yoga SP - 225 EP - 234 SN - 1557-7708 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4664 T1 - Mindfulness groups for distressing voices and paranoia: a replication and randomized feasibility trial JF - Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy JA - Behav Cogn Psychother M3 - 10.1017/S1352465809990166 A1 - Chadwick,Paul A1 - Hughes,Stephanie A1 - Russell,Daphne A1 - Russell,Ian A1 - Dagnan,Dave VL - 37 IS - 4 PY - 2009/07// N1 -

AIMS: To assess feasibility of randomized evaluation of group mindfulness therapy for psychosis, to replicate clinical gains observed in one small uncontrolled study, and to assess for changes in mindfulness. Results: There were no significant differences between intervention and waiting-list participants. Secondary analyses combining both groups and comparing scores before and after mindfulness training revealed significant improvement in clinical functioning (p = .013) and mindfulness of distressing thoughts and images (p = .037).

N2 - BACKGROUND: The clinical literature cautions against use of meditation by people with psychosis. There is, however, evidence for acceptance-based therapy reducing relapse, and some evidence for clinical benefits of mindfulness groups for people with distressing psychosis, though no data on whether participants became more mindful. AIMS: To assess feasibility of randomized evaluation of group mindfulness therapy for psychosis, to replicate clinical gains observed in one small uncontrolled study, and to assess for changes in mindfulness. METHOD: Twenty-two participants with current distressing psychotic experiences were allocated at random between group-based mindfulness training and a waiting list for this therapy. Mindfulness training comprised twice-weekly sessions for 5 weeks, plus home practice (meditation CDs were supplied), followed by 5 weeks of home practice. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between intervention and waiting-list participants. Secondary analyses combining both groups and comparing scores before and after mindfulness training revealed significant improvement in clinical functioning (p = .013) and mindfulness of distressing thoughts and images (p = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Findings on feasibility are encouraging and secondary analyses replicated earlier clinical benefits and showed improved mindfulness of thoughts and images, but not voices. KW - Adult KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Culture KW - Feasibility Studies KW - Female KW - Hallucinations KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Questionnaires KW - Schizophrenia, Paranoid KW - Severity of Illness Index SP - 403 EP - 412 SN - 1469-1833 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4665 T1 - Effect of a 12-week yoga intervention on fear of falling and balance in older adults: a pilot study JF - Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation JA - Arch Phys Med Rehabil M3 - 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.12.018 A1 - Schmid,Arlene A A1 - Van Puymbroeck,Marieke A1 - Koceja,David M VL - 91 IS - 4 PY - 2010/04// N2 - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether fear of falling (FoF) and balance improved after a 12-week yoga intervention among older adults. DESIGN: A 12-week yoga intervention single-armed pilot study. SETTING: A retirement community in a medium-sized university town in the Midwest. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of adults (N=14) over the age of 65 years who all endorsed an FoF. INTERVENTION: Each participant took part in a biweekly 12-week yoga intervention. The yoga sessions included both physical postures and breathing exercises. Postures were completed in sitting and standing positions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured FoF with the Illinois FoF Measure and balance with the Berg Balance Scale. Upper- and lower-body flexibility were measured with the back scratch test and chair sit and reach test, respectively. RESULTS: FoF decreased by 6%, static balance increased by 4% (P=.045), and lower-body flexibility increased by 34%. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that yoga may be a promising intervention to manage FoF and improve balance, thereby reducing fall risk for older adults. Rehabilitation therapists may wish to explore yoga as a modality for balance and falls programming; however, future research is needed to confirm the use of yoga in such programming. SP - 576 EP - 583 SN - 1532-821X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4666 T1 - Therapy with religious couples. JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology A1 - Duba,Jill D. A1 - Watts,Richard E. VL - 65 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - Although 95% of married couples identify with a particular religion, there is great variation in how couples rely on their religion to define or structure their relationship. Various denominations will imply particular “rules” or will shape how the couple deals with interpersonal and family challenges, such as sexuality, parenting, and power. In this article, we review couple relationships within a religious context and advance several treatment principles for treating religious couples. We present a clinical case to illustrate marital therapy with a religious couple, with an Adlerian context. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65:1–13, 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - MAN-woman relationships KW - MARRIED people -- Religious life KW - MEDICAL care -- Religious aspects KW - MEDICINE -- Religious aspects KW - PARENTING KW - Psychotherapy KW - Spiritual healing SP - 210 EP - 223 SN - 00219762 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4667 T1 - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Marital Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Forgiveness. JF - Family Process M3 - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01301.x A1 - Solomon,Zahava A1 - Dekel,Rachel A1 - Zerach,Gadi VL - 48 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - The study assessed the effects of war captivity on posttraumatic stress symptoms and marital adjustment among Prisoners of War (POWs) from the Yom Kippur War. It was hypothesized that men's perception of level of forgiveness mediates the relation between posttraumatic symptoms and marital adjustment. The sample consisted of 157 Israeli veterans divided into 3 groups: 21 POWs with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 58 former POWs without PTSD, and 70 control veterans. The findings indicated that former POWs with PTSD reported lower levels of marital satisfaction and forgiveness than veterans in the other 2 groups. In addition, men's perception of level of forgiveness mediated the relationship between their posttraumatic symptoms and their marital adjustment. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Forgiveness KW - MAN-woman relationships KW - Post-traumatic stress disorder KW - PRISONERS of war KW - WAR victims SP - 546 EP - 558 SN - 00147370 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45393408&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4669 T1 - Does religiosity protect against cognitive and behavioral decline in Alzheimer's dementia? JF - Current Alzheimer Research JA - Curr Alzheimer Res A1 - Coin,A A1 - Perissinotto,E A1 - Najjar,M A1 - Girardi,A A1 - Inelmen,E M A1 - Enzi,G A1 - Manzato,E A1 - Sergi,G VL - 7 IS - 5 PY - 2010/08// N2 - BACKGROUND: several studies have shown that religiosity has beneficial effects on health, mortality and pathological conditions; little is known about religiosity in Alzheimer's disease and the progression of its cognitive, behavioral and functional symptoms. Our aim was to identify any relationship between religiosity and the progression of cognitive impairment and behavioral disorders in mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease, and any relationship between the patient's religiosity and the stress in caregivers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 64 patients with Alzheimer's disease were analyzed at baseline and 12 months later using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Behavioral Religiosity Scale (BRS) and the Francis Short Scale (FSS). Caregivers were also questioned on the patient's functional abilities (ADL, IADL), the behavioral disturbances (NPI), and on their stress (NPI-D, CBI). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to BRS: a score of <24 meant no or low religiosity (LR), while a score of > or =24 meant moderate or high religiosity (HR). FINDINGS: LR patients had worsened more markedly after 12 months in their total cognitive and behavioral test scores. Stress was also significantly higher in the caregivers of the LR group. Global BRS and FSS scores correlated significantly with variations after 1 year in the MMSE (r: 0.50), NPI (r:-0.51), NPI-D (r:-0.55) and CBI (r:-0.62). A low religiosity coincided with a higher risk of cognitive impairment, considered as a 3-point decrease in MMSE score (OR 6.7, CI: 1.8-24.7). INTERPRETATION: higher levels of religiosity in Alzheimer's dementia seem to correlate with a slower cognitive and behavioral decline, with a corresponding significant reduction of the caregiver's burden. SP - 445 EP - 452 SN - 1875-5828 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20088813 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4670 T1 - A 17-year longitudinal study of religion and mental health in a Mormon sample. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670801944966 A1 - Bartz,Jeremy D. A1 - Richards,P. Scott A1 - Smith,Timothy B. A1 - Fischer,Lane VL - 13 IS - 7/8 PY - 2010/11//Nov N1 -

Assesses data collected between 1984-2001 on the mental health of religious Mormons. Examines the relationship between devoutness and psychopathology and the stability of specific beliefs and practices.

N2 - In 1984, 1987, and 2001, data were collected on a religiously devout group of college students (N = 53) in an effort to better understand the process of religious development and the relationship between religiosity and mental health. This study analyzes those data by examining the relationship between devoutness and psychopathology over time, the correlations between intrinsic religiosity and indices of psychopathology, the stability of religious motivations over the course of adulthood, and the stability of two different religious development styles that were identified in 1984. This study found that (1) these religiously devout individuals have consistently fallen within the normal range on the clinical scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and have demonstrated continual reduction in their scores on those scales; (2) there were no correlations between scores of intrinsic religiosity and psychopathology; (3) these participants' religious motivations remained stable over the course of adulthood; and (4) most of the participants eventually manifested a continuous style of religious development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 683 EP - 695 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4671 T1 - Social buffering by God: prayer and measures of stress JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9256-8 A1 - Belding,Jennifer N A1 - Howard,Malcolm G A1 - McGuire,Anne M A1 - Schwartz,Amanda C A1 - Wilson,Janie H VL - 49 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Social buffering is characterized by attenuation of stress in the presence of others, with supportive individuals providing superior buffering. We were interested in learning if the implied presence of a supportive entity, God, would reduce acute stress. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: prayer, encouraging self-talk, and control. They were subsequently placed in a stressful situation. Self ratings of stress were lower among the prayer and self-talk conditions relative to controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures only among those who prayed were lower than controls; however, prayer and self-talk did not differ. Prayer alone did not significantly reduce stress, perhaps because the majority of students in the prayer condition did not consider reading a prayer to constitute praying. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Faith Healing KW - Female KW - Humans KW - religion KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Social Behavior KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Young Adult SP - 179 EP - 187 SN - 1573-6571 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4672 T1 - Defining a Complex Intervention: The Development of Demarcation Criteria for "Meditation" JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0015736 A1 - Bond,Kenneth A1 - Ospina,Maria B. A1 - Hooton,Nicola A1 - Bialy,Liza A1 - Dryden,Donna M. A1 - Buscemi,Nina A1 - Shannahoff-Khalsa,David A1 - Dusek,Jeffrey A1 - Carlson,Linda E. VL - 1 IS - 2 PY - 2009/05// N1 -

The authors used a 5-round Delphi study with a panel of 7 experts in meditation research to achieve agreement on a set of criteria for a working definition of “meditation” for use in a comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic use of meditation. Participants agreed that essential to a meditation practice is its use of (a) a defined technique, (b) logic relaxation, and (c) a self-induced state. Participants also agreed that a meditation practice may (d) involve a state of psychophysical relaxation somewhere in the process; (e) use a self-focus skill or anchor; (f) involve an altered state/mode of consciousness, mystic experience, enlightenment or suspension of logical thought processes; (g) be embedded in a religious/spiritual/philosophical context; or (h) involve an experience of mental silence. The results of this study provide insight into the challenges faced by researchers who want to demarcate meditative practices from nonmeditative practices, and they describe an approach to this problem that may prove useful for researchers trying to operationalize meditation in the context of comparative research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract)

N2 - The authors used a 5-round Delphi study with a panel of 7 experts in meditation research to achieve agreement on a set of criteria for a working definition of "meditation" for use in a comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic use of meditation. Participants agreed that essential to a meditation practice is its use of (a) a defined technique, (b) logic relaxation, and (c) a self-induced state. Participants also agreed that a meditation practice may (d) involve a state of psychophysical relaxation somewhere in the process; (e) use a self-focus skill or anchor; (f) involve an altered state/mode of consciousness, mystic experience, enlightenment or suspension of logical thought processes; (g) be embedded in a religious/spiritual/philosophical context; or (h) involve an experience of mental silence. The results of this study provide insight into the challenges faced by researchers who want to demarcate meditative practices from nonmeditative practices, and they describe an approach to this problem that may prove useful for researchers trying to operationalize meditation in the context of comparative research. KW - CAM KW - characteristics KW - Meditation KW - mind-body techniques KW - yoga SP - 129 EP - 137 SN - 1941-1022 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B9846-4WKH6C3-5/2/509e26c0ce84ca65c2c2ef1f2ad57eb2 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4673 T1 - The need for evidence-based, spiritually oriented psychotherapies. JF - Professional Psychology: Research and Practice M3 - 10.1037/a0019469 A1 - Richards,P. Scott A1 - Worthington,Everett L. Jr. VL - 41 IS - 5 PY - 2010/10// N2 - Despite a proliferation of spiritually oriented psychotherapies during the past 2 decades in the mental health professions, outcome research is lacking. In this present article, 6 published outcome reviews that shed light on the efficacy of these psychotherapies are discussed. Although there is general support for the efficacy of spiritually oriented treatment approaches, the data base is relatively small and has methodological limitations. Spiritually oriented cognitive approaches for religious clients with depression and anxiety meet evidence-based standards of efficacy. Several other spiritually oriented approaches are probably efficacious but need additional investigation. Methodological recommendations for improving the quality of future studies in this domain are made. Philosophically and methodologically pluralistic research strategies that do not reduce spiritual phenomena into a naturalistic and materialistic framework are recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) KW - efficacy KW - evidence based KW - Evidence Based Practice KW - Psychotherapeutic Techniques KW - Psychotherapy KW - spiritual KW - spirituality KW - Treatment Effectiveness Evaluation SP - 363 EP - 370 SN - 0735-7028 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4674 T1 - Religious Typologies and Health Risk Behaviors of African American College Students. JF - North American Journal of Psychology A1 - Fife,John E. A1 - Sayles,Harlan R. A1 - Adegoke,Adekunle A. A1 - McCoy,Jamal A1 - Stovall,Mikeya A1 - Verdant,Claudia VL - 13 IS - 2 PY - 2011/06// N2 - The purpose of this study was to determine whether meaningful sets of individuals, similar to each other across multiple dimensions of spirituality, could be identified using a cluster analysis technique, and to determine if these classifications differed on health risk behaviors. Risky behaviors were assessed by measuring alcohol use, risky sexual behaviors, depression and suicidal ideation, dietary behaviors, and physical activity. The authors identified six clusters of adolescents from among the 510 participants. There were significant differences between clusters on six of the variables examined. The study indicates the significance of using multidimensional measures of religiosity and spirituality in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BEHAVIORAL assessment KW - DRINKING of alcoholic beverages KW - Religiousness KW - sex KW - spirituality KW - suicidal behavior KW - TEENAGERS -- Research SP - 313 EP - 330 SN - 15277143 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4675 T1 - Effectiveness of CAM therapy: understanding the evidence JF - Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America JA - Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am M3 - 10.1016/j.rdc.2010.11.009 A1 - Staud,Roland VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - By definition, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) attempts to diagnose and treat illnesses in unconventional ways. CAM has been classified as: (1) alternative medical systems (eg, traditional Chinese medicine [including acupuncture], naturopathic medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and homeopathy); (2) biologic-based therapies (eg, herbal, special dietary, and individual biologic treatments); (3) energy therapies (eg, Reiki, therapeutic touch, magnet therapy, Qi Gong, and intercessory prayer); (4) manipulative and body-based systems (eg, chiropractic, osteopathy, and massage); and (5) mind-body interventions (eg, meditation, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and the relaxation response). This review focuses on how to assess the effectiveness of CAM therapies for chronic musculoskeletal pains, emphasizing the role of specific and nonspecific analgesic mechanisms, including placebo. SP - 9 EP - 17 SN - 1558-3163 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4676 T1 - Church-Based Social Relationships and Change in Self-Esteem Over Time JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2009.01477.x A1 - Krause,Neal VL - 48 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N1 -

The purpose of this study is examine the relationships between church-based emotional support, negative interaction, and psychological well-being among clergy, elders, and rank-and-file members of the Presbyterian Church USA. Data from a nationwide survey of Presbyterians reveal that elders as well as clergy encounter more emotional support and negative interaction than rank-and-file members. The findings further indicate that the effects of emotional support and negative interaction on well-being are greater for clergy and elders than for rank-and-file members.

N2 - Using data from a nationwide survey of XXXX older adults, the author finds that having a close personal relationship with God is associated with a stronger sense of self-esteem at the baseline and follow-up interviews. In contrast, emotional support from fellow church members was not associated with self-esteem at either point in time. However, emotional support from secular social network members is related to self-esteem at the baseline but not the follow-up interview. SP - 756 EP - 773 UR - http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2009.01477.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4677 T1 - Voices of Experienced Meditators: The Impact of Meditation Practice on Intimate Relationships. JF - Contemporary Family Therapy M3 - 10.1007/s10591-009-9112-8 A1 - Pruitt,Irene T. A1 - McCollum,Eric E. VL - 32 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Using a qualitative methodology, we explored advanced meditators’ understandings of the effect of the meditation traits on close relationships. Seven participants were interviewed. The meditative traits that the participants identified were (1) awareness of body sensations and emotions; (2) disidentification from emotions and thoughts; (3) acceptance of situations, oneself, and others; and (4) compassion and loving kindness for oneself and others. The relational effects of these traits were (1) less reactivity in relationships; (2) greater freedom and safety in relationships; and (3) a new understanding of the nature of connection between people, marked by unity, separation, intimacy and independence. Implications for further research and for clinical practice are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CONCORD KW - Emotions KW - INTIMACY (Psychology) KW - MAN-woman relationships KW - Meditation KW - SENSES & sensation SP - 135 EP - 154 SN - 08922764 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4678 T1 - Measurement of quality of life and participant experience with the mindfulness-based stress reduction program JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.008 A1 - Flugel Colle,Kathleen F. A1 - Vincent,Ann A1 - Cha,Stephen S. A1 - Loehrer,Laura L. A1 - Bauer,Brent A. A1 - Wahner-Roedler,Dietlind L. VL - 16 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N2 - Clinical studies of MBSR have reported efficacy in treating pain, mood disorders, arthritis, sleep disturbances, and stress. Several academic medical institutions in the United States offer MBSR to their patients, but it has never been offered at Mayo Clinic. The objective of this study was to collect quality-of-life data from subjects who participated in the first MBSR program offered at Mayo Clinic. The class was taught as a collaborative effort with the University of Minnesota that had an established MBSR program. Sixteen participants completed a validated, 12-question, linear analogue self-assessment instrument, administered at the beginning and end of the program. Comparison of assessment scores using paired t-tests showed statistically significant improvement in overall quality of life (P = 0.04), mental well-being (P = 0.005), physical well-being (P < 0.001), emotional well-being (P < 0.001), level of social activity (P = .02), and spiritual well-being (P = 0.006). Although positive changes also were observed for frequency of pain, severity of pain, level of fatigue, level of support from friends and family, and financial and legal concerns, they were not statistically significant. A short intervention in the education of mindfulness significantly improved quality of life for participants. KW - Linear analogue self-assessment scale KW - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction KW - Quality of Life SP - 36 EP - 40 SN - 1744-3881 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4679 T1 - The role of religiousness in anxiety, depression, and happiness in a Jewish community sample: A preliminary investigation. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802321933 A1 - Rosmarin,David H. A1 - Pargament,Kenneth I. A1 - Mahoney,Annette VL - 12 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Although social scientists have convincingly demonstrated relationships between religious beliefs/practices and mental health, almost none of the empirical findings or related theory apply specifically to Jews. To address this limitation, we investigated the role of Jewish religiousness in anxiety, depression, and happiness, in a large Jewish community sample (n = 565). Several facets of global Jewish religiousness were examined, as well as a theoretically based Jewish religious variable, trust in God. A self-report measure of trust in God was created, and factor analyses yielded two reliable and valid subscales: trust in God and mistrust in God. Contrary to our hypotheses, global Jewish religiousness was on the whole unrelated to mental-health functioning. As expected, higher levels of trust in God were associated with less anxiety and depression, and greater personal happiness, whereas inverse associations emerged for the unanticipated but robust mistrust subscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ANXIETY -- Religious aspects KW - BELIEF & doubt -- Psychological aspects KW - HAPPINESS -- Religious aspects KW - JEWS -- Psychology KW - JUDAISM -- Customs & practices KW - MENTAL health -- Religious aspects KW - PSYCHOLOGY & religion KW - TRUST in God SP - 97 EP - 113 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4680 T1 - After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Gender Differences in Health and Religiosity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. JF - Health Care for Women International M3 - 10.1080/07399332.2010.514085 A1 - Brown,Jennifer A1 - Cherry,Katie A1 - Marks,Loren A1 - Jackson,Erin A1 - Volaufova,Julia A1 - Lefante,Christina A1 - Jazwinski,S. Michal VL - 31 IS - 11 PY - 2010/11// N2 - We examined health-related quality of life in adults in the Louisiana Health Aging Study (LHAS) after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (HK/R) that made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast region in 2005. Analyses of pre- and post-disaster SF-36 scores yielded changes in physical function and bodily pain. Mental health scores were lower for women than men. Gender differences were observed in religious beliefs and religious coping, favoring women. Religious beliefs and religious coping were negatively correlated with physical function, implying that stronger reliance on religiosity as a coping mechanism may be more likely among those who are less physically capable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ADJUSTMENT (Psychology) KW - Analysis of Variance KW - COMPARATIVE studies KW - Computer Software KW - DATA analysis KW - DEPRESSION in old age KW - Health Surveys KW - LIFE skills KW - LONGITUDINAL method KW - Louisiana KW - mental health KW - NATURAL disasters KW - PRE-tests & post-tests KW - Psychological Tests KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - REPEATED measures design KW - SCALE items KW - SELF-evaluation KW - SEX distribution (Demography) KW - social support KW - spirituality KW - STRESS (Psychology) -- Risk factors KW - T-test (Statistics) KW - Well-Being SP - 997 EP - 1012 SN - 07399332 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4681 T1 - A conceptual analysis of spirituality at the end of life JF - Journal of Palliative Medicine JA - J Palliat Med M3 - 10.1089/jpm.2008.0189 A1 - Vachon,Mélanie A1 - Fillion,Lise A1 - Achille,Marie VL - 12 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N2 - The definition of spirituality is the subject of endless debates in the empirical literature. This content analysis sought to: (1) exhaustively review the empirical literature on end-of-life spirituality to extract definitional elements of this concept and (2) elaborate on these definitional elements to create an integrative and inclusive definition of end-of-life spirituality based on the items retrieved. A search of the literature on spirituality published in the last 10 years was conducted via the the PsychINFO and MEDLINE databases. Seventy-one articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. A qualitative thematic analysis yielded 11 dimensions for the concept of end-of-life spirituality, namely: (1) meaning and purpose in life, (2) self-transcendence, (3) transcendence with a higher being, (4) feelings of communion and mutuality, (5) beliefs and faith, (6) hope, (7) attitude toward death, (8) appreciation of life, (9) reflection upon fundamental values, (10) the developmental nature of spirituality, and (11) its conscious aspect. The definition derived from this concept analysis, after being tested empirically, may be useful in informing the development of new measures of spirituality and new protocols to assess spirituality in clinical settings. KW - Attitude to Death KW - Humans KW - spirituality KW - Terminally Ill SP - 53 EP - 59 SN - 1557-7740 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4682 T1 - Spiritually oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20565 A1 - Shafranske,Edward P VL - 65 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - Spiritually oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy pays particular attention to the roles that religious and spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences play in the psychological life of the client. Contemporary psychoanalytic theorists offer multiple approaches to understand the functions of religious experience. Spirituality provides a means to address existential issues and provide a context to form personal meaning. Religious narratives present schemas of relationship and models of experiences salient to mental health, such as hope. God images or other symbolic representations of the transcendent have the power to evoke emotions, which in turn, influence motivation and behavior. While employing theories and techniques derived from psychodynamic psychotherapy, this therapeutic approach encourages the analysis of the functions religion and spirituality serve, while respecting the client's act of believing in faith. Psychotherapists address a client's spirituality by exploring the psychological meaning of such personal commitments and experiences and refrain from entering into discussion of faith claims. KW - Catholicism KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Psychotherapy KW - spirituality SP - 147 EP - 157 SN - 1097-4679 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19123234 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4683 T1 - Can adult offenders with intellectual disabilities use mindfulness-based procedures to control their deviant sexual arousal? JF - Psychology, Crime & Law M3 - 10.1080/10683160903392731 A1 - Singh,Nirbhay N. A1 - Lancioni,Giulio E. A1 - Winton,Alan S. W. A1 - Singh,Ashvind N. A1 - Adkins,Angela D. A1 - Singh,Judy VL - 17 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Adults with intellectual disability who commit sexual offences against children are prosecuted and sometimes diverted to mental health facilities for training and treatment. Of the few treatment modalities used with this population, cognitive-behavioral approaches appear to hold most promise. In a preliminary study, we assessed whether three adult sexual offenders with intellectual disability could learn to control their deviant sexual arousal. Using a multiple-baseline design, we evaluated the individuals' ability to use self-control methods, Meditation on the Soles of the Feet, and a Mindful Observation of Thoughts meditation procedure to control their deviant sexual arousal when given relevant printed stimulus materials. Our data show that the individuals were minimally successful when they used their own self-control strategies, more effective with Meditation on the Soles of the Feet, and most effective with Mindful Observation of Thoughts meditation. We discuss the limitations of the study, as well as some reasons why mindfulness-based procedures may be worthy of future investigation for adult sexual offenders with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ADULTHOOD KW - Criminals KW - DEVIANT behavior KW - Disabilities KW - INTELLECT KW - Self-control KW - SEXUAL excitement SP - 165 EP - 179 SN - 1068316X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4684 T1 - Peaceful Play Program: Yoga for hematology/oncology inpatient children and their parents JF - European Journal of Integrative Medicine M3 - 10.1016/j.eujim.2009.08.121 A1 - Thygeson,M. A1 - Hooke,M.C. VL - 1 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - Objective Yoga is being used increasingly in the medical field as a healing modality for adult patients experiencing serious illness and for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a single 45-min yoga intervention on pediatric hematology/oncology inpatients and their parents facing a life-threatening disease and hospitalization.Methods The study included a cohort of 16 patients, ages 7-16, who were receiving inpatient treatment for cancer or blood disorders. There were 6 females and 10 males; 11 were ages 7-11, and 5 were ages 13-16. The parent cohort included 33 parents of children receiving inpatient treatment for cancer. There were 23 mothers and 10 fathers. The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure subjects' anxiety and a general sense of well-being. Measurements were administered immediately before and after the yoga class. The adult version was used for the adolescents and the parents; and the child version was used for the children.Results In the child group (n=11), a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed that the pre-class STAI score (Md=31) evidenced little change. In the adolescent group (n=5), anxiety and sense of well-being significantly improved with the median STAI score decreasing from pre-class (Md=41) to post-class (Md=28), z=-2.03, p=0.042. In the parent cohort (n=33), STAI scores showed a decrease in anxiety and increase in well-being, with the median STAI score decreasing from pre-class (Md=45) to post-class (Md=30) z=-5.00, p<.001. An open-ended question administered at the end of class reflected a greatly improved sense of relaxation and ease.Conclusion Yoga is a feasible intervention in a hospital setting. Children, adolescents and parents were enthusiastic about class participation. There was a significant improvement in the sense of well-being in adolescents and parents, while well-being in children remained constant. The majority of participants enjoyed yoga as a family activity. Parents reported how meaningful it was to engage in a healthy activity with their ill child. As a mind body experience, adolescent patients appeared to be more sensitive to the benefits of yoga than the younger patients. This may be due to developmental differences and merits further investigation. Yoga is a beneficial activity for parents, who are stressed by the hospitalization of their chronically ill child. SP - 207 EP - 208 SN - 1876-3820 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B984N-4XNT3MD-1V/2/a2485ead30aae13f5054ee6b2fafeded ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4685 T1 - Spiritual well-being and mental health outcomes in adolescents with or without inflammatory bowel disease JF - The Journal of Adolescent Health: Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine JA - J Adolesc Health M3 - 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.09.013 A1 - Cotton,Sian A1 - Kudel,Ian A1 - Roberts,Yvonne Humenay A1 - Pallerla,Harini A1 - Tsevat,Joel A1 - Succop,Paul A1 - Yi,Michael S VL - 44 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N2 - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to describe spiritual well-being (existential and religious well-being) in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) versus healthy peers; 2) to examine associations of spiritual well-being with mental health outcomes (emotional functioning and depressive symptoms); and 3) to assess the differential impact of existential versus religious well-being on mental health. METHODS: A total of 155 adolescents aged 11-19 years from a children's hospital and a university hospital filled out questionnaires including the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Covariates in multivariable models included demographics, disease status, and interactions. RESULTS: Participants' mean (SD) age was 15.1 (2.0) years; 80 (52%) were male; and 121 (78%) were of white ethnicity. Levels of existential and religious well-being were similar between adolescents with IBD and healthy peers. In multivariable analyses, existential well-being was associated with mental health (partial R(2) change = .08-.11, p < .01) above and beyond other characteristics (total R(2) = .23, p < .01). Presence of disease moderated both the relationship between existential well-being and emotional functioning and that between religious well-being and depressive symptoms: that is, the relationships were stronger in adolescents with IBD as compared with healthy peers. Religious well-being was only marginally significantly associated with mental health after controlling for other factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although both healthy adolescents and those with IBD had high levels of spiritual well-being, having IBD moderated the relationship between spiritual well-being and mental health. Meaning/purpose was related to mental health more than was connectedness to the sacred. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Case-Control Studies KW - Child KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Inflammatory Bowel Diseases KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Ohio KW - spirituality KW - Young Adult SP - 485 EP - 492 SN - 1879-1972 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4686 T1 - Spiritual Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life Among African-American Women with HIV/AIDS JF - Applied Research in Quality of Life JA - Appl Res Qual Life M3 - 10.1007/s11482-010-9122-6 A1 - Dalmida,Safiya George A1 - Holstad,Marcia McDonnell A1 - Diiorio,Colleen A1 - Laderman,Gary VL - 6 IS - 2 PY - 2011/06// N1 -

The authors argue in this study that many HIV-positive women regard spirituality as an important part of their lives.This descriptive, crosssectional study examined associations between spiritual well-being (SWB) and its components, existential well-being (EWB) and religious well-being (RWB), and dimensions of HRQOL among a non-random sample of 118 African American HIV-positive women.

N2 - Many HIV-positive women regard spirituality as an important part of their lives and spirituality may have positive impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Particularly among African American women with HIV, spirituality may serve as a cultural and psychological resource. This descriptive, crosssectional study examined associations between spiritual well-being (SWB) and its components, existential well-being (EWB) and religious well-being (RWB), and dimensions of HRQOL among a non-random sample of 118 African American HIV-positive women. A secondary analysis of data from two similar, NIH-funded studies: The Get Busy Living (GBL) Project and the KHARMA Project, was conducted. Baseline data on women from both studies were combined into one database and statistical analyses, including descriptive, correlation and hierarchical regression analyses, were conducted. Existential well-being was significantly positively (β =.74; p=.014) associated with the physical composite of HRQOL and accounted for a significant amount of unique variance (10.0%) beyond that explained by socio-demographic variables, religious well-being (RWB), HIV medication adherence, CD4 cell count and percentage, HIV viral load, and depressive symptoms. EWB was also significantly positively (β =.57; p=.024) associated with the mental health composite of HRQOL. Depressive symptomatology was also significantly inversely (β =.40; p=.004) associated with mental HRQOL. EWB accounted for a significant amount of additional variance (6.3%) beyond that explained by other variables. Spirituality is an important factor in the lives and quality of life of African American women and women living with HIV/AIDS. Further research is needed to examine relationships between spirituality and HRQOL among HIV-positive African American women. SP - 139 EP - 157 SN - 1871-2576 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21731593 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4688 T1 - Internal reliability and temporal stability of the New Indices of Religious Orientation among Indian undergraduates: test-retest data over 15 days. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674676.2010.489390 A1 - Kamble,Shanmukh V. A1 - Lewis,Christopher Alan A1 - Cruise,Sharon Mary VL - 13 IS - 7/8 PY - 2010/11//Nov N2 - The present study examined the internal reliability and temporal stability of both the long and short forms of the New Indices of Religious Orientation, containing measures of Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and Quest religiosity, over a 15-day period among a sample of 100 Indian university students. Internal reliabilities for the long form of the measure at times 1 and 2 were acceptable for all subscales with the exception of the intrinsic subscale at time 2. Reliability estimates for the extrinsic and intrinsic subscales of the short form of the measure at both time 1 and time 2 were also less than satisfactory, though the alpha coefficients for the quest subscale were satisfactory. Data demonstrated that stability across the two administrations for both long- and short-form versions of the three dimensions of religious orientation were moderately high to high (ranging from r = 0.63 to r = 0.76). Moreover, intra-class correlation coefficients were similar to those derived from the Pearson's correlation coefficients, thus confirming that there were no systematic errors between the time 1 and time 2 datasets. However, there were significant differences in mean scores between time 1 and time 2 for both long- and short-form versions of the intrinsic and quest religious orientation subscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 833 EP - 839 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4690 T1 - Specifying the effects of religion on medical helpseeking: the case of infertility JF - Social Science & Medicine (1982) JA - Soc Sci Med M3 - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.04.033 A1 - Greil,Arthur A1 - McQuillan,Julia A1 - Benjamins,Maureen A1 - Johnson,David R A1 - Johnson,Katherine M A1 - Heinz,Chelsea R VL - 71 IS - 4 PY - 2010/08// N1 -

While confirming recent findings that religiously-based behaviors are correlated to health service utilization, this study nevertheless finds that religiosity is only indirectly associated with greater likelihood of help-seeking for infertility treatment as religiosity is correlated with a stronger belief in the importance of motherhood.  This finding is complicated by the fact that higher religiosity is also correlated with stronger ethical concerns about infertility treatment.  The value of the study is in assessing the indirect nature of associations between religiosity and health service utilization.

N2 - Several recent studies have examined the connection between religion and medical service utilization. This relationship is complicated because religiosity may be associated with beliefs that either promote or hinder medical helpseeking. The current study uses structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between religion and fertility-related helpseeking using a probability sample of 2183 infertile women in the United States. We found that, although religiosity is not directly associated with helpseeking for infertility, it is indirectly associated through mediating variables that operate in opposing directions. More specifically, religiosity is associated with greater belief in the importance of motherhood, which in turn is associated with increased likelihood of helpseeking. Religiosity is also associated with greater ethical concerns about infertility treatment, which are associated with decreased likelihood of helpseeking. Additionally, the relationships are not linear throughout the helpseeking process. Thus, the influence of religiosity on infertility helpseeking is indirect and complex. These findings support the growing consensus that religiously-based behaviours and beliefs are associated with levels of health service utilization. SP - 734 EP - 742 SN - 1873-5347 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20547437 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4691 T1 - Parents’ and Children’s Religiosity and Child Behavioral Adjustment Among Maltreated and Nonmaltreated Children. JF - Journal of Child & Family Studies M3 - 10.1007/s10826-009-9262-1 A1 - Kim,Jungmeen A1 - McCullough,Michael A1 - Cicchetti,Dante VL - 18 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10// N2 - We investigated the role of parents’ and children’s religiosity in behavioral adjustment among maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Data were collected on 170 maltreated and 159 nonmaltreated children from low-income families (mean age = 10 years). We performed dyadic data analyses to examine unique contributions of parents’ and children’s religiosity and their interaction to predicting child internalizing and externalizing symptomatology. A four group structural equation modeling was used to test whether the structural relations among religiosity predictors and child outcomes differed by child maltreatment status and child gender. We found evidence of parent-child religiosity interaction suggesting that (1) parents’ frequent church attendance was related to lower levels of internalizing symptomatology among nonmaltreated children with low church attendance and (2) parents’ importance of faith was associated with lower levels of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology among nonmaltreated children with low faith. The results suggest that independent effects of parents’ religiosity varied depending on children’s religiosity and parent-child relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Child & Family Studies is the property of Springer Science & Business Media B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts) KW - ABUSED children -- Research KW - ADJUSTMENT (Psychology) in children KW - CHILD abuse KW - CHILDREN -- Research KW - PARENT & child KW - RELIGIOUSNESS -- Psychological aspects SP - 594 EP - 605 SN - 10621024 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=43919461&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4692 T1 - Religious Influences on Teenage Childbearing Among Brazilian Female Adolescents: A Research Note JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01544.x A1 - Ogland,Curtis P. A1 - Bartkowski,John P. A1 - Sunil,Thankam S. A1 - Xu,Xiaohe VL - 49 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Scholars have shown increasing interest in the social implications of Protestant and, specifically, Pentecostal expansion in Latin America over the past several decades. This study uses data from the National Demographic and Health Survey in Brazil to explore the influence of religious affiliation and attendance on the reproductive behavior of unmarried female adolescents (ages 15–19). Results demonstrate that religiously affiliated female adolescents are less likely to have had a child during their teen years when compared with their unaffiliated peers. These protective effects are quite robust for adolescents who claim a Pentecostal affiliation, which is consistent with the doctrine of sanctification, including norms of sexual restraint. Results also demonstrate that teens who attend worship services frequently are significantly less likely to have had a child. These findings augment prior research on religion and fertility while calling attention to the protective effects associated with emergent niches in Brazil's increasingly diversified religious economy. SP - 754 EP - 760 SN - 00218294 UR - http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01544.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4693 T1 - Effect of yoga on mental health: Comparative study between young and senior subjects in Japan JF - International Journal of Yoga JA - Int J Yoga M3 - 10.4103/0973-6131.78173 A1 - Gururaja,Derebail A1 - Harano,Kaori A1 - Toyotake,Ikenaga A1 - Kobayashi,Haruo VL - 4 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - BACKGROUND Japan has a large number of senior citizens. Yoga can be wisely applied in old age care. There is no any age restriction to practice yoga. The effect may differ by age. There is a need to study the mechanism of action of yoga with respect to age. AIM This study was conducted in Japan to find the effect of yoga on mental health between young and senior people. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five normal healthy volunteers of both sexes were divided into two groups according to age. Fifteen participants of the age group between 65 to 75 years and 10 participants of the age group between 20 to 30 years were selected. This study was approved by the ethical committee of Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare. Selected individuals were subjected to 90 min of yoga classes once or twice a week for a month. Salivary amylase activity was assessed before and after yoga practice. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was given before yoga on the first day and after one month of practice to assess the change in State anxiety and Trait anxiety. RESULTS Senior group - Salivary amylase activity decreased from 111.2±42.7 to 83.48±39.5 kU/L [average±standard deviation]. Younger group - Salivary amylase activity reduced from 60.74±31.8 to 42.39±24 kU/L. Senior group - State anxiety score decreased from 41.13 ±8.43 to 30.8±6.49, Trait anxiety score reduced from 45.66±7.5 to 40.73±8.3. Younger group - State anxiety score reduced from 38.7±4.8 to 30.8±4.1,Trait anxiety score reduced from 46.2±7.9 to 42.9±9.1. Changes were statistically significant with P<0.05. CONCLUSION Decrease in Salivary amylase activity may be due to reduction in sympathetic response. Reduction in State and Trait anxiety score signifies that yoga has both immediate as well as long-term effect on anxiety reduction. Thus yoga helps to improve the mental health in both the groups. SP - 7 EP - 12 SN - 0973-6131 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21654969 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4695 T1 - The Book of Job: Implications for construct validity of posttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic criteria. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903101218 A1 - Haughn,Clifford A1 - Gonsiorek,John C. IS - 8 PY - 2009/12// N2 - This project involved asking a group of clinicians experienced in working with trauma to rate (among other things) how well descriptions from the Book of Job matched current DSM diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This research found high ratings of congruence between descriptions of Job's reactions and symptoms of PTSD described in DSM-IV-TR. However, the congruence with the traumatising events was less certain. These findings are discussed in relation to the construct validity of PTSD diagnostic criteria. While symptoms of trauma are consistent and robust over millennia of observation of the human condition, the nature of the events required in criterion A (1) is likely flawed on a number of levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - MEDICAL personnel KW - MEDICINE -- Research KW - Post-traumatic stress disorder KW - SELF-congruence KW - SYMPTOMS SP - 833 EP - 845 SN - 13674676 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45427290&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4696 T1 - Spiritual belief, social support, physical functioning and depression among older people in Bulgaria and Romania. JF - Aging & Mental Health M3 - 10.1080/13607863.2010.519320 A1 - Coleman,Peter G. A1 - Carare,Roxana O. A1 - Petrov,Ignat A1 - Forbes,Elizabeth A1 - Saigal,Anita A1 - Spreadbury,John H. A1 - Yap,Andrea A1 - Kendrick,Tony VL - 15 IS - 3 PY - 2011/04// N2 - Objectives: An exploratory investigation is reported into the role of spirituality and religious practice in protecting against depression among older people living in rural villages in Bulgaria and Romania, two neighbouring countries with similar cultural, political and religious histories, but with differing levels of current religiosity. Methods: In both countries, interviews were conducted with samples of 160 persons of 60 years and over in villages of similar socio-economic status. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression-D scale and the Royal Free Interview for Religious and Spiritual Beliefs were used to assess depression and spiritual belief and practice respectively. In addition social support, physical functioning and the presence of chronic diseases were assessed. One year later, follow-up interviews were conducted with 58 of the original sample in Bulgaria, in which additional measures of depression and of spiritual belief and practice were also included. Results: The study demonstrates, as expected, significantly lower levels of spiritual belief in the Bulgarian sample (Bulgarian mean 29.7 (SD = 19.1), Romanian mean 47.6 (SD = 11.2), t = 10.2, p < 0.001), as well as significantly higher levels of depression (Bulgarian mean 12.0 (SD = 4.9), Romanian mean 7.3 (SD = 4.1), t = 9.3, p < 0.001), the latter attributable in large part to higher morbidity and disability rates, but less evidently to differences in strength of belief. However, analyses from both the cross-sectional study and the one-year follow-up of the Bulgarian sample do suggest that spiritual belief and practice may both influence and reflect physical and mental illness. Conclusions: Much of Eastern Europe displays high rates of depression among its older population and provides opportunities for investigation of the role of religious belief and practice in preventing and coping with depression. Further research is encouraged in populations of diverse religiosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BULGARIA KW - DEPRESSION in old age -- Research KW - GERIATRIC psychiatry KW - OLDER people -- Functional assessment KW - ROMANIA KW - social support KW - SPIRITUALITY -- Research SP - 327 EP - 333 SN - 13607863 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4697 T1 - Alcohol intake and its correlates in a transitional predominantly Muslim population in southeastern Europe JF - Addictive Behaviors JA - Addict Behav M3 - 10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.03.015 A1 - Burazeri,Genc A1 - Kark,Jeremy D. VL - 35 IS - 7 PY - 2010/07// N2 - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess alcohol consumption and its correlates in Albania, a predominantly Muslim though largely secular Southeast European republic in transition from rigidly structured socialism to a market-oriented system. METHODS: A population-based sample of Tirana residents aged 35-74 years was interviewed and examined in 2003-2006 (450 men and 235 women with data on alcohol intake, 65.5% response). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the association of drinking frequency, quantity and type of drink with socioeconomic, psychosocial and coronary risk characteristics. RESULTS: 30.6% (95%CI=26.3%-34.9%) of men, age-standardized to the 2005 census, and 5.6% (95%CI=2.6%-8.6%) of women reported almost daily intake of alcohol, whereas 17.0% (95%CI=13.4%-20.5%) of men and 46.6% (95%CI=40.2%-53.1%) of women abstained. In men, frequent drinking was positively associated with age and not receiving financial support from close family emigrants, and was strongly inversely related to religious observance in both Muslims and Christians. In women it was associated with smoking and upward social mobility. Alcohol intake was not associated with religious affiliation in either sex. In men, intake of spirits (predominantly raki) and beer were associated with lower socioeconomic indices, smoking and obesity (beer only), whereas wine intake was associated with financial security, being secular, and not smoking. Among men, 11.3% (95%CI=8.3%-14.3%) reported high intakes (> or =210 g of pure alcohol/week) and 6.0% (95%CI=3.8%-8.3%) very high intakes (> or = 420 g/week). High intakes were associated with frequent, rather than episodic, drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Our study may be the first to provide information on alcohol intake and its characteristics in an Albanian population sample, one of the few predominantly Muslim countries in Europe. Alcohol consumption in women was extremely low. However, consistent very heavy intake of alcohol appears to be more frequent among Albanian men than in many former communist countries in Europe, and is cause for concern. SP - 706 EP - 713 SN - 1873-6327 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4698 T1 - Effect of Iyengar yoga practice on fatigue and diurnal salivary cortisol concentration in breast cancer survivors JF - Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners JA - J Am Acad Nurse Pract M3 - 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2010.00573.x A1 - Banasik,Jacquelyn A1 - Williams,Holly A1 - Haberman,Mel A1 - Blank,Sally E A1 - Bendel,Robert VL - 23 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N1 -

This study examines the effect of regular lyengar yoga practice on measures of self-perceived psychosocial function and diurnal salivary cortisol secretion in stage II-IV breast cancer survivors.

N2 - In this study of the effect of regular Iyengar yoga practice on measures of self-perceived psychosocial function and diurnal salivary cortisol secretion in stage II-IV breast cancer survivors, women were randomly assigned to attend yoga practice for 90 min twice weekly for 8 weeks (n = 9) or to a wait-listed, noninterventional control group (n = 9). Traditional Iyengar yoga routines that progressively increased in difficulty as participants gained strength and flexibility were used. After 8 weeks, the yoga group had lower morning and 5 p.m. salivary cortisol and improved emotional well-being and fatigue scores. SP - 135 EP - 142 SN - 1745-7599 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21355946 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4699 T1 - The Intratextual Fundamentalism Scale: cross-cultural application, validity evidence, and relationship with religious orientation and the Big 5 factor markers. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802643047 A1 - Williamson,W. Paul A1 - Hood,Ralph A1 - Ahmad,Aneeq A1 - Sadiq,Mahmood A1 - Hill,Peter C. VL - 13 IS - 7/8 PY - 2010/11//Nov N2 - This paper introduces a new five-item cross-cultural fundamentalism scale based on the principle of intratextuality. Free of belief content and concerns with militancy, each of the five items taps into a different facet of intratextuality that collectively assess the attitudes that fundamentalists maintain toward their sacred text-namely, a persuasion that it is divine in origin, inerrant, privileged above all other texts, authoritative, and unchanging as the embodiment of timeless truth. In this article, we present three studies concerned with the Intratextual Fundamentalism Scale (IFS). Study 1 introduces the development, confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent validity of the IFS based on a sample of 119 Christians in the US as well as examines its relationship to religious orientation. Study 2 replicates the findings of the first study with a sample of 220 Muslims from Pakistan. Study 3 again confirms the structure of the IFS, addresses divergent validity, and investigates its relationship with religious orientation and Goldberg's Big 5 factor markers in a sample of 227 US Christians. Findings of all three studies suggest that the IFS is a psychometrically sound instrument that economically assesses religious fundamentalism without religious content bias or concern for aggression. Results also indicate that, only for Americans, fundamentalism, as measured by the IFS, is significantly related to intrinsic (r = 0.35; r = 0.51) and extrinsic-personal (r = 0.33; r = 0.23) religious orientations, but not extrinsic-social orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 721 EP - 747 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4700 T1 - Religiousness and prostate cancer screening in African American men JF - Journal of Psychosocial Oncology JA - J Psychosoc Oncol M3 - 10.1080/07347330902979036 A1 - Abernethy,Alexis D A1 - Houston,Tina R A1 - Bjorck,Jeffrey P A1 - Gorsuch,Richard L A1 - Arnold,Harold L VL - 27 IS - 3 PY - 2009/// N2 - This study was designed to examine the relationship between religiousness (organized, nonorganized, and intrinsic) and religious problem solving (collaborative, deferring, and self-directing) in prostate cancer screening (PCS) attitudes and behavior. Men (N = 481) of African descent between the ages of 40 and 70 participated. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that religiousness and self-directed problem solving were associated with PCS attitudes. Intrinsic religiousness was associated with PCS attitudes after controlling for health and organized religiousness. Religiousness was not associated with PCS behavior. Intrinsic religiousness may be an important dimension of religiousness to be considered in tailoring cancer interventions for individuals from faith-based communities. KW - Adult KW - African Americans KW - Aged KW - Biopsy KW - Digital Rectal Examination KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - Humans KW - Intention KW - Los Angeles KW - Male KW - Mass Screening KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasm Staging KW - Patient Acceptance of Health Care KW - Problem Solving KW - Prostate KW - Prostate-Specific Antigen KW - Prostatic Neoplasms KW - Self Efficacy KW - Ultrasonography SP - 316 EP - 331 SN - 1540-7586 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4702 T1 - A Study of the Unique Contribution of Spiritual Coping to Health-Related Quality of Life with Heart Failure JF - Journal of Cardiac Failure M3 - 10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.06.360 A1 - Larsen,Terry VL - 16 IS - 8, Supplement 1 PY - 2010/08// N1 -

Research suggests that the heart failure (HF) population is particularly vulnerable to depression due to neurohormonal derangement and its psychological impact. HF patients with depression have been found to have more hospitalizations and poorer outcomes than those who are not depressed. The purpose of this study is to examine factors that predict health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with heart failure. Its aims are (1) to examine level of religious/spiritual coping, spiritual distress, demoralization, depression and HRQoL among adults with heart failure, (2) to examine the relationships of religious/spiritual coping, spiritual distress demoralization, depression and selected demographic variables (age, gender, race/ethnicity and length of living with HF) with HRQoL. The tests revealed significant differences for positive religious/spiritual coping t(113) = 2.72, 95, 84, p < .05 by gender. Women reported lower mean HRQoL scores 58.86 (SD 26.59) than men 68.57 (SD 24.77); and used more positive religious coping 20.95 (SD 4.97) than men 18.05(SD 6.20) p < .05. Correlation analysis found depression and demoralization to be highly correlated (r = .801; p < .05). A significant negative relationship between depression and HRQoL (r = -.645, p < .001), demoralization (r = -507; p < .001) and spiritual distress (r = -.218; p < .05) was found. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in KCCQ scores based upon the demographic variables. Trending towards statistical significance was found with Hispanics 21.26 (SD 5.04) who more likely to use positive religious/spiritual coping than non-Hispanic participants 17.96 (SD = 6.42, p = 0.54). Regression analysis indicate the overall model significantly predicted HRQOL R2 = 0.424, F (4,110) = 20.267, p < . 001. Depression was the only variable that significantly contributed to the model. A holistic approach to managing HF patients should consider the varied human responses of stress and coping, and be culturally sensitive and gender appropriate.

SP - S103 EP - S103 SN - 1071-9164 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4705 T1 - Mindfulness-Based Approaches with Children and Adolescents: A Preliminary Review of Current Research in an Emergent Field. JF - Journal of Child & Family Studies M3 - 10.1007/s10826-009-9282-x A1 - Burke,Christine VL - 19 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N1 -

Interest in applications of mindfulness-based approaches has spread from applications of mindfulness-based approaches with adults to the same with children and adolescents, yet the research is still in its infancy. This article provides a preliminary review of the current research base of mindfulness-based approaches with children and adolescents, focusing on MBSR/MBCT models, which place the regular practice of mindfulness meditation at the core of the intervention. Overall, the current research base provides support for the feasibility of mindfulness-based interventions with children and adolescents, however there is no generalized empirical evidence of the efficacy of these interventions. For the field to advance, research needs to shift away from feasibility studies towards large, well-designed studies with robust methodologies, and adopt standardized formats for interventions, allowing for replication and comparison studies, to develop a firm research evidence base.

N2 - Interest in applications of mindfulness-based approaches with adults has grown rapidly in recent times, and there is an expanding research base that suggests these are efficacious approaches to promoting psychological health and well-being. Interest has spread to applications of mindfulness-based approaches with children and adolescents, yet the research is still in its infancy. I aim to provide a preliminary review of the current research base of mindfulness-based approaches with children and adolescents, focusing on MBSR/MBCT models, which place the regular practice of mindfulness meditation at the core of the intervention. Overall, the current research base provides support for the feasibility of mindfulness-based interventions with children and adolescents, however there is no generalized empirical evidence of the efficacy of these interventions. For the field to advance, I suggest that research needs to shift away from feasibility studies towards large, well-designed studies with robust methodologies, and adopt standardized formats for interventions, allowing for replication and comparison studies, to develop a firm research evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BEHAVIOR disorders in adolescence -- Treatment KW - CHILD psychology KW - CHILDREN -- Health & hygiene -- Research KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - MEDITATION -- Therapeutic use KW - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy SP - 133 EP - 144 SN - 10621024 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4709 T1 - The Importance of Spirituality in Couple and Family Therapy: A Comparative Study of Therapists' and Educators' Beliefs. JF - Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal M3 - 10.1007/s10591-010-9136-0 A1 - Carlson,Thomas A1 - McGeorge,Christi A1 - Anderson,Amy VL - 33 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - The purpose of this study was to explore the differences between the beliefs of couple and family therapists (CFTs) and CFT educators in accredited training programs regarding the importance of spirituality in their personal and professional lives. The results suggest a significant difference between the two populations, with clinicians reporting a higher level of agreement regarding the overall role of spirituality in their personal and professional identities compared to CFT faculty members. However, both therapists and educators reported similar levels of agreement in regard to the need for education related to integrating spirituality and its role in clinical practice. Implications for CFT training programs are discussed. KW - Analysis of Variance KW - COMPARATIVE studies KW - CORRELATION (Statistics) KW - COUNSELORS -- Attitudes KW - EFFECT sizes (Statistics) KW - FAMILY psychotherapy KW - HEALTH attitudes KW - HYPOTHESIS KW - SCALE analysis (Psychology) KW - spirituality KW - TEACHERS -- Attitudes KW - T-test (Statistics) SP - 3 EP - 16 SN - 08922764 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4710 T1 - Invocations and intoxication: does prayer decrease alcohol consumption? JF - Psychology of Addictive Behaviors: Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors JA - Psychol Addict Behav M3 - 10.1037/a0018746 A1 - Lambert,Nathaniel M. A1 - Fincham,Frank D. A1 - Marks,Loren D. A1 - Stillman,Tyler F. VL - 24 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Four methodologically diverse studies (N = 1,758) show that prayer frequency and alcohol consumption are negatively related. In Study 1 (n = 824), we used a cross-sectional design and found that higher prayer frequency was related to lower alcohol consumption and problematic drinking behavior. Study 2 (n = 702) used a longitudinal design and found that more frequent prayer at Time 1 predicted less alcohol consumption and problematic drinking behavior at Time 2, and this relationship held when controlling for baseline levels of drinking and prayer. In Study 3 (n = 117), we used an experimental design to test for a causal relationship between prayer frequency and alcohol consumption. Participants assigned to pray every day (either an undirected prayer or a prayer for a relationship partner) for 4 weeks drank about half as much alcohol at the conclusion of the study as control participants. Study 4 (n = 115) replicated the findings of Study 3, as prayer again reduced drinking by about half. These findings are discussed in terms of prayer as reducing drinking motives. SP - 209 EP - 219 SN - 1939-1501 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4711 T1 - Mindfulness-specific or generic mechanisms of action JF - Addiction M3 - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03013.x A1 - DiClemente,Carlo C. VL - 105 IS - 10 PY - 2010/10// N2 - In this article, the author discusses the study which examines the effectiveness of transcendental meditation mindfulness training to treat patients with behavioral and emotional problems. It states that rumination and stress management are the key factors that help depression people and substance abuse disorders to respond brain activation using generic self-regulatory operations. Moreover, neurologists explained that approach would lower pain sensitivity in the brain. KW - DEPRESSED persons KW - NEUROLOGISTS KW - PAIN -- Treatment KW - rumination KW - stress management KW - SUBSTANCE abuse KW - Transcendental Meditation SP - 1707 EP - 1708 SN - 09652140 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4713 T1 - Baseline predictors of ninety percent or higher antiretroviral therapy adherence in a diverse urban sample: the role of patient autonomy and fatalistic religious beliefs JF - AIDS Patient Care and STDs JA - AIDS Patient Care STDS M3 - 10.1089/apc.2010.0319 A1 - Finocchario-Kessler,S A1 - Catley,D A1 - Berkley-Patton,J A1 - Gerkovich,M A1 - Williams,K A1 - Banderas,J A1 - Goggin,K VL - 25 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N1 -

This study assessed baseline predictors of high antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence (≥90%) measured by electronic drug monitors (EDM) at 12 and 24 weeks after enrollment in a randomized controlled trial testing behavioral interventions to improve ART adherence.  The object was to better understand the role of influence of religious/spiritual beliefs on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results indicate that effective interventions should include a focus on promoting patients' autonomous regulation and religious/spiritual beliefs regarding ART adherence.

N2 - The role of patient autonomy and influence of religious/spiritual beliefs on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is to date not fully understood. This study assessed baseline predictors of high ART adherence (≥90%) measured by electronic drug monitors (EDM) at 12 and 24 weeks after enrollment in a randomized controlled trial testing behavioral interventions to improve ART adherence. Baseline data were collected with audio computer-assisted self interviews (ACASI) surveys among a diverse urban sample of HIV-infected participants (n = 204) recruited from community clinics in a large midwestern city. Baseline variables included a range of established ART adherence predictors as well as several less frequently studied variables related to patient autonomy and religious/spiritual beliefs. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) variables identified in univariate analyses were included in subsequent multivariate analyses predicting higher than 90% adherence at 12 and 24 weeks. Several baseline predictors retained statistical significance in multivariate analysis at 24 weeks. Baseline levels of autonomous support from friends and family, motivation to adhere, and having an active coping style were all positively associated with adherence, while the belief that God is in control of one's health was negatively associated with adherence. Results indicate that effective interventions should include a focus on promoting patients' autonomous regulation and religious/spiritual beliefs regarding ART adherence. KW - Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence KW - Fatalism SP - 103 EP - 111 SN - 1557-7449 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4714 T1 - How does one become spiritual? The Spiritual Modeling Inventory of Life Environments (SMILE). JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902758257 A1 - Oman,Doug A1 - Thoresen,Carl E. A1 - Park,Crystal L. A1 - Shaver,Phillip R. A1 - Hood,Ralph W. A1 - Plante,Thomas G. VL - 12 IS - 5 PY - 2009/07// N2 - We report the theoretical background, psychometric properties, and correlates of the Spiritual Modeling Inventory of Life Environments (SMILE), a measure of perceptions of spiritual models, defined as everyday and prominent people who have functioned for respondents as exemplars of spiritual qualities, such as compassion, self-control, or faith. Demographic, spiritual, and personality correlates were examined in an ethnically diverse sample of college students from California, Connecticut, and Tennessee (N = 1010). A summary measure of model influence was constructed from perceived models within family, school, and religious organization, and among prominent individuals from both tradition and media. The SMILE, based on concepts from Bandura's (1986) Social Cognitive Theory, was well-received by respondents. The summary measure demonstrated good 7-week test-retest reliability (r = 0.83); patterns of correlation supporting convergent, divergent, and criterion-related validity; demographic differences in expected directions; and substantial individual heterogeneity. Implications are discussed for further research and for pastoral, educational, and health-focused interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Mental Health, Religion & Culture is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts) KW - HUMAN behavior KW - MODELS & modelmaking KW - PSYCHOLOGY -- Methodology KW - Psychometrics KW - RELIGIOUS institutions KW - SCALING (Social sciences) KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - United States KW - WORSHIP SP - 427 EP - 456 SN - 13674676 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rlh&AN=42411016&site=ehost-live ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4716 T1 - Spiritual abuse: an additional dimension of abuse experienced by abused Haredi (Ultraorthodox) Jewish wives JF - Violence Against Women JA - Violence Against Women M3 - 10.1177/1077801209347619 A1 - Dehan,Nicole A1 - Levi,Zipi VL - 15 IS - 11 PY - 2009/11// N2 - This article aims to conceptualize spiritual abuse as an additional dimension to physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. Growing out of an interpretivist participatory action research study in a therapeutic Haredi (Jewish ultraorthodox) group of eight abused women, spiritual abuse has been defined as any attempt to impair the woman's spiritual life, spiritual self, or spiritual well-being, with three levels of intensity: (a) belittling her spiritual worth, beliefs, or deeds; (b) preventing her from performing spiritual acts; and (c) causing her to transgress spiritual obligations or prohibitions. The concept and its typology are illustrated by means of examples from the women's abusive experiences and may be of theoretical and therapeutic worldwide relevance. SP - 1294 EP - 1310 SN - 1077-8012 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19809096 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4717 T1 - A multifaith spiritually based intervention for generalized anxiety disorder: a pilot randomized trial JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20663 A1 - Koszycki,Diana A1 - Raab,Kelley A1 - Aldosary,Fahad A1 - Bradwejn,Jacques VL - 66 IS - 4 PY - 2010/02/08/ N1 -

After a multifaith spiritually based intervention was applied to patients suffering generalized anxiety disorder, a reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in social adjustment was observed.

N2 - This pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of a multifaith spiritually based intervention (SBI) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for GAD of at least moderate severity were randomized to either 12 sessions of the SBI (n=11) delivered by a spiritual care counselor or 12 sessions of psychologist-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; n=11). Outcome measures were completed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Primary efficacy measures included the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed on the intent-to-treat sample using the Last Observation Carried Forward method. Eighteen patients (82%) completed the study. The SBI produced robust and clinically significant reductions from baseline in psychic and somatic symptoms of GAD and was comparable in efficacy to CBT. A reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in social adjustment was also observed. Treatment response occurred in 63.6% of SBI-treated and 72.3% of CBT-treated patients. Gains were maintained at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. These preliminary findings are encouraging and suggest that a multifaith SBI may be an effective treatment option for GAD. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy of this intervention. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 66(4):1-12, 2010. SP - 430 EP - 441 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4719 T1 - Illness cognitions as a pathway between religiousness and subjective health in chronic cardiac patients JF - Journal of Health Psychology JA - J Health Psychol M3 - 10.1177/1359105309347585 A1 - Karademas,Evangelos C VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N1 -

The aim of this study was to examine the role of illness cognitions as a possible pathway between religiousness and subjective health in chronic illness. A sample of 135 chronic cardiac patients completed questionnaires about intrinsic religiousness, frequency of church service attendance, basic illness cognitions (i.e., helplessness, illness acceptance, perceived benefits), and physical and emotional well-being. According to the results, religiousness was significantly associated with subjective health. However, this relationship was indirect, with helplessness and illness acceptance serving as mediators between intrinsic religiousness and health. This finding is significant for understanding the complex relation of religiousness to chronic patients’ well-being.

N2 - The aim of this study was to examine the role of illness cognitions as a possible pathway between religiousness and subjective health in chronic illness. A sample of 135 chronic cardiac patients completed questionnaires about intrinsic religiousness, frequency of church service attendance, basic illness cognitions (i.e., helplessness, illness acceptance, perceived benefits), and physical and emotional well-being. According to the results, religiousness was significantly associated with subjective health. However, this relationship was indirect, with helplessness and illness acceptance serving as mediators between intrinsic religiousness and health. This finding is significant for understanding the complex relation of religiousness to chronic patients' well-being. SP - 239 EP - 247 SN - 1461-7277 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4720 T1 - Using Spirituality to Cope With Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease JF - Western Journal of Nursing Research JA - Western Journal of Nursing Research M3 - 10.1177/0193945909332776 A1 - Beuscher,L. A1 - Grando,V. T. VL - 31 IS - 5 PY - 2009/03// N2 - This study describes how individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) use spirituality to cope with losses of self-esteem, independence, and social interaction. Faith, prayer, connection to church, and family support enhanced the ability of people with early-stage AD to keep a positive attitude. SP - 583 EP - 598 SN - 0193-9459 UR - http://wjn.sagepub.com/cgi/doi/10.1177/0193945909332776 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4721 T1 - Spirituality and depressive symptoms in a school-based sample of adolescents: a longitudinal examination of mediated and moderated effects JF - The Journal of Adolescent Health: Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine JA - J Adolesc Health M3 - 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.08.022 A1 - Pérez,John E A1 - Little,Todd D A1 - Henrich,Christopher C VL - 44 IS - 4 PY - 2009/04// N2 - PURPOSE: To prospectively examine whether personal agency beliefs and direct coping mediate the association between spirituality and depressive symptoms in a school-based sample of adolescents, and whether gender, race, or grade level moderate this model. METHOD: Students (N = 1096) from sixth through ninth grades in a northeastern public school system were administered self-report instruments in group format at baseline, 6-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. Demographic variables and constructs of spirituality, personal agency, direct coping, and depressive symptoms were assessed. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling was used to examine the longitudinal associations among the constructs while controlling for socioeconomic status and baseline depressive symptoms. For the total sample, the model predicted 21% of the variance in depressive symptoms over 1 year. The model was moderated by gender but not by race or grade level. The model explained 28% of the variance in depressive symptoms for girls and 16% of the variance in depressive symptoms for boys. Moreover, there was an indirect effect of spirituality on depressive symptoms for girls but not for boys. CONCLUSION: These results suggest mechanisms by which spirituality may maintain lower levels of depressive symptoms among adolescent girls during periods of transition to middle and high school. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adolescent KW - depression KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Longitudinal Studies KW - Male KW - New England KW - Prospective Studies KW - Self Efficacy KW - spirituality SP - 380 EP - 386 SN - 1879-1972 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4722 T1 - Growing up gay and religious. Conflict, dialogue, and religious identity strategies. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903452132 A1 - Ganzevoort,R. R. A1 - van der Laan,M. A1 - Olsman,E. VL - 14 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Homosexuality has become a divisive issue in many religious communities. Partly because of that, individuals growing up in such a community and experiencing same sex attractions need to negotiate the messages about homosexuality with their own experiences. This paper explores the identity strategies of religious communities as the background of individual identity struggles. Following a discussion of Bauman's grammars of identity/alterity, it describes four different discourses employed in conservative protestant and evangelical circles: holiness, subjectivity, obedience, and responsibility and four modes of negotiation: Christian lifestyle, gay lifestyle, commuting (compartmentalisation), and integration. By combining an analysis of discourses on the community level with individual strategies, this narrative research helps to better understand the interactions of (group) culture and individual coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ATTITUDE (Psychology) KW - Christianity KW - Ethics KW - HOMOSEXUALITY KW - Qualitative Research KW - ROLE conflict KW - SELF-perception KW - sex KW - THOUGHT & thinking SP - 209 EP - 222 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4723 T1 - The moderating influence of demographic characteristics, social support, and religious coping on the effectiveness of a multicomponent psychosocial caregiver intervention in three racial ethnic groups JF - The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences JA - J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci M3 - 10.1093/geronb/gbp131 A1 - Lee,Chin C. A1 - Czaja,Sara J. A1 - Schulz,Richard VL - 65B IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N2 - This article extends the findings from the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH II) program, a multisite randomized clinical trial of a multicomponent psychosocial intervention, to improve the well-being of informal caregivers (CGs) of persons with dementia. We used residual change scores and stepwise hierarchical regression analyses to explore separately in 3 racial ethnic groups (Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, and White or Caucasian) how the effects of the intervention were moderated by CG characteristics (sex, age, education, and relationship), CG resources (social support), and religious coping. The results indicated that CG's age and religious coping moderated the effects of the intervention for Hispanics and Blacks. The older Hispanic and Black CGs who received the intervention reported a decrease in CG burden from baseline to follow-up. Black CGs with less religious coping who received the intervention also reported a decrease in depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up. SP - 185 EP - 194 SN - 1758-5368 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4725 T1 - The use of prayer beads in psychotherapy. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902732781 A1 - Wernik,Uri VL - 12 IS - 4 PY - 2009/05// N2 - The history and the varieties of positive thinking interventions in psychotherapy are discussed. It is suggested that the measures used to install positive self statements are limited. Until now there are no reports of using prayer beads for this purpose. The use of prayer beads in different cultures and religions is described and three cases of using prayer beads in therapy are presented. The promising results are understood in terms of ritual. Further directions of research are proposed. The very process of preparing prayer beads benefits the therapeutic relationship, creating an opportunity for playful and creative interaction between client and therapist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BEADS KW - CLINICAL sociology KW - HEALING -- Religious aspects KW - Psychotherapy KW - PUBLIC worship KW - RELIGION & culture KW - RITES & ceremonies KW - Spiritual healing KW - Spiritualism SP - 359 EP - 368 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4726 T1 - A pilot trial of spirituality counseling for weight loss maintenance in African American breast cancer survivors JF - Journal of the National Medical Association JA - J Natl Med Assoc A1 - Djuric,Zora A1 - Mirasolo,Josephine A1 - Kimbrough,LaVern A1 - Brown,Diane R A1 - Heilbrun,Lance K A1 - Canar,Lisa A1 - Venkatranamamoorthy,Raghu A1 - Simon,Michael S VL - 101 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N2 - A continuing challenge in weight loss treatment is attaining maintenance of weight loss. The goal of this study was to develop a counseling method that would assist African American breast cancer survivors with weight loss maintenance. In this pilot study, 31 obese breast cancer survivors were recruited. Individualized, dietitian-led counseling by telephone and free Weight Watchers coupons were provided to all participants for 18 months. At the 6-month time point, women were randomized to receive spirituality counseling or not in addition to the standard program. The spirituality counseling was delivered via telephone using an 8-step framework. Subjects were asked to utilize daily meditation or prayer, daily readings, and the recording of thoughts in a journal. Mean weight loss from baseline to 6 months was a modest 2.0% of baseline weight. From 6 to 18 months, there was no further weight change in the spirituality arm and a gain of 0.7% in the dietitian-only arm. Despite little effect on weight loss, it did appear that spirituality counseling positively affected spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp) scores and dietary quality. The spirituality counseling framework therefore may be further refined and useful for other health promotion studies with African American populations. KW - African Americans KW - Body Mass Index KW - Breast Neoplasms KW - Diet Records KW - Directive Counseling KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Middle Aged KW - Motor Activity KW - Obesity KW - Pilot Projects KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Survival Analysis KW - Survivors KW - United States KW - Weight Loss SP - 552 EP - 564 SN - 0027-9684 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4727 T1 - "No matter what has been done wrong can always be redone right": spirituality in the lives of imprisoned battered women JF - Violence Against Women JA - Violence Against Women M3 - 10.1177/1077801208331244 A1 - Schneider,Rachel Zimmer A1 - Feltey,Kathryn M VL - 15 IS - 4 PY - 2009/04// N2 - In this article, the authors explore the religious and spiritual experiences and beliefs of incarcerated battered women who killed abusive intimate partners or (step)fathers. Through in-depth interviews with 12 imprisoned battered women, the authors examine the role that religion and spirituality played in the women's lives before and during their incarceration. Regardless of their religious upbringing, most had what they described as spiritual experiences during their time in prison. For them, participation in the support group for battered women and their spiritual experiences "freed them" by giving them a way to reconstruct and reinterpret their victimization, perpetration of violence, and subsequent incarceration. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Anecdotes as Topic KW - Battered Women KW - Crime Victims KW - Faith Healing KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Middle Aged KW - Pastoral Care KW - prisoners KW - Questionnaires KW - spirituality KW - Women's Health SP - 443 EP - 459 SN - 1077-8012 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4729 T1 - Competing Selves: Negotiating the Intersection of Spiritual and Sexual Identities JF - Professional Psychology: Research and Practice M3 - 10.1037/a0017471 A1 - Sherry,Alissa A1 - Adelman,Andrew A1 - Whilde,Margaret R. A1 - Quick,Daniel VL - 41 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Psychotherapy has sometimes been seen as incongruent with religion and spirituality. This fact is even more pronounced when counseling lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients, who feel as if their sexual orientation places them at odds with religious doctrine that is experienced as antigay. Postmodern theory provides a context for understanding socially constructed identities that may be in conflict with one another and may also provide some insight into how therapists may approach religious issues with LGB clients. The current study uses a mixed method design to investigate the relation between religious and sexuality variables in a sample of 422 LGB respondents. Quantitative results indicated that conservative religious beliefs were related to higher levels of shame, guilt, and internalized homophobia. Qualitative results appeared to highlight eight themes, the more dominant of which indicated that issues around sexual orientation were the catalyst for questioning or changing religious affiliation or beliefs. KW - gay KW - homosexual KW - lesbian KW - religion KW - spirituality SP - 112 EP - 119 SN - 0735-7028 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4730 T1 - Differentiating psychosis and faith: the role of social norms and religious fundamentalism. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903277984 A1 - O'Connor,Shawn A1 - Vandenberg,Brian VL - 13 IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N2 - Although delusion is a central characteristic of psychosis, problems with the DSM definition make identification difficult, especially when religious content is involved. This study, involving 255 participants, sought to (1) determine if untrained participants' assessment of religious beliefs would be similar to that of trained clinicians in a previous study and (2) determine whether participants' Religious Fundamentalism (RF) influenced assessment. Three sets of religious beliefs, with varying levels of conventionality, were assessed. Results indicate that untrained participants rated religious beliefs in much the same way as did clinicians in a previous study, suggesting that social norms play an important role in the assessment of religious ideation. It was also found that High RF participants rated beliefs similar to their own as less pathological than did Low RF participants. Furthermore, High RF participants did not lower pathology ratings for beliefs from the least conventional religion, even when identified as religious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Faith KW - MODERNIST-fundamentalist controversy KW - PSYCHOLOGY, Pathological KW - PSYCHOSES KW - RELIGION & politics KW - RELIGIOUS fundamentalism KW - THEOLOGICAL virtues SP - 171 EP - 186 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4731 T1 - Heart rate variability changes during high frequency yoga breathing and breath awareness JF - BioPsychoSocial Medicine JA - Biopsychosoc Med M3 - 10.1186/1751-0759-5-4 A1 - Telles,Shirley A1 - Singh,Nilkamal A1 - Balkrishna,Acharya VL - 5 PY - 2011/// N1 -

A study on the Pre and post comparison after one minute of high frequency yoga breathing (HFYB) suggested that the HFYB modifies the autonomic status by increasing sympathetic modulation, but its effect during the practice was not assessed. Thirty-eight male volunteers with group average age ± S.D., 23.3 ± 4.4 years were each assessed on two separate days in two sessions, (i) HFYB and (ii) breath awareness. Each session was for 35 minutes, with 3 periods, i.e., pre (5 minutes), during HFYB or breath awareness (15 minutes) and post (5 minutes). Results showed that there was a significant decrease in NN50, pNN50 and the mean RR interval during and after HFYB and after breath awareness, compared to the respective 'pre' values (p < 0.05) (repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis). The LF power increased and HF power decreased during and after breath awareness and LF/HF ratio increased after breath awareness (p < 0.05). The results suggest that there was reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after HFYB and increased sympathetic modulation with reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after breath awareness.

N2 - UNLABELLED ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND Pre and post comparison after one minute of high frequency yoga breathing (HFYB) suggested that the HFYB modifies the autonomic status by increasing sympathetic modulation, but its effect during the practice was not assessed. METHODS Thirty-eight male volunteers with group average age ± S.D., 23.3 ± 4.4 years were each assessed on two separate days in two sessions, (i) HFYB and (ii) breath awareness. Each session was for 35 minutes, with 3 periods, i.e., pre (5 minutes), during HFYB or breath awareness (15 minutes) and post (5 minutes). RESULTS There was a significant decrease in NN50, pNN50 and the mean RR interval during and after HFYB and after breath awareness, compared to the respective 'pre' values (p < 0.05) (repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis). The LF power increased and HF power decreased during and after breath awareness and LF/HF ratio increased after breath awareness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that there was reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after HFYB and increased sympathetic modulation with reduced parasympathetic modulation during and after breath awareness. SP - 4 EP - 4 SN - 1751-0759 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21486495 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4733 T1 - Religious Orientation Among a Random Sample of Community-Dwelling Adults: Relations With Health Status and Health-Relevant Behaviors. JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508619.2011.532450 A1 - Masters,Kevin S. A1 - Knestel,Andrea VL - 21 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01//Jan-Mar2011 N2 - This empirical study was designed as the first to describe the distribution of the four religious orientation types in the general population, based on Allport and Ross's Intrinsic/Extrinsic typology, and to test whether differences in health status and health relevant behaviors based on religious type exist. Throughout 2005-2006 individuals (N = 157) were randomly telephoned and administered a measure of religious orientation. They reported health status, height/weight, use of tobacco and alcohol, and engagement in aerobic exercise. All four religious orientation types were represented (Intrinsic = 19.1%, Extrinsic = 22.3%, Pro-religious = 36.9%, Non-religious = 21.7%). Intrinsic and Non-religious types reported the most favorable health perceptions and lowest body mass indexes. Intrinsic and Pro-religious types were least likely to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol. Religious orientation is a useful construct pertaining to health status and health relevant behaviors and further demonstrates the multidimensional nature of religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Body Mass Index KW - Health Behavior KW - Health Status Indicators KW - RELIGIOUS institutions KW - SURVEYS SP - 63 EP - 76 SN - 10508619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4734 T1 - Association of Strength of Religious Adherence with Attitudes regarding Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension JF - Ophthalmic Research JA - Ophthalmic Res M3 - 10.1159/000313986 A1 - Stewart,William C A1 - Sharpe,Elizabeth D A1 - Kristoffersen,Caroline J A1 - Nelson,Lindsay A A1 - Stewart,Jeanette A VL - 45 IS - 1 PY - 2010/08/11/ N2 - Background: To evaluate the impact of religious adherence on a patient's outlook on disease in a glaucoma population. Methods: A prospective survey analysis of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension evaluating self-reported global religious adherence, adherence to specific basic activities and knowledge of faith ('maturity') and 'comfort' (ability to cope, attitude toward glaucoma, motivation to take medication and God's concern). This specific analysis was limited to self-professed Christians. Results: 248 patients were included and religious adherence was correlated to religious activity and knowledge (p < 0.0001). Patients who scored as adherent on at least 1 of 4 maturity questions had greater benefit than less adherent patients from each of the 5 comfort questions (p < 0.0001). We found an increased statistical separation on each of the 5 comfort questions between religiously adherent and less adherent individuals for patients who scored as adherent on any 2 (n = 40), 3 (n = 50) or all 4 (n = 57) of the maturity questions (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests, at least for the Christian faith, that religious patients are subjectively more prone to cope with treatment and that religiosity increases the self-confidence, and possibly the quality of life, of patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Whether this necessarily translates into better glaucoma practices remains to be demonstrated by further studies. SP - 53 EP - 56 SN - 1423-0259 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4735 T1 - God's Ruthless Embrace: Religious Belief in Three Women with Borderline Personality Disorder JF - Issues in Mental Health Nursing JA - Issues Ment Health Nurs M3 - 10.3109/01612840.2010.558234 A1 - Gravitt,Wendy Jones VL - 32 IS - 5 PY - 2011/// N2 - This exploratory study was designed to determine if three people with the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) viewed religion in characteristic and unique ways. The data was analyzed using Object Relations Theory, Attachment Theory, and an integrated cognitive, affect, and object relations theory. I concluded that the participants shared a faith style that resulted from an early developmental failure and that their image and response to God and the moral universe were a re-enactment of the dysfunctional mother/infant dyad. Specifically, God's character was seen as (1) self-evident and inescapable and (2) stationary and large. God was envisioned (3) as a person who is (4) magical; (5) inexplicable, and therefore, unreliable. Participants believed that (6) God's task was to provide and that (7) God created a moral universe. Their responses had an intense and desperate quality, were typified by ambivalence, and emphasized a power differential. Finally, the women's relationship with God took the form of a deal: if she was dependent, then God would provide. The interface between BPD and psychological and spiritual well-being is discussed and a tentative application of the findings is made to the field of mental health nursing. I suggest that an understanding of BPD religious constructs and the sensitive application of a few principles can contribute to the spiritual and psychological well-being of the BPD inpatient. SP - 301 EP - 317 SN - 1096-4673 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21574844 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4737 T1 - The effects of slow breathing on affective responses to pain stimuli: An experimental study JF - Pain M3 - 10.1016/j.pain.2009.10.001 A1 - Zautra,Alex J. A1 - Fasman,Robert A1 - Davis,Mary C. A1 - Craig,Arthur D. (Bud) VL - 149 IS - 1 PY - 2010/04// N1 -

This study examined whether breathing rate affected self-reported pain and emotion following thermal pain stimuli in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM: n=27) or age-matched healthy control women (HC: n=25). FM and HC were exposed to low and moderate thermal pain pulses during paced breathing at their normal rate and one-half their normal rate. Thermal pain pulses were presented in four blocks of four trials. Each block included exposure to both mild and moderate pain trials, and periods of both normal and slow paced breathing. Pain intensity and unpleasantness were recorded immediately following each pain trial, and positive and negative affect were assessed at the end of each block of trials. Compared to normal breathing, slow breathing reduced ratings of pain intensity and unpleasantness, particularly for moderately versus mildly painful thermal stimuli. The effects of slow breathing on pain ratings were less reliable for FM patients than for HCs. Slow versus normal breathing decreased negative affect ratings following thermal pain pulses for both groups, and increased positive affect reports, but only for healthy controls with high trait negative affect. Participants who reported higher levels of trait positive affect prior to the experiment showed greater decreases in negative affect as a result of slow versus normal breathing. These experimental findings provide support for prior reports on the benefits of yogic breathing and mindful Zen meditation for pain and depressed affect. However, chronic pain patients may require more guidance to obtain therapeutic benefit from reduced breathing rates.

N2 - This study examined whether breathing rate affected self-reported pain and emotion following thermal pain stimuli in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM: n = 27) or age-matched healthy control women (HC: n = 25). FM and HC were exposed to low and moderate thermal pain pulses during paced breathing at their normal rate and one-half their normal rate. Thermal pain pulses were presented in four blocks of four trials. Each block included exposure to both mild and moderate pain trials, and periods of both normal and slow paced breathing. Pain intensity and unpleasantness were recorded immediately following each pain trial, and positive and negative affect were assessed at the end of each block of trials. Compared to normal breathing, slow breathing reduced ratings of pain intensity and unpleasantness, particularly for moderately versus mildly painful thermal stimuli. The effects of slow breathing on pain ratings were less reliable for FM patients than for HCs. Slow versus normal breathing decreased negative affect ratings following thermal pain pulses for both groups, and increased positive affect reports, but only for healthy controls with high trait negative affect. Participants who reported higher levels of trait positive affect prior to the experiment showed greater decreases in negative affect as a result of slow versus normal breathing. These experimental findings provide support for prior reports on the benefits of yogic breathing and mindful Zen meditation for pain and depressed affect. However, chronic pain patients may require more guidance to obtain therapeutic benefit from reduced breathing rates. KW - Affect KW - Fibromyalgia KW - Pain KW - Slow breathing SP - 12 EP - 18 SN - 0304-3959 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4738 T1 - What are the core elements of oncology spiritual care programs? JF - Palliative & Supportive Care JA - Palliat Support Care M3 - 10.1017/S1478951509990423 A1 - Sinclair,Shane A1 - Mysak,Marlene A1 - Hagen,Neil A VL - 7 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N1 -

Tending to the spiritual needs of patients has begun to be formally recognized by professional spiritual care providers, health care councils, and health delivery systems over the last 30 years. Recognition of these programs has coincided with evidence-based research on the effect of spirituality on health. Palliative care has served as a forerunner to an integrated professional spiritual care approach, recognizing the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of the dying from its inauguration within Western medicine almost 50 years ago. Oncology programs have also begun to recognize the importance of spirituality to patients along the cancer continuum, especially those who are approaching the end of life. Although standards and best practice guidelines have been established and incorporated into practice, little is known about the actual factors affecting the practice of spiritual care programs or professional chaplains working within an oncology setting. Participant observation and interactive interviews occurred at five cancer programs after we conducted a literature search

N2 - OBJECTIVE:Tending to the spiritual needs of patients has begun to be formally recognized by professional spiritual care providers, health care councils, and health delivery systems over the last 30 years. Recognition of these programs has coincided with evidence-based research on the effect of spirituality on health. Palliative care has served as a forerunner to an integrated professional spiritual care approach, recognizing the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of the dying from its inauguration within Western medicine almost 50 years ago. Oncology programs have also begun to recognize the importance of spirituality to patients along the cancer continuum, especially those who are approaching the end of life. Although standards and best practice guidelines have been established and incorporated into practice, little is known about the actual factors affecting the practice of spiritual care programs or professional chaplains working within an oncology setting.METHODS:Participant observation and interactive interviews occurred at five cancer programs after we conducted a literature search.RESULTS:This study identified underlying organizational challenges, cultural and professional issues, academic program development challenges, administrative duties, and therapeutic interventions that determined the success of oncology spiritual care programs in practice.SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS:Although spiritual care services have developed as a profession and become recognized as a service within oncology and palliative care, organizational and operational issues were underrecognized yet significant factors in the success of oncology spiritual care programs. Spiritual care programs that were centrally located within the cancer care center, reported and provided guidance to senior leaders, reflected a multifaith approach, and had an academic role were better resourced, utilized more frequently, and seen to be integral members of an interdisciplinary care team than those services who did not reflect these characteristics. SP - 415 EP - 422 SN - 1478-9523 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19939304 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4739 T1 - Religious Attendance and Happiness: Examining Gaps in the Current Literature-A Research Note JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01528.x A1 - Childs,Ellen VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2010/09// N2 - Two major gaps exist in research examining the positive association between religious attendance and happiness. First, scholars have argued that this association may be because of people's perceived relationship with God or the social cohesion one experiences with other parishioners, but scholars have not studied both pathways simultaneously. Using nationally representative cross-sectional data (General Social Survey), I first examine the influence of one's perceived relationship with God and one's perceived social cohesion within the religious community on happiness. One's perceived relationship with God is more strongly associated with happiness than is social cohesion. Second, scholars overwhelmingly use religious attendance as the independent variable, with happiness as the dependent variable. Using two waves of data from a nationally representative panel study (National Survey of Families and Households), I then examine the relationship between religious attendance and happiness over time, finding that religious attendance has a greater effect on happiness than happiness has on religious attendance. SP - 550 EP - 560 SN - 00218294 UR - http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01528.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4740 T1 - Effect of yoga relaxation techniques on performance of digit-letter substitution task by teenagers JF - International Journal of Yoga JA - Int J Yoga M3 - 10.4103/0973-6131.43293 A1 - Pradhan,Balaram A1 - Nagendra,H R VL - 2 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N2 - BACKGROUND/AIMS Memory and selective attention are important skills for academic and professional performance. Techniques to improve these skills are not taught either in education or company training courses. Any system which can systematically improve these skills will be of value in schools, universities, and workplaces. Aims:To investigate possible improvements in memory and selective attention, as measured by the Digit-Letter Substitution Task (DLST), due to practice of Cyclic Meditation (CM), a yoga relaxation technique, as compared to Supine Rest (SR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects consisted of 253 school students, 156 boys, 97 girls, in the age range 13-16 years, who were attending a 10-day yoga training course during summer vacation. The selected subjects had English as their medium of instruction in school and they acted as their own controls. They were allocated to two groups, and tested on the DLST, immediately before and after 22.5 minutes practice of CM on one day, and immediately before and after an equal period of SR on the other day. The first group performed CM on day 9 and SR on day 10. For the second group, the order was reversed. RESULTS Within each group pre-post test differences were significant for both the relaxation techniques. The magnitude of net score improvement was greater after SR (7.85%) compared to CM (3.95%). Significance levels were P < 0.4 × 10(-9)for SR and P < 0.1 × 10(-3) for CM. The number of wrong attempts also increased significantly on both interventions, even after removing two outlier data points on day 1 in the SR group. CONCLUSIONS Both CM and SR lead to improvement in performance on the DLST. However, these relaxation techniques lead to more wrong cancellation errors. SP - 30 EP - 34 SN - 0973-6131 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21234213 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4741 T1 - A qualitative analysis of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in Parkinson's disease JF - Psychology and Psychotherapy JA - Psychol Psychother M3 - 10.1348/147608309X471514 A1 - Fitzpatrick,Lee A1 - Simpson,Jane A1 - Smith,Alistair VL - 83 IS - Pt 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - OBJECTIVES: To analyse the experiences of participants with Parkinson's disease (PD), who participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course. DESIGN AND METHOD: Interpretative phenomenological analysis guided the design and method used in this study. A total of twelve participants (seven men and five women) with PD were recruited prior to and following participation in an MBCT course and interviewed with a semi-structured interview schedule. One participant who opted out of the course was also interviewed. The researcher also participated in another MBCT course to enhance their understanding of the participants' experience, keeping a detailed diary as a means of acknowledging bias in the analysis process. Themes were summarized from transcripts and later classified into superordinate themes, which were compared across all cases. Transcripts were also read and analysed by a second author and participants were given the opportunity to comment upon emerging themes. RESULTS: Major themes included (1) changing patterns of coping; (2) the role of mindfulness in consolidating existing coping skills in the context of loss; (3) group support in the context of loss and society that stigmatizes difference; and (4) the dualism of experience between Parkinson's and mindful meditation. CONCLUSIONS: This study has indicated that MBCT could benefit people with PD and was an acceptable form of group intervention. SP - 179 EP - 192 SN - 1476-0835 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4742 T1 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction among breast cancer survivors: a literature review and discussion JF - Oncology Nursing Forum JA - Oncol Nurs Forum M3 - 10.1188/11.ONF.E61-E71 A1 - Matchim,Yaowarat A1 - Armer,Jane M A1 - Stewart,Bob R VL - 38 IS - 2 PY - 2011/03/01/ N1 -

Purpose of study is to evaluate and discuss existing studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) among breast cancer survivors.

N2 - Purpose/Objectives: To evaluate and discuss existing studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) among breast cancer survivors.Data Sources: Articles published from 1987-2009 were retrieved using MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, Ovid, and Scopus. Key words, including mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness meditation, were combined with breast cancer.Data Synthesis: The search resulted in 26 articles that were narrowed down to 16 by selecting only quantitative studies of MBSR conducted with breast cancer (n = 7) or heterogeneous types of cancer in which the predominant cancer was breast cancer (n = 9). Most studies were one-group pre- and post-test design and examined the effect of MBSR on psychological outcomes. Overall, the studies had large effect sizes on perceived stress and state anxiety and medium effect sizes on symptoms of stress and mood disturbance. Four studies measured biologic outcomes and had small effect sizes, except cytokine production, which showed a large effect size at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.Conclusions: Future studies using randomized, control trials and longitudinal, repeated-measures designs are needed. Studies conducted with heterogeneous types of cancer and gender should be analyzed and the results reported separately. Implications for Nursing: The comprehensive summary and critical discussion of existing studies of MBSR usage among breast cancer survivors provide essential information that can be used by nurses and others working in the healthcare setting. SP - E61-71 EP - E61-71 SN - 1538-0688 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21356643 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4743 T1 - Spiritual crisis: a concept analysis JF - Journal of Advanced Nursing JA - J Adv Nurs M3 - 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04869.x A1 - Agrimson,Laurie B A1 - Taft,Lois B VL - 65 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - AIM This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of spiritual crisis. BACKGROUND The term spiritual crisis has been used ambiguously in the literature, resulting in lack of clarity. A holistic approach includes spirituality in nursing care of the whole person. DATA SOURCES Papers available online between 1998 and 2007 in the CINAHL, Medline and PsycInfo databases were retrieved for analysis. The search engine Google was also used to examine additional references to 'spiritual crisis'. REVIEW METHODS Spiritual crisis, spiritual emergency and life crisis were the terms initially used to search each database. The search was expanded to include spirituality to draw more literature into the review. FINDINGS Using Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis, a definition of spiritual crisis was identified. Spiritual crisis can be described as a unique form of grieving or loss, marked by a profound questioning of or lack of meaning in life, in which an individual or community reaches a turning point, leading to a significant alteration in the way life is viewed. Possible antecedents include sudden acute illness and loss of important relationships. Potential consequences may include physical and emotional responses. CONCLUSION People with terminal illness, depression, and those who are grieving losses may be at special risk of spiritual crisis. The literature suggests an interdisciplinary approach, nurses' self-exploration of spirituality, and refraining from defining spirituality by religious affiliation as part of improving practice. KW - Adult KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Female KW - Holistic Health KW - Holistic Nursing KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality SP - 454 EP - 461 SN - 1365-2648 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19040691 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4745 T1 - Relationships among spiritual beliefs, religious practises, congregational support and health for individuals with traumatic brain injury. JF - Brain Injury M3 - 10.1080/02699050902788501 A1 - Johnstone,Brick A1 - Dong Pil Yoon A1 - Rupright,Jon A1 - Reid-Arndt,Stephanie VL - 23 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Objective: To determine relationships among spiritual beliefs, religious practises, congregational support and health for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: A cross-sectional analysis of 61 individuals with TBI evaluated in an outpatient clinic using the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) and the Medical Outcomes Scale-Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results: For persons with TBI the BMMRS Meaning and Values/Beliefs sub-scales were significantly correlated with the SF-36 General Health Perception sub-scale and the BMMRS Religious Support sub-scale was significantly correlated with the SF-36 General Mental Health sub-scale. Hierarchical regressions indicated that the BMMRS Values/Beliefs and Forgiveness sub-scales accounted for 16% additional variance in SF-36 General Health Perception scores beyond that accounted for by demographic variables (i.e. age, income); no BMMRS sub-scales accounted for additional variance in predicting the SF-36 General Mental Health sub-scale beyond that accounted for by demographic variables (i.e. age, income). Conclusions: The physical health of individuals with TBI is associated with spiritual beliefs but not religious practises or congregational support. Better mental health is associated with increasing congregationally based social support for persons with TBI. Religious practises (i.e. praying, etc.) are not related to either physical or mental health, as some persons with TBI may increase prayer with declining health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BRAIN -- Wounds & injuries KW - MENTAL health -- Religious aspects KW - PUBLIC health -- Research KW - REHABILITATION -- Social aspects KW - religion KW - spirituality SP - 411 EP - 419 SN - 02699052 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4746 T1 - Value of religious care for relief of psycho-existential suffering in Japanese terminally ill cancer patients: the perspective of bereaved family members JF - Psycho-Oncology JA - Psychooncology M3 - 10.1002/pon.1625 A1 - Ando,Michiyo A1 - Kawamura,Ryo A1 - Morita,Tatsuya A1 - Hirai,Kei A1 - Miyashita,Mitsunori A1 - Okamoto,Takuya A1 - Shima,Yasuo VL - 19 IS - 7 PY - 2010/07// N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the experience of bereaved family members of cancer patients regarding the usefulness of religious care (perceived usefulness). The value of this care to palliate psycho-existential suffering in future patients was also examined (predicted usefulness). METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 592 bereaved family members of cancer patients who were admitted to certified palliative care units in Japan. Responses were obtained from 378 families, indicating whether the patient received religious care, the perceived usefulness of the care, and its predicted usefulness for palliation of psycho-existential suffering. RESULTS: About 25% (N=83) indicated that the patient had received religious care, whereas 75% (N=255) had not received it. Families of patients who had received religious care evaluated pastoral care workers (86%), religious services (82%), and religious music (80%) as 'very useful' or 'useful'. Families predicted usefulness of religious care for future patients: attending a religious service (very useful or useful, 56%; not useful or harmful, 44%), a religious atmosphere (48%, 52%), meeting with a pastoral care worker (50%, 50%), and religious care by physicians (26%, 74%), and nurses (27%, 73%). Families with a religion were significantly more likely to rate religious care as useful for future patients. CONCLUSIONS: Families of patients who received religious care generally evaluated this care to be very useful or useful. For future patients, some families felt that religious care would be useful, but some did not. In Japan, religious care is more likely to provide benefits to patients who have a religion. SP - 750 EP - 755 SN - 1099-1611 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4747 T1 - Participants' experiences of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: "It changed me in just about every way possible" JF - Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy JA - Behav Cogn Psychother M3 - 10.1017/S135246580999004X A1 - Allen,Mark A1 - Bromley,Andrew A1 - Kuyken,Willem A1 - Sonnenberg,Stefanie J VL - 37 IS - 4 PY - 2009/07// N2 - BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a promising approach to help people who suffer recurrent depression prevent depressive relapse. However, little is known about how MBCT works. Moreover, participants' subjective experiences of MBCT as a relapse prevention treatment remain largely unstudied. AIM: This study examines participants' representations of their experience of MBCT and its value as a relapse-prevention program for recurrent depression. METHOD: Twenty people who had participated in MBCT classes for recurrent depression within a primary care setting were interviewed 12 months after treatment. The focus of the interview was on participants' reflections on what they found helpful, meaningful and difficult about MBCT as a relapse prevention program. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key patterns and elements in participants' accounts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Four overarching themes were extracted: control, acceptance, relationships and struggle. The theoretical, clinical and research implications are discussed. KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Cost-Benefit Analysis KW - Depressive Disorder, Major KW - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Learning KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Primary Health Care KW - Program Development KW - Recurrence KW - Rural Population KW - Self Efficacy KW - Semantics KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - Treatment Outcome KW - Urban Population SP - 413 EP - 430 SN - 1469-1833 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4748 T1 - Freud's Wolf Man: A Case of Successful Religious Sublimation. JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-009-0212-z A1 - Carlin,Nathan A1 - Capps,Donald VL - 60 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - This article focuses on Freud's view that the case of Sergei Pankejeff, commonly known as Wolf Man, is an example of an unsuccessful religious sublimation. Freud focuses on the efforts by Sergei's mother and his nurse to educate him in the Christian faith. He points out that, although these efforts were successful in making him into a piously religious boy, they contributed to the repression of his sexual attraction to his father, the arrest of his psychosexual development, and to an obsessional neurosis reflected in blasphemous thoughts and compulsive acts of religious piety. The authors suggest, however, that there was one feature of his early religious behavior that reflected a successful religious sublimation and explain why it was successful. They conclude that even small children may experience a successful religious sublimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BLASPHEMY KW - FREUD, Sigmund, 1856-1939 KW - KISSING KW - PANKEJEFF, Sergei KW - REPRESSION (Psychology) KW - SEDUCTION KW - SUBLIMATION (Psychology) -- Religious aspects KW - Visual Acuity SP - 149 EP - 166 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4749 T1 - Spirituality and Well-Being: The Relationship Between Religious Coping and Recovery From Sexual Assault JF - Journal of Interpersonal Violence M3 - 10.1177/0886260509340533 A1 - Ahrens,C.E. A1 - Abeling,S. A1 - Ahmad,S. A1 - Hinman,J. VL - 25 IS - 7 PY - 2010/07// N2 - Despite a growing body of literature documenting beneficial outcomes of religious coping, there are virtually no studies examining sexual assault survivors' use of religious coping. To fill this gap in the literature, the current study examines predictors and outcomes of positive and negative religious coping among 100 sexual assault survivors who believed in God. Results suggested that African American survivors were more likely to use both forms of religious coping than survivors from other ethnicities. Yet, results also suggest that positive religious coping is related to higher levels of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression, whereas negative religious coping is related to higher levels of depression, regardless of ethnicity. The only outcome where ethnicity makes a difference is posttraumatic growth with a stronger relationship between positive religious coping and posttraumatic growth among Caucasian survivors space. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed. SP - 1242 EP - 1263 SN - 0886-2605 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4751 T1 - Pathways to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients: mediation of coping, spiritual struggle and interleukin-6 JF - Journal of Health Psychology JA - J Health Psychol M3 - 10.1177/1359105309345556 A1 - Ai,Amy Lee A1 - Pargament,Kenneth A1 - Kronfol,Ziad A1 - Tice,Terrence N. A1 - Appel,Hoa VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N1 -

Using structural equation modeling, we estimated major pathways from preoperative distress, indicated by anxiety and other factors, to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients. Sequential interviews were conducted before and after surgery. Standardized medical and surgical indices were selected from a national database. Results showed that preoperative spiritual struggle mediated indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) immediately before surgery. The link between spiritual struggle and IL-6 further mediated the indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on postoperative hostility. Anger coping mediated the harmful influence of anxiety and counteracted the protection of positive religious coping on adjustment.

N2 - Using structural equation modeling, we estimated major pathways from preoperative distress, indicated by anxiety and other factors, to postoperative hostility in cardiac patients. Sequential interviews were conducted before and after surgery. Standardized medical and surgical indices were selected from a national database. Results showed that preoperative spiritual struggle mediated indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) immediately before surgery. The link between spiritual struggle and IL-6 further mediated the indirect effects of anxiety and anger coping on postoperative hostility. Anger coping mediated the harmful influence of anxiety and counteracted the protection of positive religious coping on adjustment. SP - 186 EP - 195 SN - 1461-7277 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4752 T1 - Religious involvement, religious context, and self-assessed health in europe JF - Journal of Health and Social Behavior JA - J Health Soc Behav M3 - 10.1177/0022146510394950 A1 - Huijts,Tim A1 - Kraaykamp,Gerbert VL - 52 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - In the present study, the authors examine the extent to which effects of individual religious involvement on self-assessed health are influenced by the religious context (i.e., religious involvement at the country level). The authors test their expectations using individual level data (N = 127,257) on 28 countries from the European Social Surveys (2002-2008). Results of multilevel analyses show that individual religious attendance is positively related to self-assessed health in Europe. Protestants appear to feel healthier than Catholics. Moreover, modeling cross-level interactions demonstrates that religious denominations at the national level are influential: The health advantage of Protestants as compared to Catholics is greater as the percentage of Protestants in a country is higher, yet smaller as countries have a higher percentage of Catholics. The association between religious attendance and self-assessed health does not depend on the national level of religious attendance. SP - 91 EP - 106 SN - 0022-1465 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21362614 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4753 T1 - Religious Conversion in a Psychotic Individual JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9245-y A1 - Penzner,Julie B. A1 - Kelly,Kevin V. A1 - Sacks,Michael H. VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2010/03// N2 - The authors describe the case of a man who appeared to have psychotic symptoms, including self-injurious behavior, but who understood his own experience as a religious conversion. The symptoms, clinical course, and treatment response are described with reference to the works of Kurt Schneider and William James. Empirical studies of the attitudes of psychiatrists, psychiatric patients, and clergypersons about the relationship between religious belief and psychiatric illness are described, and various theoretical models used to understand this relationship are articulated. SP - 351 EP - 360 SN - 0022-4197 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4755 T1 - Religious Practice and Spirituality in the Psychological Adjustment of Survivors of Breast Cancer JF - Counseling and Values JA - Couns Values A1 - Purnell,Jason Q A1 - Andersen,Barbara L A1 - Wilmot,James P VL - 53 IS - 3 PY - 2009/04/01/ N2 - Religion and spirituality are resources regularly used by patients with cancer coping with diagnosis and treatment, yet there is little research that examines these factors separately. This study investigated the relationships between religious practice and spirituality and quality of life (QoL) and stress in survivors of breast cancer. The sample included 130 women assessed 2 years following diagnosis. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the authors found that spiritual well-being was significantly associated with QoL and traumatic stress, whereas religious practice was not significantly associated with these variables. The results suggest that it may be helpful for clinicians to address spirituality, in particular with survivors of breast cancer. SP - 165 EP - 165 SN - 0160-7960 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4756 T1 - The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on mental health of adults with a chronic medical disease: A meta-analysis JF - Journal of Psychosomatic Research M3 - 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.10.005 A1 - Bohlmeijer,Ernst A1 - Prenger,Rilana A1 - Taal,Erik A1 - Cuijpers,Pim VL - 68 IS - 6 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Objectives The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depression, anxiety and psychological distress across populations with different chronic somatic diseases.Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to examine the effects of MBSR on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. The influence of quality of studies on the effects of MBSR was analyzed.Results Eight published, randomized controlled outcome studies were included. An overall effect size on depression of 0.26 was found, indicating a small effect of MBSR on depression. The effect size for anxiety was 0.47. However, quality of the studies was found to moderate this effect size. When the studies of lower quality were excluded, an effect size of 0.24 on anxiety was found. A small effect size (0.32) was also found for psychological distress.Conclusions It can be concluded that MBSR has small effects on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in people with chronic somatic diseases. Integrating MBSR in behavioral therapy may enhance the efficacy of mindfulness based interventions. KW - Chronic medical disease KW - depression KW - mental health KW - Meta-analysis KW - Mindfulness SP - 539 EP - 544 SN - 0022-3999 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4759 T1 - Nonlocality and exceptional experiences: a study of genius, religious epiphany, and the psychic JF - Explore JA - Explore (NY) M3 - 10.1016/j.explore.2010.04.008 A1 - Schwartz,Stephan A VL - 6 IS - 4 PY - 2010/08//Jul-undefined N2 - Two hundred years of reductive materialism has failed to explain the extraordinary experiences we know as moments of genius, religious epiphany, and psychic insight. This paper proposes that these three experiences are in essence the same experience, differentiated only by intention and context. It reaches this conclusion based on well-conducted experimental research across the continuum of science--work that proposes a new interdependent model of consciousness that takes into consideration a nonlocal linkage or entanglement, as an aspect of consciousness not limited by space and time. The paper surveys some of the most important relevant research from quantum biology, physics, psychology, medicine, anthropology, and parapsychology. It proposes that more attention should be paid to the autobiographies, correspondence, and journals of men and women to whom history unequivocally accords the designation of genius, saint, or psychic, offering examples from these sources. And it presents comparisons between ethnohistorical material and spiritual traditions, suggesting they arrive at a similar worldview. Finally, it proposes that meditation research, some examples of which are cited, be seen in the context of psychophysical self-regulation, and that it offers one powerful avenue for producing these exceptional experiences. SP - 227 EP - 236 SN - 1878-7541 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4760 T1 - A Comparative Survey of Aotearoa New Zealand and UK Social Workers on the Role of Religion and Spirituality in Practice JF - British Journal of Social Work M3 - 10.1093/bjsw/bcp008 A1 - Stirling,B. A1 - Furman,L. D. A1 - Benson,P. W. A1 - Canda,E. R. A1 - Grimwood,C. VL - 40 IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N1 -

This article analyzes the role of spirituality in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand and the United Kingdom and considers specifically social worker's attitudes about the role of spirituality in their practice. 

N2 - Increasingly, social work is being challenged to consider the role of spirituality and religion in practice and education as the profession has witnessed an expanding interest in the integration of spirituality, motivated by the recognition of spiritual diversity as an important component of human experience, cultural competency and anti-racist social work practice. In response to the lack of international empirical research in general, and relating to spirituality in particular, cross-national survey research was conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ) and the UK as part of a larger multi-national study of social workers' attitudes about the role of spirituality in their practice. Although the two countries share some cultural similarities due to the impact of secularization, British settlement and colonization in ANZ, there are also significant differences related to the unique multicultural make-up of ANZ, emphasizing the indigenous Maori and the centrality of spirituality within a Maori worldview. SP - 602 EP - 621 SN - 0045-3102 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4761 T1 - Psychotherapy with rural religious fundamentalist clients JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20677 A1 - Aten,Jamie D. A1 - Mangis,Michael W. A1 - Campbell,Clark VL - 66 IS - 5 PY - 2010/// N2 - Successful psychotherapy with rural fundamentalist Christians requires psychologists to understand the clients' culture and worldview. They often rely heavily on religious authorities, interpret Scriptures literally, adhere to strict moral codes of behavior, and believe that they should evangelize those around them. Common therapeutic challenges include: spiritualizing problems, relational conflicts related to gender role expectations, addiction problems, and the religious agendas of family and clergy. We recommend that psychotherapists evaluate their own attitudes, collaborate with community gatekeepers, sensitively address clients' rigid beliefs, address religious differences, and take a holistic approach to treatment. A case example illustrates this approach. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1-11, 2010. SP - 513 EP - 523 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4762 T1 - Using meditation for less stress and better wellbeing - A seminar for GPs JF - Australian Family Physician JA - Aust Fam Physician A1 - Manoch,Ramesh A1 - Gordon,Amy A1 - Black,Deborah A1 - Malhi,Gin A1 - Seidler,Raymond VL - 38 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N2 - BACKGROUND: General practitioner stress is a recognised problem for which meditation is a potential intervention. The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of an initiative to train GPs in a set of evidence based meditation skills. METHOD: General practitioners attended a seminar comprising a 1 hour lecture on GP wellbeing, a 45 minute session on meditation, meditation skills practise in groups with an experienced instructor, a larger group review and the provision of take home kits. At the seminar's conclusion, GPs were offered the option of meditating at home twice daily. Measures were taken before and after the seminar and after 2 weeks home practise. The measures included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale - 10 (K10), personal experience rating by visual analogue scale, and diary card. RESULTS: A total of 299 GPs attended the seminar, from which 293 provided visual analogue scale on the day. Pre- and post-K10 data was provided by 111 GPs. The mean pre-K10 score for these GPs was 17.2 (SD: 5.67); the post-K10 score was 14.7 (SD: 3.92), with 25.1% of the 'at risk' participants moving to the 'low risk' category. Mean compliance with meditation was 79.5%. DISCUSSION: A meditation workshop for GP wellbeing is practical, feasible and appealing to GPs. Quantitative feedback from the workshop indicates its potential as an effective mental health promotion and prevention strategy. KW - Education, Medical, Continuing KW - Family Practice KW - Feasibility Studies KW - Humans KW - Meditation KW - Pain Measurement KW - Stress, Psychological SP - 454 EP - 458 SN - 0300-8495 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4763 T1 - Young people's mental health: the spiritual power of fairy stories, myths and legends JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903196721 A1 - Walker,Steven VL - 13 IS - 1 PY - 2010/// N2 - Children and young people have the capacity to conjure feelings of faith and hope when experiencing emotional and psychological distress. World myths, legends and fairy stories as part of early child development offer a rich source of material to draw from and enlist in the therapeutic endeavour. Fairies often act in a healing capacity in mythology, or they appear as agents between the world of human affairs and the invisible forces of nature. Mythological beings also possess helping powers in advance of mortals achieving superhuman tasks, but they can also when used as metaphor, frighten children and potentially cause psychological harm. This paper suggests that mental health practitioners can utilise such powerful narratives therapeutically and in a culturally respectful and spiritually innovative way. Harnessing the child's imagination can be a powerful vehicle for a transforming experience at the psychic level with consequent positive benefits for emotional well-being. SP - 81 EP - 81 SN - 1367-4676 UR - http://www.informaworld.com/10.1080/13674670903196721 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4764 T1 - School Counselors Support Student Spirituality through Developmental Assets, Character Education, and ASCA Competency Indicators. JF - Professional School Counseling A1 - Dobmeier,Robert A. VL - 14 IS - 5 PY - 2011/06// N1 -

This article identifies the Search Institute's Developmental Assets, character education, and the ASCA National Model's Competency Indicators as education-based programs in which spirituality is accessed for children to enhance resiliency. The author presents school counselor interventions based on these three programs that mutually support spiritual with other developmental domains. He also identifies responsibilities of school counselors, professional organizations, district stakeholders, and counselor educators to address ethical and legal concerns.

N2 - This article identifies the Search Institute's Developmental Assets, character education, and the ASCA National Model's Competency Indicators as education-based programs in which spirituality is accessed for children to enhance resiliency. The author presents school counselor interventions based on these three programs that mutually support spiritual with other developmental domains. He also identifies responsibilities of school counselors, professional organizations, district stakeholders, and counselor educators to address ethical and legal concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 317 EP - 327 SN - 10962409 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4765 T1 - The relationship between religiosity and health behaviors in female caregivers of older adults with dementia JF - Aging & Mental Health JA - Aging Ment Health M3 - 10.1080/13607860903046446 A1 - Rabinowitz,Yaron G A1 - Mausbach,Brent T A1 - Atkinson,Philip J A1 - Gallagher-Thompson,Dolores VL - 13 IS - 6 PY - 2009/11// N2 - The current study explored the relationship between three dimensions of religiosity: (a) organizational religiosity (e.g. attendance at religious events), (b) non-organizational religiosity (e.g. prayer), and (c) subjective religiosity (e.g. importance of religion) and caregiver health behavior patterns in a sample of Latina and Caucasian female caregivers of older adult relatives with dementia. It was hypothesized that religiosity would have a significant association with reduced cumulative health risk as determined by an index of health behaviors. It was also hypothesized that, when examining the individual health behaviors subsumed in the overarching index, religiosity would be positively associated with adaptive health behaviors like exercise and negatively associated with health risk behaviors like smoking. Amongst Caucasians, increased subjective religiosity was related to increased cumulative health risk. Conversely, in Latinas, non-organizational religiosity was positively correlated with improved dietary practices (reduced dietary restriction). Increased levels of subjective religiosity were significantly associated with decreased maintenance of a routine exercise regimen across ethnic groups. Recommendations for clinicians and religious leaders, and avenues of future research are discussed. SP - 788 EP - 798 SN - 1364-6915 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19888699 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4766 T1 - Depression and religiosity and/or spirituality in college: A longitudinal survey of students in the USA JF - Nursing & Health Sciences JA - Nurs Health Sci M3 - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2011.00584.x A1 - Berry,Devon M A1 - York,Kate VL - 13 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - The aim of this study was to conduct a longitudinal test of an explanatory model of depression, where religiosity and/or spirituality (R/S) represents a potentially protective factor in college students in the USA. A Web-based survey was administered monthly to 214 students from religious and public colleges. At 1 month and 6 months, the measures of R/S, depression, stress, and cognitive vulnerability were administered. Between 2 and 5 months, only the measures of stress and depression were administered. The data were analyzed to test the hypothesis that R/S buffers the effect of stress on depression over time in the context of cognitive vulnerability. The results supported a direct and protective effect over time between R/S and depression, but a buffering effect on the relationship between stress and depression was not found. Although all aspects of R/S were demonstrated to protect the participants from depression, it did not appear that the relationship between R/S and stress or R/S and cognitive vulnerability explains this relationship. Nurses who are working with college students should take holistic approaches to their emotional difficulties, realizing the potentially beneficial effects of students' religiousness or spirituality. SP - 76 EP - 83 SN - 1442-2018 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21426459 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4767 T1 - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer: a randomized controlled trial JF - Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology JA - J Consult Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0017566 A1 - Foley,Elizabeth A1 - Baillie,Andrew A1 - Huxter,Malcolm A1 - Price,Melanie A1 - Sinclair,Emma VL - 78 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N1 -

This study evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with a diagnosis of cancer.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with a diagnosis of cancer. METHOD: Participants (N = 115) diagnosed with cancer, across site and stage, were randomly allocated to either the treatment or the wait-list condition. Treatment was conducted at 1 site, by a single therapist, and involved participation in 8 weekly 2-hr sessions that focused on mindfulness. Participants meditated for up to 1 hr daily and attended an additional full-day session during the course. Participants were assessed before treatment and 10 weeks later; this second assessment occurred immediately after completion of the program for the treatment condition. The treatment condition was also assessed at 3 months postintervention. All postinitial assessments were completed by assessors who were blind to treatment allocation. RESULTS: There were large and significant improvements in mindfulness (effect size [ES] = 0.55), depression (ES = 0.83), anxiety (ES = 0.59), and distress (ES = 0.53) as well as a trend for quality of life (ES = 0.30) for MBCT participants compared to those who had not received the training. The wait-list group was assessed before and after receiving the intervention and demonstrated similar change. CONCLUSIONS: These improvements represent clinically meaningful change and provide evidence for the provision of MBCT within oncology settings. SP - 72 EP - 79 SN - 1939-2117 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4768 T1 - Religion and HIV in Tanzania: influence of religious beliefs on HIV stigma, disclosure, and treatment attitudes JF - BMC Public Health JA - BMC Public Health M3 - 10.1186/1471-2458-9-75 A1 - Zou,James A1 - Yamanaka,Yvonne A1 - John,Muze A1 - Watt,Melissa A1 - Ostermann,Jan A1 - Thielman,Nathan VL - 9 PY - 2009/// N1 -

Religion shapes everyday beliefs and activities, but few studies have examined its associations with attitudes about HIV. This exploratory study in Tanzania probed associations between religious beliefs and HIV stigma, disclosure, and attitudes toward antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.

N2 - Background Religion shapes everyday beliefs and activities, but few studies have examined its associations with attitudes about HIV. This exploratory study in Tanzania probed associations between religious beliefs and HIV stigma, disclosure, and attitudes toward antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Methods A self-administered survey was distributed to a convenience sample of parishioners (n = 438) attending Catholic, Lutheran, and Pentecostal churches in both urban and rural areas. The survey included questions about religious beliefs, opinions about HIV, and knowledge and attitudes about ARVs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess how religion was associated with perceptions about HIV, HIV treatment, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Results Results indicate that shame-related HIV stigma is strongly associated with religious beliefs such as the belief that HIV is a punishment from God (p < 0.01) or that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have not followed the Word of God (p < 0.001). Most participants (84.2%) said that they would disclose their HIV status to their pastor or congregation if they became infected. Although the majority of respondents (80.8%) believed that prayer could cure HIV, almost all (93.7%) said that they would begin ARV treatment if they became HIV-infected. The multivariate analysis found that respondents' hypothetical willingness to begin ARV treatme was not significantly associated with the belief that prayer could cure HIV or with other religious factors. Refusal of ARV treatment was instead correlated with lack of secondary schooling and lack of knowledge about ARVs. Conclusion The decision to start ARVs hinged primarily on education-level and knowledge about ARVs rather than on religious factors. Research results highlight the influence of religious beliefs on HIV-related stigma and willingness to disclose, and should help to inform HIV-education outreach for religious groups. KW - Adult KW - Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active KW - Chi-Square Distribution KW - Cultural Characteristics KW - Culture KW - Developing Countries KW - Female KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - HIV Infections KW - Humans KW - Logistic Models KW - Male KW - Multivariate Analysis KW - Patient Acceptance of Health Care KW - Population Surveillance KW - Probability KW - Questionnaires KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Risk Factors KW - Social Isolation KW - Stereotyping KW - Tanzania KW - Urban Population KW - Young Adult SP - 75 EP - 75 SN - 1471-2458 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4769 T1 - Perceived Benefits of Meditative Movement in Older Adults JF - Geriatric Nursing JA - Geriatric Nursing M3 - 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.10.002 A1 - Rogers,Carol A1 - Keller,Colleen A1 - Larkey,Linda K. VL - 31 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N2 - In a review of 37 studies (n = 1,856) regarding the perceived psychosocial benefits and health outcomes of meditative movement (MM) such as Tai chi (TC) and Qigong, the authors found that older persons initiated MM because of perceived benefits to health and with a desire to exercise in a group setting for socialization. Perceived improved function and quality of life related to chronic diseases were the most common reasons for initiating the TC classes. Perceived safety was also critical to the initiation and maintenance of an exercise intervention for older adults. SP - 37 EP - 51 SN - 01974572 UR - http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0197457209004170 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4770 T1 - The expulsion of evil and its return: An unconscious fantasy associated with a case of mass hysteria in adolescents JF - The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis JA - Int J Psychoanal M3 - 10.1111/j.1745-8315.2010.00322.x A1 - Loa Zavala,Nashyiela VL - 91 IS - 5 PY - 2010/10// N2 - The formal study of hysteria started with psychoanalysis, which opened paths to studying the unconscious. However, we have found no psychoanalytic or psychiatric studies in the literature reporting epidemics of hysteria in hundreds of adolescent girls affected for several months like the one we describe. This epidemic occurred in a religious boarding-school in a rural area of Mexico. Our study aimed to determine psychoanalytic and sociocultural elements contributing to explain a behavioural epidemic outbreak during which young girls were unable to walk normally and which led to a temporary cessation of routine activities at the boarding-school. Key informers were interviewed, including the first cases of affected adolescent girls and the nuns. Interviews included questions concerning informers' life history and their life at the boarding-school before and during the epidemic. We found that this boarding-school functioned as a large family affected by a psychotic episode which resulted from modes of communication of its members. This article describes the phenomenon and emphasizes perceived communication among members of the boarding-school and visitors at the time of the outbreak. SP - 1157 EP - 1178 SN - 1745-8315 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20955250 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 4771 T1 - Meditation and yoga in psychotherapy: techniques for clinical practice CY - Hoboken N.J. A1 - Simpkins,Annellen PB - John Wiley SN - 9780470562413 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4773 T1 - Mindfulness meditation training effects on CD4+ T lymphocytes in HIV-1 infected adults: a small randomized controlled trial JF - Brain, Behavior, and Immunity JA - Brain Behav. Immun M3 - 10.1016/j.bbi.2008.07.004 A1 - Creswell,J David A1 - Myers,Hector F A1 - Cole,Steven W A1 - Irwin,Michael R VL - 23 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N1 -

The present study tested the efficacy of an 8-week Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation program compared to a 1-day control seminar on CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in stressed HIV infected adults. The authors' findings provide an initial indication that mindfulness meditation training can buffer CD4+ T lymphocyte declines in HIV-1 infected adults.

N2 - Mindfulness meditation training has stress reduction benefits in various patient populations, but its effects on biological markers of HIV-1 progression are unknown. The present study tested the efficacy of an 8-week Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation program compared to a 1-day control seminar on CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in stressed HIV infected adults. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with enrollment and follow-up occurring between November 2005 and December 2007. A diverse community sample of 48 HIV-1 infected adults was randomized and entered treatment in either an 8-week MBSR or a 1-day control stress reduction education seminar. The primary outcome was circulating counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Participants in the 1-day control seminar showed declines in CD4+ T lymphocyte counts whereas counts among participants in the 8-week MBSR program were unchanged from baseline to post-intervention (time x treatment condition interaction, p=.02). This effect was independent of antiretroviral (ARV) medication use. Additional analyses indicated that treatment adherence to the mindfulness meditation program, as measured by class attendance, mediated the effects of mindfulness meditation training on buffering CD4+ T lymphocyte declines. These findings provide an initial indication that mindfulness meditation training can buffer CD4+ T lymphocyte declines in HIV-1 infected adults. Clinical Trials Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT00600561. KW - Adult KW - CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes KW - Female KW - Follow-Up Studies KW - HIV Infections KW - HIV-1 KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Time Factors KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 184 EP - 188 SN - 1090-2139 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18678242 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4774 T1 - Archetypal trajectories of social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing and distress in family care givers of patients with lung cancer: secondary analysis of serial qualitative interviews JF - BMJ: British Medical Journal JA - BMJ A1 - Murray,Scott A. A1 - Kendall,Marilyn A1 - Boyd,Kirsty A1 - Grant,Liz A1 - Highet,Gill A1 - Sheikh,Aziz VL - 340 PY - 2010/// N2 - OBJECTIVE: To assess if family care givers of patients with lung cancer experience the patterns of social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing and distress typical of the patient, from diagnosis to death. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of serial qualitative interviews carried out every three months for up to a year or to bereavement. SETTING: South east Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: 19 patients with lung cancer and their 19 family carers, totalling 88 interviews (42 with patients and 46 with carers). RESULTS: Carers followed clear patterns of social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing and distress that mirrored the experiences of those for whom they were caring, with some carers also experiencing deterioration in physical health that impacted on their ability to care. Psychological and spiritual distress were particularly dynamic and commonly experienced. In addition to the "Why us?" response, witnessing suffering triggered personal reflections in carers on the meaning and purpose of life. Certain key time points in the illness tended to be particularly problematic for both carers and patients: at diagnosis, at home after initial treatment, at recurrence, and during the terminal stage. CONCLUSIONS: Family carers witness and share much of the illness experience of the dying patient. The multidimensional experience of distress suffered by patients with lung cancer was reflected in the suffering of their carers in the social, psychological, and spiritual domains, with psychological and spiritual distress being most pronounced. Carers may need to be supported throughout the period of illness not just in the terminal phase and during bereavement, as currently tends to be the case. KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Caregivers KW - Family KW - Female KW - Health Status KW - Home Care Services KW - Humans KW - Lung Neoplasms KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasm Recurrence, Local KW - social support KW - spirituality KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Terminally Ill SP - c2581 EP - c2581 SN - 1468-5833 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4775 T1 - The Adolescent Religious Coping Scale: Development, Validation, and Cross-Validation. JF - Journal of Child & Family Studies M3 - 10.1007/s10826-009-9305-7 A1 - Bjorck,Jeffrey A1 - Braese,Robert A1 - Tadie,Joseph A1 - Gililland,David VL - 19 IS - 3 PY - 2010/06// N1 -

Research literature on adolescent coping is growing, but typically such studies have ignored religious coping strategies and their potential impact on functioning. This article develops the Adolescent Religious Coping Scale using its seven subscales to examine the relationship between religious coping and emotional functioning. In general, positive religious coping strategies were related to more support and better functioning, whereas the reverse was true for negative religious coping strategies. Moreover, many of these results were maintained even after controlling for variance due to age, gender, and religious attendance. As such, clinicians working with religious adolescents should consider encouraging these teens to optimize use of positive religious coping strategies and minimize reliance on negative ones as part of a holistic approach to handling stress. Religious coping findings are discussed regarding their comparison to general adolescent coping and with respect to future research directions.

N2 - Research literature on adolescent coping is growing, but typically such studies have ignored religious coping strategies and their potential impact on functioning. To address this lack, we developed the Adolescent Religious Coping Scale and used its seven subscales to examine the relationship between religious coping and emotional functioning. A cross-sectional research design was used with both a validation sample of Christian school students (Sample 1, N = 500, ages 12–19) and a cross-validation sample of Christian youth group attenders (Sample 2, N = 62, ages 11–18). Emotional functioning was assessed positively (life satisfaction) and negatively (hopelessness). Factor analyses supported factorial validity, and alpha levels supported reliability of the seven religious coping subscales (Positive God-Focused Coping, Seeking Religious Support, Constructive Distraction, Questioning, Avoidance, Denial, and Deferring). For both samples, religious coping was significantly related (unique variance) to religious support, parental support, and emotional functioning, respectively. In general, positive religious coping strategies were related to more support and better functioning, whereas the reverse was true for negative religious coping strategies. Moreover, many of these results were maintained even after controlling for variance due to age, gender, and religious attendance. As such, clinicians working with religious adolescents should consider encouraging these teens to optimize use of positive religious coping strategies and minimize reliance on negative ones as part of a holistic approach to handling stress. Religious coping findings are discussed regarding their comparison to general adolescent coping and with respect to future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ADJUSTMENT (Psychology) KW - ADOLESCENT psychology -- Research KW - BELIEF & doubt KW - LIFE skills KW - PSYCHOLOGY, Religious KW - RELIGIOUS adherents SP - 343 EP - 359 SN - 10621024 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4776 T1 - Spiritual distress to spiritual transformation: Stroke survivor narratives from Hong Kong JF - Journal of Aging Studies M3 - 10.1016/j.jaging.2010.06.001 A1 - Chow,Esther O.W. A1 - Nelson-Becker,Holly VL - 24 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Cardiovascular accident (stroke) is a leading cause of long-term disability for older adults worldwide, including Hong Kong. The stroke event leaves stroke survivors experiencing great distress as they struggle to regain physical ability and develop a frame of meaning. In a Chinese context, several religious traditions and secular philosophies including Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, and Confucianism contribute to reconstruction of a meaningful post-stroke self. Symbolic interactionism interpreted by Charmaz (1987) and social constructionism offer perspectives for this work. This paper reports on a qualitative study about the spiritual transformation of 11 female stroke survivors in Hong Kong using a naturalistic inquiry approach. Data was analyzed using NVivo to create common categories and profiles. After an initial period of despair and disequilibrium, participants drew on social/environmental resources and personal spiritual resources to reconnect to spiritually-rich beliefs and practices. The stroke ultimately resulted in transformation of the loss and creation of a resilient post-stroke self. Implications suggest that the spiritual transformation process is complex in a diverse society and social care professionals do well to recognize and support culturally relevant spiritual expressions. KW - Culture KW - Disability KW - Self-making KW - Spiritual recovery KW - spirituality KW - Stroke KW - Suffering SP - 313 EP - 324 SN - 0890-4065 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6W51-50WYSMV-1/2/289fb6ce9c435a49b8e4868a82503a3b ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4778 T1 - A randomized controlled trial on effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on blood pressure, psychological distress, and coping in young adults JF - American Journal of Hypertension JA - Am. J. Hypertens M3 - 10.1038/ajh.2009.184 A1 - Nidich,Sanford I A1 - Rainforth,Maxwell V A1 - Haaga,David A F A1 - Hagelin,John A1 - Salerno,John W A1 - Travis,Fred A1 - Tanner,Melissa A1 - Gaylord-King,Carolyn A1 - Grosswald,Sarina A1 - Schneider,Robert H VL - 22 IS - 12 PY - 2009/12// N2 - BACKGROUND: Psychological distress contributes to the development of hypertension in young adults. This trial assessed the effects of a mind-body intervention on blood pressure (BP), psychological distress, and coping in college students. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 298 university students randomly allocated to either the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program or wait-list control. At baseline and after 3 months, BP, psychological distress, and coping ability were assessed. A subgroup of 159 subjects at risk for hypertension was analyzed similarly. RESULTS: Changes in systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) for the overall sample were -2.0/-1.2 mm Hg for the TM group compared to +0.4/+0.5 mm Hg for controls (P = 0.15, P = 0.15, respectively). Changes in SBP/DBP for the hypertension risk subgroup were -5.0/-2.8 mm Hg for the TM group compared to +1.3/+1.2 mm Hg for controls (P = 0.014, P = 0.028, respectively). Significant improvements were found in total psychological distress, anxiety, depression, anger/hostility, and coping (P values < 0.05). Changes in psychological distress and coping correlated with changes in SBP (P values < 0.05) and DBP (P values < 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first RCT to demonstrate that a selected mind-body intervention, the TM program, decreased BP in association with decreased psychological distress, and increased coping in young adults at risk for hypertension. This mind-body program may reduce the risk for future development of hypertension in young adults. SP - 1326 EP - 1331 SN - 1879-1905 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19798037 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4780 T1 - Addiction treatment intervention: an uncontrolled prospective pilot study of spiritual self-schema therapy with latina women JF - Substance Abuse: Official Publication of the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse JA - Subst Abus M3 - 10.1080/08897071003641602 A1 - Amaro,Hortensia A1 - Magno-Gatmaytan,Cielo A1 - Meléndez,Michael A1 - Cortés,Dharma E A1 - Arevalo,Sandra A1 - Margolin,Arthur VL - 31 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Spiritual Self-Schema (3-S) is a weekly 8-session, mindfulness-based, manual-guided, individual intervention targeting addiction and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors that integrates cognitive behavioral strategies with Buddhist principles and clients' religious/spiritual beliefs. 3-S is efficacious for reducing drug use and HIV risk behaviors among mixed-gender, methadone-maintained outpatients. The study goal was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of 3-S therapy among urban, low-income Latinas (n = 13) in residential addiction treatment. Data gathered via in-person interviews (baseline, 8 and 20 weeks postentry) showed high rates of 3-S acceptability and positive changes in a number of outcomes relevant to recovery from addiction and to HIV prevention, including impulsivity, spirituality, motivation for change, and HIV prevention knowledge. The study findings are promising; however, a controlled study with longer follow-up is needed to rigorously assess the efficacy of 3-S therapy with Latinas in substance abuse treatment. SP - 117 EP - 125 SN - 1547-0164 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4781 T1 - Psychological well-being and pilgrimage: Religiosity, happiness and life satisfaction of Ardh-Kumbh Mela pilgrims (Kalpvasis) at Prayag, India JF - Asian Journal of Social Psychology M3 - 10.1111/j.1467-839X.2009.01291.x A1 - Maheshwari,Saurabh A1 - Singh,Purnima VL - 12 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - Pilgrimage is an important aspect of our life and has both religious as well as spiritual significance. The present study examined the relationship of religiosity, happiness and satisfaction with life in the case of pilgrims in a very special cultural context of the Ardh-Kumbh Mela (held in Prayag, Allahabad, India) during the months of January and February, 2007). The study specifically examined these relationships in a sample of Kalpvasis (pilgrims who stay at the banks of the Sangam for a month in the holy city of Prayag during the Mela period). One hundred and fifty-four Kalpvasis participated in the study. Positive association between religiosity, happiness and life satisfaction was obtained. Results showed that gender did not have a significant role on these relations in the case of pilgrims. Implications of these results are discussed. SP - 285 EP - 292 UR - http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2009.01291.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4782 T1 - Struggles with God: Transference and religious countertransference in the treatment of a trauma survivor. T3 - The God representation in the psychoanalytic relationship JF - Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis & Dynamic Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.165 A1 - Peteet,John R. VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - Transference and countertransference in treatment situations where the patient and the therapist share religious faith can be complex. This article discusses the course of therapy of a Christian woman with a history of trauma and depression by a therapist who shared her religious orientation. Counter-transference reactions shaped the therapist's responses to the patient's struggles, and eventually contributed to a new level of trust in their shared God. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - countertransference KW - depression KW - Emotional Trauma KW - God Concepts KW - Major Depression KW - Psychotherapeutic Processes KW - Psychotherapeutic Transference KW - Religious Beliefs KW - religious countertransferences KW - religious faith KW - transferences KW - trauma survivors KW - treatments SP - 165 EP - 174 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4783 T1 - Assessing the Influence of Religious Beliefs and Practices on Parenting Capacity: The Challenges for Social Work Practitioners JF - British Journal of Social Work M3 - 10.1093/bjsw/bcn116 A1 - Horwath,Jan A1 - Lees,Janet VL - 40 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01/01/ N2 - The 1989 Children Act emphasizes the importance of giving due consideration to the child's religious persuasion. Yet, government assessment guidance provides practitioners with very little assistance in terms of establishing ways in which religious beliefs and practices influence family life. This is concerning at a time when considerable attention is being paid in the media to the negative influences of religious beliefs on parenting and Britain is becoming increasingly diverse. Drawing on a literature review of seventy-seven papers on religion and parenting, consideration is given to some of the challenges encountered by social workers when assessing the influence of religious beliefs on parenting. These challenges include: a lack of clarity with regard to what is meant by religion'; small-scale research studies with limited scope; a focus on perceptions of the influence of religious beliefs; disregard for both social workers' own views about religion and the ways in which these views are likely to influence practice. Moreover, poor preparation on social work training programmes and minimal support from supervisors mean that practitioners do not feel confident exploring religious beliefs and practices with families. All these factors lead to a significant influence in many families' lives being ignored. SP - 82 EP - 99 UR - http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/40/1/82 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4784 T1 - Role of Spirituality in HIV-Infected Mothers JF - Issues in Mental Health Nursing JA - Issues Ment Health Nurs M3 - 10.3109/01612840.2011.568160 A1 - Walulu,Rosemary N VL - 32 IS - 6 PY - 2011/// N1 -

The purpose of this study was to describe the processes by which HIV-infected mothers manage mothering. A semi-structured guide was used to facilitate discussion from a convenience sample of 15 mothers. The core category was "The Process of Living for My Children." "Leaning on God" was a part of "Taking Care of Myself" and reflected the ways in which the mothers used spiritual aspects to manage mothering and live with HIV infection. Leaning on God was an important tool in managing mothering and self-care. Health care providers can enhance this tool by being aware of their own values and beliefs.

N2 - The purpose of this study was to describe the processes by which HIV-infected mothers manage mothering. A semi-structured guide was used to facilitate discussion from a convenience sample of 15 mothers. The core category was "The Process of Living for My Children." "Leaning on God" was a part of "Taking Care of Myself" and reflected the ways in which the mothers used spiritual aspects to manage mothering and live with HIV infection. Leaning on God was an important tool in managing mothering and self-care. Health care providers can enhance this tool by being aware of their own values and beliefs. SP - 382 EP - 384 SN - 1096-4673 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21692577 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4786 T1 - Effects of a prenatal yoga programme on the discomforts of pregnancy and maternal childbirth self-efficacy in Taiwan JF - Midwifery JA - Midwifery M3 - 10.1016/j.midw.2009.01.005 A1 - Sun,Yi-Chin A1 - Hung,Ya-Chi A1 - Chang,Yuanmay A1 - Kuo,Su-Chen VL - 26 IS - 6 PY - 2010/12// N1 -

This study finds that pregnant women who participate in yoga exercises three times per week for 12-14 weeks at the end of the pregnancy for 30 minutes per session had reduced pregnancy discomfort and increased childbirth self-efficacy by comparison with the control group.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: to evaluate a yoga programme provided to primigravidas in the third trimester of pregnancy with the aim of decreasing the discomforts associated with pregnancy and increasing childbirth self-efficacy. DESIGN: non-randomised controlled experimental study. SETTING: a hospital in northern Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: the target population was primigravidas at 26-28 weeks of gestation (no high-risk pregnancies) who had not engaged in regular exercise or yoga for at least one year. The study included 88 individuals; 43 in the control group and 45 in the experimental group who took part in the prenatal yoga programme. INTERVENTION: the duration of the prenatal yoga programme was 12-14 weeks, with at least three sessions per week. Each workout lasted for 30 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: women who took part in the prenatal yoga programme reported significantly fewer pregnancy discomforts than the control group (38.28 vs 43.26, z=-2.58, p=0.01) at 38-40 weeks of gestation. The subjects who participated in the yoga programme exhibited higher outcome and self-efficacy expectancies during the active stage of labour (104.13 vs 83.53, t=3.24, p=0.002; 99.26 vs 77.70, t=3.99, p ≤ 0.001) and the second stage of labour (113.33 vs 88.42, t=3.33, p=0.002; 102.19 vs 79.40, t=3.71, p ≤ 0.001) compared with the control group. KEY CONCLUSIONS: the provision of booklets and videos on yoga during pregnancy may contribute to a reduction in pregnancy discomforts and improved childbirth self-efficacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: this yoga programme provides health-care professionals with an evidence-based intervention. SP - e31-36 EP - e31-36 SN - 1532-3099 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19246136 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4787 T1 - A controlled study of the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction technique in women with multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia JF - Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare JA - J Multidiscip Healthc A1 - Sampalli,Tara A1 - Berlasso,Elizabeth A1 - Fox,Roy A1 - Petter,Mark VL - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on women diagnosed with conditions such as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS The intervention group underwent a 10-week MBSR program. Symptoms Checklist Inventory (SCL-90R) was used as outcome measure and was administered before the start of the program (pre-), immediately upon completion (post-) and at three-month follow-up. Women on the wait list to receive treatment at the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre were used as control subjects for the study. RESULTS A total of 50 participants in the intervention group and 26 in the wait-list controls group were recruited for this study. Global scores in the intervention group reached statistical significance pre-post (<0.0001) and at pre-follow-up (<0.0001) while the global scores in the control group remained the same. Five of nine and eight of nine subscales of the SCL-90R showed improvement of statistical significance in MBSR group following treatment and at three-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The study showed the importance of complementary interventions such as MBSR techniques in the reduction of psychological distress in women with chronic conditions. KW - Fibromyalgia KW - MBSR KW - mindfulness based stress reduction SP - 53 EP - 59 SN - 1178-2390 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21197347 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4788 T1 - Effects of yoga on the quality of life in cancer patients JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice JA - Complement Ther Clin Pract M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.10.007 A1 - Ülger,Özlem A1 - Yağli,Naciye Vardar VL - 16 IS - 2 PY - 2010/05// N1 -

This study sought to investigate the effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. DESIGN: Twenty patients between 30 and 50 years of age presently under treatment for breast cancer were included in the study. The physical characteristics of the patients were recorded and general physiotherapy assessments performed. Eight sessions of a yoga program including warming and breathing exercises, asanas, relaxation in supine position, and meditation were applied to participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The pre- and post-yoga quality of life assessments for the patients were conducted using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patients' stress levels were assessed using the STAI-I and STAI-II anxiety inventory. Their satisfaction levels about the yoga program was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: It was found that patients' quality of life scores after the yoga program were better than scores obtained before the yoga program (p < 0.05). After sessions, there was a statistically significant decrease in their STAI-I (measuring the reactions of anxiety) scores and STAI-II (measuring the permanence of anxiety) scores (p < 0.05). It was found out that the satisfaction score concerning the yoga program was considerably increased after the yoga program (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that yoga is valuable in helping to achieve relaxation and diminish stress, helps cancer patients perform daily and routine activities, and increases the quality of life in cancer patients. This result was positively reflected in patients satisfaction with the yoga program. SP - 60 EP - 63 SN - 1873-6947 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4789 T1 - Authentic happiness theory supported by impact of religion on life satisfaction: A longitudinal analysis with data for Germany JF - The Journal of Positive Psychology M3 - 10.1080/17439760903435232 A1 - Headey,Bruce A1 - Schupp,Juergen A1 - Tucci,Ingrid A1 - Wagner,Gert G. VL - 5 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N2 - Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Survey, this paper assesses the relationship between life satisfaction and religious practice. It is shown that individuals who become more religious over time record long term gains in life satisfaction, while those who become less religious record long term losses. This result holds net of the effects of personality traits, and also in fixed effects panel models. SP - 73 EP - 82 SN - 1743-9760 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4791 T1 - Effects of yoga on sleep quality and depression in elders in assisted living facilities JF - The Journal of Nursing Research JA - J Nurs Res M3 - 10.1097/JNR.0b013e3181ce5189 A1 - Chen,Kuei-Min A1 - Chen,Ming-Hsien A1 - Lin,Mei-Hui A1 - Fan,Jue-Ting A1 - Lin,Huey-Shyan A1 - Li,Chun-Huw VL - 18 IS - 1 PY - 2010/03// N2 - BACKGROUND: Being relocated to an assisted living facility can result in sleep disturbances and depression in elders. This may be attributed to or worsened by lack of regular physical activity. Appropriate exercise programs may be an important component of quality of life in this group of transitional frail elders. PURPOSE: This study aimed to test the effects of a 6-month yoga exercise program in improving sleep quality and decreasing depression in transitional frail elders living in assisted living facilities. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pretest-and-posttest design was used. A convenience sample of 69 elderly residents of assisted living facilities was divided randomly into a yoga exercise (n = 38) and control group (n = 31) based on residence location. A total of 55 participants completed the study. The intervention was implemented in three small groups, and each practice group was led by two pretrained certified yoga instructors three times per week at 70 min per practice session for 24 weeks. The outcome measures of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and depression state (Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire) were examined at baseline, at the 12th week, and at the 24th week of the study. RESULTS: After 6 months of performing yoga exercises, participants' overall sleep quality had significantly improved, whereas depression, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction had decreased significantly (p < .05). In addition, participants in the intervention group had better results on all outcome indicators than those of participants in the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is recommended that yoga exercise be incorporated as an activity program in assisted living facilities or in other long-term care facilities to improve sleep quality and decrease depression in institutionalized elders. SP - 53 EP - 61 SN - 1948-965X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4792 T1 - Religiousness and recovery from inpatient geriatric depression: Findings from the PEJAMA Study JF - The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry JA - Aust N Z J Psychiatry M3 - 10.3109/00048671003606078 A1 - Payman,Vahid A1 - Ryburn,Bridget VL - 44 IS - 6 PY - 2010/06// N2 - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether religiousness, in particular intrinsic religiosity, influences the prognosis of elderly inpatients with major depression, and, if so, whether this effect is related to social support. METHOD: A total of 94 patients (71% women; mean age = 76) with DSM-IV major depression were assessed on admission to a psychogeriatric unit in Melbourne, and then reviewed at 6, 12 and 24 months. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale - short form, religiousness, using the five-item Duke University Religion Index, and social support using the Social Support Questionnaire. RESULTS: Just over one-third of the sample was highly intrinsically religious. High intrinsic religiosity on admission predicted lower depression scores at 24 months (standardised beta = 0.252; P < 0.05). Intrinsic religiosity's effect was independent of social support as well as other demographic, treatment and health variables. CONCLUSION: Intrinsic religiosity (i.e. a person's commitment to and motivation by religious beliefs) predicts lower depression scores over time among inpatients with geriatric depression. Psychogeriatricians should consider a patient's religious history in order to make informed judgements about depression prognosis. SP - 560 EP - 567 SN - 1440-1614 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4793 T1 - Association of religion with delusions and hallucinations in the context of schizophrenia: Implications for engagement and adherence JF - Schizophrenia Research JA - Schizophr. Res M3 - 10.1016/j.schres.2010.11.005 A1 - Gearing,Robin Edward A1 - Alonzo,Dana A1 - Smolak,Alex A1 - McHugh,Katie A1 - Harmon,Sherelle A1 - Baldwin,Susanna VL - 126 IS - 1-3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - OBJECTIVE The relationship of religion and schizophrenia is widely acknowledged, but often minimized by practitioners and under investigated by researchers. In striving to help fill this gap, this paper focuses on examining four aims: 1) how research has investigated the association between religiosity and schizophrenia; 2) how is religiosity associated with delusions and hallucinations; 3) what are the risk and protective factors associated with religiosity and schizophrenia; and 4) does religion influence treatment adherence with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. METHODS A systematic literature search of PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases from January 1, 1980 through January 1, 2010 was conducted using the terms schizophrenia, schizoaffective, schizophreniform, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) and religion, religiosity, spirituality, or faith. Seventy (n=70) original research studies were identified. RESULTS Religion can act as both a risk and protective factor as it interacts with the schizophrenia symptoms of hallucination and delusions. Cultural influences tend to confound the association of religion and schizophrenia. Adherence to treatment has a mixed association with religiosity. CONCLUSION The relationship between religion and schizophrenia may be of benefit to both clinicians and researchers through enhancing adherence to treatment, and enhancement of the protective aspects while minimizing associated risk. The relationship of religion and schizophrenia needs further research that is more nuanced and methodologically rigorous, specifically concerning its influence on engagement and adherence to treatment. SP - 150 EP - 163 SN - 1573-2509 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21131180 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4794 T1 - The effects of religion and gender on well-being, substance use, and academic engagement among rural adolescents. JF - Youth & Society M3 - 10.1177/0044118X08316668 A1 - Milot,Alyssa S. A1 - Ludden,Alison Bryant VL - 40 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N2 - The effects of religious attendance, religious importance, and gender on well-being, substance use, and academic engagement were examined among early adolescents (N = 683) from rural schools. Results indicated that females viewed religion as more important than males, although the frequency of religious attendance did not differ for males and females. Hierarchical regression results revealed that religious importance was a more prominent protective factor than attendance against substance use even after accounting for parental support; however, no links were found between religiosity and depression or self-esteem. Adolescents who reported that religion was important in their lives reported lower school misbehavior and higher motivation, although those with high religious attendance had higher grades. Interaction effects indicated that religious importance was particularly salient for males compared to females in terms of enhanced school bonding and self-efficacy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - ACADEMIC achievement KW - academic engagement KW - Adolescent Development KW - adolescents KW - DRUG abuse KW - Gender differences KW - Human Sex Differences KW - religion KW - Religious Beliefs KW - substance use KW - well being KW - Well-Being SP - 403 EP - 425 SN - 0044-118X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4795 T1 - Incorporating Religion/Spirituality Into Treatment for Serious Mental Illness JF - Cognitive and Behavioral Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.05.003 A1 - Weisman de Mamani,Amy G. A1 - Tuchman,Naomi A1 - Duarte,Eugenio A. VL - 17 IS - 4 PY - 2010/11// N2 - This paper examines whether religion and spirituality (R/S) should be incorporated into treatment for patients with serious mental illness. This question merits attention, especially in light of the strong presence of R/S in the United States and, in particular, among members of ethnic minorities. While the literature is somewhat mixed, prior research supports the view that incorporating adaptive R/S elements into treatment for patients with serious mental illness is beneficial, particularly for patients who do not exhibit severe psychotic symptoms. Drawing from our experiences in developing a family-focused Culturally-Informed Therapy for Schizophrenia (CIT-S), we will also highlight the importance of addressing spiritual issues within minority populations. In the second half of this paper, we will present several case illustrations of how R/S issues were used in CIT-S to help patients make sense of adverse situations and obtain much-needed support and coping resources outside the treatment room. Findings from this study indicate that religion and spirituality can often be incorporated into treatment in a way that coalesces with patients' values and enhances treatment gains. Future research should investigate how therapists' own R/S values interact with those of their clients, and whether congruency in R/S values has any impact on treatment efficacy. SP - 348 EP - 357 SN - 1077-7229 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7XMX-4YC8118-1/2/4c0c2498a8d16ebbc073a491058eb0c2 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4796 T1 - A randomized controlled trial examining Iyengar yoga for young adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a study protocol JF - Trials JA - Trials M3 - 10.1186/1745-6215-12-19 A1 - Evans,Subhadra A1 - Cousins,Laura A1 - Tsao,Jennie Ci A1 - Subramanian,Saskia A1 - Sternlieb,Beth A1 - Zeltzer,Lonnie K VL - 12 IS - 15 PY - 2011/// N2 - Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, disabling disease that can compromise mobility, daily functioning, and health-related quality of life, especially in older adolescents and young adults. In this project, we will compare a standardized Iyengar yoga program for young people with rheumatoid arthritis to a standard care wait-list control condition. Methods/Design Seventy rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 16-35 years will be randomized into either the 6-week Iyengar yoga program (12 - 1.5 hour sessions twice weekly) or the 6-week wait-list control condition. A 20% attrition rate is anticipated. The wait-list group will receive the yoga program following completion of the first arm of the study. We will collect data quantitatively, using questionnaires and markers of disease activity, and qualitatively using semi-structured interviews. Assessments include standardized measures of general and arthritis-specific function, pain, mood, and health-related quality of life, as well as qualitative interviews, blood pressure/resting heart rate measurements, a medical exam and the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Data will be collected three times: before treatment, post-treatment, and two months following the treatment. Discussion Results from this study will provide critical data on non-pharmacologic methods for enhancing function in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In particular, results will shed light on the feasibility and potential efficacy of a novel intervention for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, paving the way for a larger clinical trial. KW - Irritable Bowel Syndrome KW - Iyengar yoga KW - Protocol KW - yoga KW - Youth SP - 19 EP - 19 SN - 1745-6215 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4798 T1 - Qi Gong and physiotherapy: A narrative review and conceptual synthesis JF - European Journal of Integrative Medicine M3 - 10.1016/j.eujim.2009.07.001 A1 - Posadzki,Paul VL - 1 IS - 3 PY - 2009/10// N2 - Background The practice of Qi Gong is based on the following assumptions: complexity and multidimensionality, various positive influences on an individual's wholeness through the mind, body, and the relationships between them. In a similar vein, the essence of physiotherapy as a multifaceted process requires teamwork and the efforts of various specialists such as psychologists, sociologists, occupational therapists, and nurses if patients are to benefit.Aims This paper aims to present the conceptual integration of Qi Gong and physiotherapy when considering the essence of their underlying principles. The author also emphasizes the usefulness of Qi Gong practice in clinical units and explains how Qi Gong might be extrapolated and incorporated into the theoretical principles of the physiotherapy process.Methods This paper reviews Qi Gong literature in a narrative manner. Consequently, during the discourse analysis some information regarding Qi Gong's and physiotherapy's essence is derived from the presented data to reveal the underlying core principles and the conceptual interface of both practices on the level of abstraction grounded in the qualitative approaches.Results Within the scope of this article the existence of several similarities between these two `concepts' has been suggested in terms of their multidisciplinary approach toward patients and complexity of holistic care.Discussion Researchers, physiotherapists and their patients as well as Qi Gong practitioners can obtain valuable and additional arguments through the cross-fertilization of ideas across presented studies united by shared, underlying concepts.Conclusion Such conceptual enrichment may be a useful source of inspiration for physiotherapists concerned about their patients' overall health on a daily basis. KW - Concept formation KW - Physiotherapy KW - Qi Gong KW - Review SP - 139 EP - 144 SN - 1876-3820 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B984N-4X7PPWN-1/2/05bba08dc3d88bb3abff7bc5c4362cc7 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4799 T1 - The SpREUK-SF10 questionnaire as a rapid measure of spiritual search and religious trust in patients with chronic diseases JF - Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao = Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine JA - Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao A1 - Büssing,Arndt VL - 8 IS - 9 PY - 2010/09// N2 - Background:There is growing evidence that aspects of spirituality have an impact on health. Measures of spirituality must be adapted to the kinds of populations being studied. In order to investigate how patients with chronic diseases living in secular societies view the impact of spirituality on their health and how they cope with illness, the SpREUK questionnaire was developed. Objective: This paper describes the background and psychometric properties of an assessment tool which might be suited for patients living in secular societies, and summarizes confirmatory findings of patients from Germany. Design and participants: Cross-sectional study among 496 patients (mean age 53.5+/-14.4 years) with chronic diseases (84% chronic pain conditions, 6% cancer, and 10% other). All subjects completed the questionnaires by themselves.Outcome measures: We intended to develop a short form of the already established SpREUK questionnaire, and tested it with respect to its factorial structure and conceptual validity. Other measures were engagement in spiritual practices (SpREUK-P), life satisfaction (BMLSS), and interpretation of illness (IIQ). Results: The good psychometric properties of the contextual (disease-related) instrument which differentiates 3 factors were confirmed: (1) Trust (in Higher Guidance/Source) (alpha=0.898), (2) Search (for Support/Access to Spirituality/Religiosity) (alpha=0.844), and (3) Reflection (Positive Interpretation of Disease) (alpha=0.736). Particularly the positive interpretations of disease were moderately associated with Search and Trust, indicating their spiritual connotation. Conclusion: To assess aspects of spirituality in secular societies which are not biased for or against a particular religious commitment, the SpREUK-SF10 questionnaire appears to be a good choice. Adaptations to other cultural backgrounds are encouraged. SP - 832 EP - 841 SN - 1672-1977 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4800 T1 - The relationships among religious affiliation, religious angst, and disordered eating JF - Eating and Weight Disorders: EWD JA - Eat Weight Disord A1 - Gates,K A1 - Pritchard,M VL - 14 IS - 1 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Although religion is thought to be a positive aspect of life, sometimes that is not always the case. One potentially negative effect of religion is the way people learn to perceive their bodies. Although many studies have examined factors that influence disordered eating (e.g., gender, self-esteem), few studies have examined the relationships among disordered eating and religious affiliation and religious angst. In the present study of 330 undergraduates, we found that Catholics and Christians displayed significantly more disordered eating than did other students. In addition, individuals scoring high on religious angst also reported more disordered eating behaviors than did other students. Implications for counseling will be discussed. KW - Adolescent KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Anxiety KW - BODY image KW - Catholicism KW - Christianity KW - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints KW - Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) KW - eating disorders KW - Feeding Behavior KW - Female KW - Health Behavior KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Multivariate Analysis KW - Northwestern United States KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Self Concept KW - Young Adult SP - e11-15 EP - e11-15 SN - 1590-1262 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4801 T1 - Faith and child survival: the role of religion in childhood immunization in Nigeria JF - Journal of Biosocial Science JA - J Biosoc Sci M3 - 10.1017/S0021932008002861 A1 - Antai,Diddy VL - 41 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N1 -

This study assessed the role of mother's religious affiliation in child immunization status of surviving children 12 months of age and older in Nigeria, using data from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The results indicate that religion plays a role in the risk of non-immunization; religion was not associated with the risk of partial immunization; however, religion was significantly associated with the reduced risk of full immunization.

N2 - This study assessed the role of mother's religious affiliation in child immunization status of surviving children 12 months of age and older in Nigeria, using data from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Guided by two competing hypotheses--the 'characteristics hypothesis' and the 'particularized theology hypothesis'--variations in the risks of child immunization in Nigeria were examined using logistic regression analysis. The results indicate that religion plays a role in the risk of non-immunization; religion was not associated with the risk of partial immunization; however, religion was significantly associated with the reduced risk of full immunization. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Child KW - Child Mortality KW - Child Welfare KW - Child, Preschool KW - DEMOGRAPHY KW - Female KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - Health Surveys KW - Humans KW - Immunization KW - Infant KW - Logistic Models KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Mothers KW - Nigeria KW - Patient Acceptance of Health Care KW - religion KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - Young Adult SP - 57 EP - 76 SN - 1469-7599 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18471339 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4802 T1 - Teaching on spiritual care: The perceived impact on qualified nurses JF - Nurse Education in Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.nepr.2010.06.008 A1 - Baldacchino,Donia R. VL - 11 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - This study unit as part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme aimed at reviving the spiritual dimension in nursing care. This paper discusses the perceived impact of the study unit Spiritual Coping in Illness and Care on qualified nurses. The paucity of literature demonstrates some benefits perceived by the learners namely, clarification of the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care, self-awareness of personal spirituality and their current clinical practice which neglects the spiritual dimension. The ASSET model [Narayanasamy, A., 1999. ASSET: a model for actioning spirituality and spiritual care education and training in nursing. Nurse Education Today 19, 274-285] guided the teaching of this study unit. The nature of this study unit demanded an exploratory method of teaching to encourage the nurses to be active participants. Qualitative data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire from the three cohort groups of qualified nurses who undertook this study unit in 2003-2004 (A: n = 33), 2004-2005 (B: n = 35) and 2006-2007 (C: n = 35). Learners found the study unit as a resource for updating their knowledge on spirituality in care and increased self-awareness of their own spirituality and nursing care. They acknowledged their role as change agents in order to implement holistic care in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Recommendations were proposed to integrate the spiritual dimension in education and patient care. KW - Continuing Professional Development (CPD) KW - Education KW - Impact KW - Post-graduate learners KW - Spiritual care KW - Spiritual coping KW - spirituality KW - Teaching SP - 47 EP - 53 SN - 1471-5953 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4803 T1 - Yoga of Awareness program for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: results from a randomized trial JF - Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer JA - Support Care Cancer M3 - 10.1007/s00520-009-0587-5 A1 - Carson,James W A1 - Carson,Kimberly M A1 - Porter,Laura S A1 - Keefe,Francis J A1 - Seewaldt,Victoria L VL - 17 IS - 10 PY - 2009/10// N1 -

Breast cancer survivors have limited options for the treatment of hot flashes and related symptoms. Further, therapies widely used to prevent recurrence in survivors, such as tamoxifen, tend to induce or exacerbate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this preliminary, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a yoga intervention on menopausal symptoms in a sample of survivors of early-stage breast cancer (stages IA-IIB).

N2 - GOAL OF WORK: Breast cancer survivors have limited options for the treatment of hot flashes and related symptoms. Further, therapies widely used to prevent recurrence in survivors, such as tamoxifen, tend to induce or exacerbate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this preliminary, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a yoga intervention on menopausal symptoms in a sample of survivors of early-stage breast cancer (stages IA-IIB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven disease-free women experiencing hot flashes were randomized to the 8-week Yoga of Awareness program (gentle yoga poses, meditation, and breathing exercises) or to wait-list control. The primary outcome was daily reports of hot flashes collected at baseline, posttreatment, and 3 months after treatment via an interactive telephone system. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. MAIN RESULTS: At posttreatment, women who received the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements relative to the control condition in hot-flash frequency, severity, and total scores and in levels of joint pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, symptom-related bother, and vigor. At 3 months follow-up, patients maintained their treatment gains in hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, symptom-related bother, and vigor and showed additional significant gains in negative mood, relaxation, and acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides promising support for the beneficial effects of a comprehensive yoga program for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in early-stage breast cancer survivors. KW - prepub SP - 1301 EP - 1309 SN - 1433-7339 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19214594 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4804 T1 - Use of ministers for a serious personal problem among African Americans: findings from the national survey of American life JF - The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry JA - Am J Orthopsychiatry M3 - 10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01079.x A1 - Chatters,Linda M A1 - Mattis,Jacqueline S A1 - Woodward,Amanda Toler A1 - Taylor,Robert Joseph A1 - Neighbors,Harold W A1 - Grayman,Nyasha A VL - 81 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - This study examined use of ministers for assistance with a serious personal problem within a nationally representative sample of African Americans (National Survey of American Life-2001-2003). Different perspectives on the use of ministers-social stratification, religious socialization, and problem-oriented approach-were proposed and tested using logistic regression analyses with demographic, religious involvement, and problem type factors as predictors. Study findings supported religious socialization and problem-oriented explanations indicating that persons who are heavily invested in religious pursuits and organizations (i.e., women, frequent attenders) are more likely than their counterparts to use ministerial assistance. Contrary to expectations from the social stratification perspective, positive income and education effects indicated that higher status individuals were more likely to report use of ministers. Finally, problems involving bereavement are especially suited for assistance from ministers owing to their inherent nature (e.g., questions of ultimate meaning) and the extensive array of ministerial support and church resources that are available to address the issue. SP - 118 EP - 127 SN - 1939-0025 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4805 T1 - Spirituality, religion and suicidal behavior in a nationally representative sample JF - Journal of Affective Disorders JA - J Affect Disord M3 - 10.1016/j.jad.2008.08.007 A1 - Rasic,Daniel T A1 - Belik,Shay-Lee A1 - Elias,Brenda A1 - Katz,Laurence Y A1 - Enns,Murray A1 - Sareen,Jitender VL - 114 IS - 1-3 PY - 2009/04// N1 -

This study suggests that religious attendance is associated with decreased suicide attempts in the general population and in those with a mental illness independent of the effects of social supports.

N2 - BACKGROUND Studies show that religion and spirituality are associated with decreased rates of mental illness. Some studies show decreased rates of suicide in religious populations, but the association between religion, spirituality and suicidal behaviors in people with mental illness are understudied. Few studies have examined the influence of social supports in these relationships. METHODS Data were drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey 1.2. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between spiritual values and religious worship attendance with twelve-month suicidal ideation and attempts. Regressions were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and social supports. Interaction variables were then tested to examine possible effect modification by presence of a mental disorder. RESULTS Identifying oneself as spiritual was associated with decreased odds of suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio-1 [AOR-1]=0.65, CI: 0.44-0.96) but was not significant after adjusting for social supports. Religious attendance was associated with decreased odds of suicidal ideation (AOR-1=0.64, 95% CI: 0.53-0.77) but not after adjusting for social supports. Religious attendance was associated with decreased odds of suicide attempt and remained significant after adjusting for social supports (AOR-2=0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.89). No significant interaction effects were observed between any of the tested mental disorders and religion, spirituality and suicidal behavior. LIMITATIONS This was a cross-sectional survey and causality of relationships cannot be inferred. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that religious attendance is associated with decreased suicide attempts in the general population and in those with a mental illness independent of the effects of social supports. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Canada KW - Cross-Sectional Studies KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Logistic Models KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Odds Ratio KW - Risk Assessment KW - Risk Factors KW - social support KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - spirituality KW - Suicide KW - Suicide, Attempted KW - Young Adult SP - 32 EP - 40 SN - 1573-2517 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18799219 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4808 T1 - Yoga in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders: A review JF - Asian Journal of Psychiatry M3 - 10.1016/j.ajp.2008.12.002 A1 - da Silva,Tricia L. A1 - Ravindran,Lakshmi N. A1 - Ravindran,Arun V. VL - 2 IS - 1 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Background Patient use of complementary and alternative treatments, including yoga, to manage mood and anxiety disorders, has been well documented. Despite research interest, there are few recent reviews of the evidence of the benefit of yoga in these conditions. Method The PubMed, Medline and PsycInfo databases were searched for literature published up to July 2008, relating to yoga and depressive and anxiety disorders. Results The paucity of reported studies and several methodological constraints limit data interpretation. In depressive disorders, yoga may be comparable to medication and the combination superior to medication alone. There is reasonable evidence for its use as second-line monotherapy or augmentation to medication in mild to moderate major depression and dysthymia, with early evidence of benefit in more severe depression. In anxiety disorders, yoga may be superior to medication for a subgroup of patients, but its benefits in specific conditions are still largely unknown. Second-line monotherapy is indicated in performance or test anxiety, but only preliminary evidence exists for obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yoga appears to be superior to no treatment and progressive relaxation for both depression and anxiety, and may benefit mood and anxiety symptoms associated with medical illness. It shows good safety and tolerability in short-term treatment. Conclusion Reasonable evidence supports the benefit of yoga in specific depressive disorders. The evidence is still preliminary in anxiety disorders. Given its patient appeal and the promising findings thus far, further research on yoga in these conditions is encouraged. KW - Alternative medicine KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Complementary therapy KW - depressive disorders KW - yoga SP - 6 EP - 16 SN - 1876-2018 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B9837-4VK69C3-1/2/5b7ba708ced6cc5b35768caf422ab928 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4809 T1 - Association of religious participation with mortality among Chinese old adults. JF - Research on Aging M3 - 10.1177/0164027510383584 A1 - Zeng,Yi A1 - Gu,Danan A1 - George,Linda K. VL - 33 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - This research examines the association of religious participation with mortality using a longitudinal data set collected from 9,017 oldest-old aged 85+ and 6,956 younger elders aged 65 to 84 in China in 2002 and 2005 and hazard models. Results show that adjusted for demographics, family/social support, and health practices, risk of dying was 24% (p < 0.001) and 12% (p < 0.01) lower among frequent and infrequent religious participants than among nonparticipants for all elders aged 65+. After baseline health was adjusted, the corresponding risk of dying declined to 21% (p < 0.001) and 6% (not significant), respectively. The authors also conducted hazard models analysis for men versus women and for young-old versus oldest-old, respectively, adjusted for single-year age; the authors found that gender differentials of association of religious participation with mortality among all elderly aged 65+ were not significant; association among young-old men was significantly stronger than among oldest-old men, but no such significant young-old versus oldest-old differentials in women were found. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Age differences KW - Aging KW - Chinese Cultural Groups KW - Chinese older adults KW - Death and Dying KW - Gender differences KW - Human Sex Differences KW - mortality KW - Participation KW - Racial and Ethnic Differences KW - Religious Participation KW - Religious Practices SP - 51 EP - 83 SN - 0164-0275 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4810 T1 - Religiosity, Spirituality, and Socioemotional Functioning in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JF - Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders M3 - 10.1007/s10803-008-0673-4 A1 - Ekas,Naomi V. A1 - Whitman,Thomas L. A1 - Shivers,Carolyn VL - 39 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Religious beliefs, religious activities, and spirituality are coping resources used by many mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined whether and how these resources were related to maternal socioemotional functioning. Mothers of children with ASD completed questionnaires assessing religiosity, spirituality, and a wide range of outcome variables, including stress, depression, self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive affect, and sense of control. Analyses revealed that religious beliefs and spirituality were associated with better positive outcomes and, to a lesser extent, lower levels of negative outcomes. Of the two predictors, spirituality accounted for more unique variance in positive outcomes. In contrast, religious activities were related to more negative outcomes and lower levels of positive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - AUTISM in children KW - AUTISTIC children KW - Developmental Disabilities KW - MOTHERS of children with disabilities KW - Religiousness KW - SELF-esteem KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - STRESS (Psychology) SP - 706 EP - 719 SN - 01623257 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4811 T1 - Breathing Awareness Meditation and LifeSkills Training Programs Influence Upon Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Sodium Excretion Among African American Adolescents JF - Journal of Adolescent Health M3 - 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.05.019 A1 - Gregoski,Mathew J. A1 - Barnes,Vernon A. A1 - Tingen,Martha S. A1 - Harshfield,Gregory A. A1 - Treiber,Frank A. VL - 48 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - Purpose To evaluate the effect of breathing awareness meditation (BAM), Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST), and health education control (HEC) on ambulatory blood pressure and sodium excretion in African American adolescents.Methods Following 3 consecutive days of systolic blood pressure (SBP) screenings, 166 eligible participants (i.e., SBP >50th-95th percentile) were randomized by school to either BAM (n = 53), LST (n = 69), or HEC (n = 44). In-school intervention sessions were administered for 3 months by health education teachers. Before and after the intervention, overnight urine samples and 24-hour ambulatory SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were obtained.Results Significant group differences were found for changes in overnight SBP and SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate over the 24-hour period and during school hours. The BAM treatment exhibited the greatest overall decreases on these measures (Bonferroni adjusted, ps < .05). For example, for school-time SBP, BAM showed a change of -3.7 mmHg compared with no change for LST and a change of -.1 mmHg for HEC. There was a nonsignificant trend for overnight urinary sodium excretion (p = .07), with the BAM group displaying a reduction of -.92 ± 1.1 mEq/hr compared with increases of .89 ± 1.2 mEq/hr for LST and .58 ± .9 mEq/hr for HEC group.Conclusion BAM appears to improve hemodynamic function and may affect sodium handling among African American adolescents who are at increased risk for development of cardiovascular disease. KW - adolescents KW - Ambulatory blood pressure KW - Botvin LifeSkills Training KW - Breathing awareness meditation KW - Clinical trial KW - Sodium excretion SP - 59 EP - 64 SN - 1054-139X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4813 T1 - Spiritual absence and 1-year mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplant JF - Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation: Journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation JA - Biol. Blood Marrow Transplant M3 - 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.03.003 A1 - Pereira,Deidre B A1 - Christian,Lisa M A1 - Patidar,Seema A1 - Bishop,Michelle M A1 - Dodd,Stacy M A1 - Athanason,Rebecca A1 - Wingard,John R A1 - Reddy,Vijay S VL - 16 IS - 8 PY - 2010/08// N2 - Religiosity and spirituality have been associated with better survival in large epidemiologic studies. This study examined the relationship between spiritual absence and 1-year all-cause mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Depression and problematic compliance were examined as possible mediators of a significant spiritual absence-mortality relationship. Eighty-five adults (mean = 46.85 years old, SD = 11.90 years) undergoing evaluation for allogeneic HSCT had routine psychologie evaluation prior to HSCT admission. The Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic was used to assess spiritual absence, depression, and problematic compliance, the psychosocial predictors of interest. Patient status at 1 year and survival time in days were abstracted from medical records. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the psychosocial factors of interest and mortality after adjusting for relevant biobehavioral factors. Twenty-nine percent (n = 25) of participants died within 1 year of HSCT. After covarying for disease type, individuals with the highest spiritual absence and problematic compliance scores were significantly more likely to die 1-year post-HSCT (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.49, P = .043 and HR = 3.74, P = .029, respectively), particularly secondary to infection, sepsis, or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (HR = 4.56, P = .01 and HR = 5.61, P = .014), relative to those without elevations on these scales. Depression was not associated with 1-year mortality, and problematic compliance did not mediate the relationship between spiritual absence and mortality. These preliminary results suggest that both spiritual absence and problematic compliance may be associated with poorer survival following HSCT. Future research should examine these relations in a larger sample using a more comprehensive assessment of spirituality. SP - 1171 EP - 1179 SN - 1523-6536 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4814 T1 - Religious involvement and depressive symptoms among Mexican-origin adults in California. JF - Journal of Community Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jcop.20287 A1 - Ellison,Christopher G. A1 - Finch,Brian K. A1 - Ryan,Daniell Nicole A1 - Salinas,Jennifer J. VL - 37 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - A burgeoning literature has documented generally salutary relationships between various aspects of religious involvement and mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms. However, few of these studies have focused on Latinos (Hispanics), who now constitute the largest ethnic minority population in the United States. Our work addresses this gap in the literature. A number of hypotheses concerning main and contingent effects of religious attendance, salience, and consolation-seeking are developed and tested, using data on a large (N=3,012) sample of Mexican-origin adults drawn in the Fresno, CA area in 1995–1996. An initial inverse association between religious attendance and depressive symptoms disappears with controls for supportive social ties. However, an apparently salutary association between religious salience and depression persists despite all statistical controls; this relationship is present among both men and women, but it is significantly stronger for women. Contrary to expectations, there are signs that religious involvement may exacerbate the deleterious effects of discrimination and acculturation stress on depressive symptoms. A number of study implications, limitations, and directions for future research is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - California KW - COMMUNITY psychology KW - FRESNO (Calif.) KW - Hispanic Americans KW - MENTAL health -- Religious aspects KW - RELIGIOUS groups KW - Religiousness KW - SOCIAL interaction KW - SOCIAL sciences SP - 171 EP - 193 SN - 00904392 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4815 T1 - The relationship between identity styles and religiosity in students. JF - Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology A1 - Moghanloo,Mahnaz A1 - Aguilar-Vafaie,Maryam A1 - Shahraray,Mehrnaz VL - 15 IS - 4 PY - 2010/// N2 - Objectives: The aim of this descriptive study was to examine the relationships between identity styles of the Berzonsky model and religiosity. Method: 359 students (182 males and 177 females) who were selected using a randomized stratified multi-stage method from among undergraduate students of Shahid Beheshti and Tehran universities, were assessed using Berzonsky Identity Styles Inventory (ISI), Islamic Orientation Questionnaire, and the Duriez Post Critical Belief Scale (PCBS). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis. Results: Based on correlation analysis, most religiousity variables were positively related to informational and normative identity styles and negatively related to diffuse/avoidant identity style. Also, stepwise regression analysis showed that religious belief and practice, was predicted by informational and normative identity styles, inclusion of transcendence was predicted by normative and diffuse/avoidant identity styles (negatively) and symbolic processing was positively predicted by informational identity style. Conclusion: The positive relation of most religiousity factors with informational and normative identity styles, and their negative relationship with diffuse/avoidant identity styles indicates that these factors belong to a common religious construct. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Berzonsky models KW - identity styles KW - Models KW - religiosity KW - Self Concept KW - Students SP - 377 EP - 387 SN - 1735-4315 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4816 T1 - Cohort profile: The biopsychosocial religion and health study (BRHS) JF - International Journal of Epidemiology JA - Int J Epidemiol M3 - 10.1093/ije/dyn244 A1 - Lee,Jerry W A1 - Morton,Kelly R A1 - Walters,James A1 - Bellinger,Denise L A1 - Butler,Terry L A1 - Wilson,Colwick A1 - Walsh,Eric A1 - Ellison,Christopher G A1 - McKenzie,Monica M A1 - Fraser,Gary E VL - 38 IS - 6 PY - 2009/12// N2 - In The Secrets of Long Life in the National Geographic1 Buettner explored longevity among three communities in Sardinia Italy, Okinawa Japan, and Loma Linda California. Loma Linda is largely a community of 7th-day Adventists. In 1969 initial research2 found that among individuals surviving past age 35 Adventist women in California lived 3.7 years longer than their counterparts and Adventist men 6.2 years longer. In a later, larger California sample3 the differences were even stronger—4.4 years for women and 7.3 years for men. Exercise, vegetarian diet, not smoking, eating nuts and social support have been found to predict longevity in Adventists.4 Yet even when these and several psychological variables are controlled church attendance still predicts greater longevity.5 Interest has been increasing regarding the association of both mental and physical health with religion or spirituality.6 There have been a number of literature reviews that have concluded that the associations of religion and . . . SP - 1470 EP - 1478 SN - 1464-3685 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19052114 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4817 T1 - Coping, drug use, and religiosity/spirituality in relation to HIV serostatus among gay and bisexual men JF - AIDS Education and Prevention: Official Publication of the International Society for AIDS Education JA - AIDS Educ Prev M3 - 10.1521/aeap.2010.22.5.417 A1 - Hampton,Melvin C A1 - Halkitis,Perry N A1 - Mattis,Jacqueline S VL - 22 IS - 5 PY - 2010/10// N2 - Cross-sectional data were collected on a sample of 259 gay and bisexual, male-identified individuals as part of a larger study of the psychosocial functioning of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. Analyses considered differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative men in relation to active and religious coping strategies; avoidant coping strategies (specifically, illicit drug use); and the psychosocial states of anxiety, hostility, and depression in relation to self-reported HIV-status of the participants. As compared with HIV-negative men, the HIV positive participants indicated a greater likelihood of engaging in illicit substance use within the previous 3 months, as well as higher levels of both active and religious coping strategies. Illicit substance use also was found to be related to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and hostility. A multivariate model indicated a significant difference in substance-based and active coping strategies among the men surveyed, with persons with a self-reported HIV-positive serostatus endorsing higher levels of both strategies. These results and their implications for prevention and future research are discussed, rooted in the understanding that a complex reality for coping is often enacted by HIV-positive men. SP - 417 EP - 429 SN - 1943-2755 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20973662 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4818 T1 - The social, cultural and medicinal use of kava for twelve Tongan born men living in Auckland, New Zealand JF - Pacific Health Dialog JA - Pac Health Dialog A1 - Nosa,Vili A1 - Ofanoa,Malakai VL - 15 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N2 - Kava consumption is a very popular practise amongst Pacific people especially amongst the Tongan communities. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the key cultural, social and medicinal elements of kava use amongst Tongan men. Twelve face to face interviews in this study were undertaken. The paper argues that kava drinking is strongly linked to many of the ceremonial, social and cultural obligations that are deeply embedded within the Tongan culture. The positive uses of kava include medicinal purposes, male bonding, alternative to alcohol consumption, reaffirming and establishing relationships amongst other Tongan men, The men also stated negative uses of kava such as it made them lazy, tired so they were not able to go to work, a lack of sexual activities by being too tired have sex with their partners, and very expensive to buy in New Zealand. AIM: The aim of this paper is to discuss and examine the social, cultural and medicinal kava use amongst twelve Tongan born men living in Auckland, New Zealand. METHODS: The study used qualitative methods, specifically individual interviews were conducted in Tongan or English. Participants were recruited through community networks in Auckland. A number of Tongan churches, Tongan medical clinics such as Langimailie, and kava clubs were approached to recruit participants. The open ended interview schedule covered themes such as access, quantity, frequency, and problems associated with kava use. The interviews were conducted by a Tongan researcher either in English or Tongan. All interviews were translated and transcribed into English. A thematic analysis based on multiple readings of the transcripts was used The analysis identified commonalities and differences. The study was granted ethical approval by the University of Auckland Human Subjects Ethics Committee in December 2004. Interviews were conducted at the beginning of 2005. Interviews were undertaken in a place where the participants felt comfortable. Interview times were arranged at a time convenient for the participants. All participants were given information sheets prior to interviews, and participants were asked to sign consent forms before the interviews commenced. These forms were provided in Tongan and English versions. Most of the interviews ranged between one to three hours. Interviews were audiotaped, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the research. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve men were interviewed. All participants were Tongan men born and raised in Tonga. The ages of men ranged between 30 and 75 years. Most of the men had been residing in New Zealand for over 30 years, although some men had only been in New Zealand between 2-18 years. Most of the men were employed and a few had retired from work. Most of these men also belonged to a church. All of the men who participated were married. KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Beverages KW - Culture KW - Health Behavior KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - Humans KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Kava KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - New Zealand KW - Plant Preparations KW - Qualitative Research KW - Risk-Taking KW - Social perception SP - 96 EP - 102 SN - 1015-7867 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4820 T1 - Psychological flexibility in adults with chronic pain: A study of acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action in primary care JF - Pain M3 - 10.1016/j.pain.2009.10.034 A1 - McCracken,Lance M. A1 - Velleman,Sophie C. VL - 148 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N1 -

There is an increasing number of studies of acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action in relation to chronic pain. Evidence from these studies suggests that these processes may be important for reducing the suffering and disability arising in these conditions. Taken together these processes entail an overarching process referred to as “psychological flexibility.” While these processes have been studied in people with chronic pain contacted in specialty treatment centers, they have not yet been investigated in primary care. Thus, participants in this study were 239 adults with chronic pain surveyed in primary care, through contact with their General Practitioners (GPs), in the UK. They completed measures of acceptance of chronic pain, mindfulness, psychological acceptance, values-based action, health status, and GP visits related to pain. Correlation coefficients demonstrated significant relations between the components of psychological flexibility and the measures of health and GP visits. In regression analyses, including both pain intensity and psychological flexibility as potential predictors, psychological flexibility accounted for significant variance, ΔR2=.039–.40 (3.9–40.0%). In these regression equations pain intensity accounted for an average of 9.2% of variance while psychological flexibility accounted for 24.1%. These data suggest that psychological flexibility may reduce the impact of chronic pain in patients with low to moderately complex problems outside of specialty care. Due to a particularly conservative recruitment strategy the overall response rate in this study was low and the generality of these results remains to be established.

N2 - There is an increasing number of studies of acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action in relation to chronic pain. Evidence from these studies suggests that these processes may be important for reducing the suffering and disability arising in these conditions. Taken together these processes entail an overarching process referred to as "psychological flexibility." While these processes have been studied in people with chronic pain contacted in specialty treatment centers, they have not yet been investigated in primary care. Thus, participants in this study were 239 adults with chronic pain surveyed in primary care, through contact with their General Practitioners (GPs), in the UK. They completed measures of acceptance of chronic pain, mindfulness, psychological acceptance, values-based action, health status, and GP visits related to pain. Correlation coefficients demonstrated significant relations between the components of psychological flexibility and the measures of health and GP visits. In regression analyses, including both pain intensity and psychological flexibility as potential predictors, psychological flexibility accounted for significant variance, [Delta]R2 = .039-.40 (3.9-40.0%). In these regression equations pain intensity accounted for an average of 9.2% of variance while psychological flexibility accounted for 24.1%. These data suggest that psychological flexibility may reduce the impact of chronic pain in patients with low to moderately complex problems outside of specialty care. Due to a particularly conservative recruitment strategy the overall response rate in this study was low and the generality of these results remains to be established. KW - Acceptance KW - Chronic pain KW - Cognitive behavioral therapy KW - Disability KW - Mindfulness KW - Psychological flexibility SP - 141 EP - 147 SN - 0304-3959 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4821 T1 - Man is born broken. He lives by mending. the grace of God is glue. How religion can Enrich an analysis JF - The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry JA - J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.153 A1 - O'Connell,Anthony VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - The patient, a 59-year-old Caucasian male, was self-referred for analysis. The analysis lasted a period of four years on a thrice-weekly basis. The patient introduced the topic of religion directly in the analysis, and the analyst initially treated it as a psychological construct. The importance of the religious meaning of the patient's desires was not treated directly at the beginning of the analysis, which led to an impasse in the treatment. Further, the analyst's role as a priest was not disclosed to the patient. When the analysand discovered this, the analysis seemed to take a turn for the worse, but in actual fact, it was the real beginning of the analysis that allowed other topics to be faced, and the patient was able to move on with his life, as best he could, toward retirement and search for a new marriage partner. KW - Alcoholism KW - Clergy KW - Countertransference (Psychology) KW - Freudian Theory KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Physician-Patient Relations KW - Psychoanalytic Therapy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Self Disclosure KW - Temperance SP - 153 EP - 164 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4822 T1 - Validation and reliability test of Persian version of The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) JF - Journal of Clinical Nursing JA - J Clin Nurs M3 - 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03411.x A1 - Fallahi Khoshknab,Masoud A1 - Mazaheri,Monir A1 - Maddah,Sadat Sb A1 - Rahgozar,Mehdi VL - 19 IS - 19-20 PY - 2010/10// N2 - Aim Validation of a scale. Background Commitment to the concept of holistic nursing and considering the importance of meeting the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs has been well established in nursing practice (Mitchell et al. 2006). However, spiritual care is frequently overlooked and disregarded or delegated to the religious leaders (Govier 2000). Considering the definition of nursing as the diagnosis and treatment of human responses, nurses need to be well prepared in recognising and meeting the spiritual needs of their patients. There is a consensus of opinions that spirituality is important for our existence (Narayanasamy 2004). Spirituality could be defined as a sense of something greater than oneself, which comprise meaning, purpose, values and hope. Spiritual care includes those interventions which address spiritual needs of patients like respecting patients religious and cultural beliefs; communicating by listening and talking with clients; being with the patient by caring; supporting; showing empathy; facilitating participation in religious rituals; promoting a sense of well-being; and referring to chaplains and other professionals. How nurses perceive the spiritual dimension of their care and their philosophical framework has an important contribution in the ways nurses fulfil patient needs. Although this rather neglected dimension of care has a universal demand, it would be interesting to discover how different cultures perceive and understand it. No valid instrument to assess spirituality and spiritual care exists in the Persian language which is mother tongue in some countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, etc. This study, therefore, was designed to validate the Persian version of The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) to be used in Iranian context and carry out reliability test (test re-test). Design A descriptive cross-cultural design was employed. Method Most qualified nurses working in Razi Psychiatric Center (n = 107) which is an educational centre in Tehran, countrys capital, participated in the study. All (45 women and 62 man) had at least a bachelor degree in nursing. The instrument The scale consisted of two parts, background information (22 questions) and The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS). SSCRS was originally constructed by McSherry et al. (2002) as a multidimensional instrument. It accessed nurses beliefs and values in relation to the areas of hope, meaning and purpose, forgiveness, beliefs and values, spiritual care, relationships belief in a God, or deity, morality, creativity and self expression. Procedure The SSCRS instrument underwent the standard forward-backward procedure to translate from English to Persian. The relevant cultural adaptation was carried out. An expert panel from different disciplines was held to review it and to reach a consensus on the discrepancies. The final version in Persian was prepared after confirmation of the committee on the equivalence between the source and the translated version semantically, idiomatically, experientially and conceptually. To validate the Persian version of the instrument, content validity method was used. The SSCRS was given to ten faculty members with relevant specialties. Minor changes were made on questionnaire based on their comments. To assess face validity, the instrument was given to 13 psychiatric nurses to see how they perceive and interpret the items and to discover the potential problems. The think aloud method was used, asking the participants to reflect on the questions and share their thoughts on the entire instrument. The participants of face validity test found the wording and the components of the instrument clear and easy to understand and answer. The statistical methods used for testing the equivalence included the Cronbachs alpha coefficient, Spearmans rank correlation coefficients and t-test. The reliability and cultural equivalence between the English and Persian versions of the scale and total SSCRS scores were assessed by Cronbachs alpha. To assess reliability of the scale, test-retest was carried out. Results Background information of the participants is presented in Table 1. The internal consistency estimate was found to be satisfactory at both assessments. Test-retest results (r = 0.83) of the scale scores did not show any significant differences between test-retest values. Cronbachs alphas value showed good internal consistency of the instrument (? = 0.85). The face and content validity of the questionnaire were reached through described procedure. Table 1. ?Background variables of the participants Sex Women n = 45 Men n = 62 Total n = 107 1. *In psychiatric hospitals in Iran, usually only female staff work in wards where female patients are cared for. Discussion It is of interest that Iranian nurses who are living in a different socio-cultural context could relate to the domain of spirituality and spiritual care in the way the developers of the SSCRS with a different background have constructed. It confirms McSherry et al. (2002) saying that these components of spirituality may be universally transferrable to all individuals. The study helps to provide an understanding of how psychiatric nurses perceive spiritual care in Iran, as there were no previous studies looking at this neglected area of care in the Iranian context. The importance of this is heightened by knowing that no independent subject or lectures on spirituality and spiritual care is taught in specialised nursing programmes in Iran, only some general religion courses. This lack of conceptual clarity and difficulty in delineating these concepts in Iran brings ambiguities in identifying spiritual needs and providing spiritual care for patients. Having more people with an existentialistic perspective, these terms need to be more universal and applicable to all people regardless of having any religion or not. The present study could be a starting point in conceptualisation and clarification of spirituality and spiritual care in Iran. Conclusion The SSCRS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing spirituality and spiritual care among psychiatric nurses in Iran. Relevance to clinical practice Valid and reliable scales are needed to assess spirituality and spiritual care by Iranian nurses as an initial step in evaluating how they recognise and meet the spiritual needs of their patients. The SSCRS, as a simple administered scale, could be used in appropriate contexts with confidence. The carefully conducted process of translation minimised potential errors in transforming the scale to the new language. However, it might need future examination in different contexts in Iran to be use widely in the country. Key words Persian, reliability, scale, spiritual care, spirituality, validation SP - 2939 EP - 2941 SN - 1365-2702 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20846236 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4823 T1 - Questioning western assessment of trauma among Tibetan torture survivors. A quantitative assessment study with comments from Buddhist Lamas JF - Torture: Quarterly Journal on Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and Prevention of Torture JA - Torture A1 - Elsass,Peter A1 - Carlsson,Jessica A1 - Jespersen,Kristian A1 - Phuntsok,Kalsang VL - 19 IS - 3 PY - 2009/// N2 - Our study falls in line with the numerous studies providing a critique of the use of western diagnostic instruments for assessing trauma in a cross-cultural context. Our purpose has been to give evidence for the Tibetan torture survivors' degree of traumatisation and for their use of spirituality to overcome their difficult situation. In addition we wanted to question the use of our western methods in an Asian context. 102 tortured refugees attended a formalised needs assessment including neuropsychological and psychological measures of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 (HSCL-25). Even though significant correlations between the amount of the measures of organized violence and neuropsychological and psychological distress were found in our data, the division of the material into different subgroups according to e.g. religious and non-religious groups did not have an influence on the level of distress. After the assessment study, eight Tibetan lamas were interviewed about their views on our methods and results. They questioned the validity of our western rating scales and explained that our results might be influenced by the Tibetan culture, which among other things can be characterized as having a view and articulation of suffering much more complex than the units of our study's rating scales. KW - Anxiety KW - Buddhism KW - depression KW - Educational Status KW - Female KW - Humans KW - India KW - Male KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Sex Factors KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Survivors KW - Tibet KW - Torture SP - 194 EP - 203 SN - 1997-3322 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4824 T1 - Associations between religiosity and sexual and contraceptive behaviors JF - Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology JA - J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol M3 - 10.1016/j.jpag.2010.02.012 A1 - Gold,Melanie A A1 - Sheftel,Anya V A1 - Chiappetta,Laurel A1 - Young,Amanda J A1 - Zuckoff,Allan A1 - DiClemente,Carlo C A1 - Primack,Brian A VL - 23 IS - 5 PY - 2010/10// N1 -

This study of religiosity and sexual and contraceptive behaviors among female adolescents finds that those with high levels of religiosity are less likely than those with low levels of religiosity to have intercourse.  Of those that did have intercourse, those with high religiosity were less likely to be pregnant, have an STD, or have multiple lifetime partners.  Levels of religiosity were not, however, correlated to frequency of intercourse or contraceptive use.

N2 - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between religiosity and female adolescents' sexual and contraceptive behaviors. DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis on data from a randomized controlled trial comparing interventions designed to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Multivariable modeling assessed the association between a religiosity index consisting of items related to religious behaviors and impact of religious beliefs on decisions and sexual outcomes. PARTICIPANTS: 572 female adolescents aged 13 to 21, recruited via a hospital-based adolescent clinic and community-wide advertisements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual experience, pregnancy, STDs, number of lifetime partners, frequency of sexual activity, previous contraceptive use, and planned contraceptive use. RESULTS: Mean participant age was 17.4 +/- 2.2 years and 68% had been sexually active. Most (74.1%) had a religious affiliation and over half (52.8%) reported that their religious beliefs impact their decision to have sex at least "somewhat." Multivariate analyses showed that, compared with those with low religiosity, those with high religiosity were less likely to have had sexual intercourse (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.39). Among sexually active participants, those with high religiosity were less likely to have been pregnant (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.97), to have had an STD (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.81), or to have had multiple (>or=4) lifetime partners (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.68) compared to those with low religiosity. Levels of religiosity were not significantly associated with frequency of intercourse, contraception use at last intercourse, or planned contraceptive use. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, religiosity appeared to be a protective factor rather than a risk factor with regard to sexual behavior and was not associated with contraception use. SP - 290 EP - 297 SN - 1873-4332 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20493738 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4825 T1 - Three lessons from a randomized trial of massage and meditation at end of life: patient benefit, outcome measure selection, and design of trials with terminally ill patients JF - The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care JA - Am J Hosp Palliat Care M3 - 10.1177/1049909109331887 A1 - Downey,Lois A1 - Engelberg,Ruth A A1 - Standish,Leanna J A1 - Kozak,Leila A1 - Lafferty,William E VL - 26 IS - 4 PY - 2009/09//Aug-undefined N2 - Improving end-of-life care is a priority in the United States, but assigning priorities for standard care services requires evaluations using appropriate study design and appropriate outcome indicators. A recent randomized controlled trial with terminally ill patients produced no evidence of benefit from massage or guided meditation, when evaluated with measures of global quality of life or pain distress over the course of patient participation. However, reanalysis using a more targeted outcome, surrogates' assessment of patients' benefit from the study intervention, suggested significant gains from massage-the treatment patients gave their highest preassignment preference ratings. The authors conclude that adding a menu of complementary therapies as part of standard end-of-life care may yield significant benefit, that patient preference is an important predictor of outcome, and that modifications in trial design may be appropriate for end-of-life studies. SP - 246 EP - 253 SN - 1938-2715 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19395701 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4826 T1 - The Spiritual Trauma Experienced by Victims of Sexual Abuse by Catholic Clergy. JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-008-0187-1 A1 - Doyle,Thomas VL - 58 IS - 3 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Most of the published literature on clergy abuse of children has addressed the emotional and psychological effects of sexual abuse common to all victims. The literature published by Church-related sources has consistently addressed the impact of clergy abuse on the Church as an institution as well as the problems and treatment needs of the clergy abusers. Little has been written or even explored about the spiritual trauma suffered by clergy victims. This article examines some of the symptoms and possible recovery from the spiritual dimension of post abuse trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CATHOLICS KW - CHILDREN -- Crimes against KW - PSYCHIC trauma KW - RELIGIOUS leaders KW - SEX crimes KW - SEXUALLY abused children -- Psychology SP - 239 EP - 260 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4827 T1 - Perceptions, experiences, and shifts in perspective occurring among urban youth participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice M3 - 16/j.ctcp.2010.08.003 A1 - Kerrigan,Deanna A1 - Johnson,Kelly A1 - Stewart,Miriam A1 - Magyari,Trish A1 - Hutton,Nancy A1 - Ellen,Jonathan M. A1 - Sibinga,Erica M.S. VL - 17 IS - 2 PY - 2011/05// N2 -


Interest in mindfulness as a tool to improve health and well-being has increased rapidly over the past two decades. Limited qualitative research has been conducted on mindfulness and health. This study utilized in-depth interviews to explore the context, perceptions, and experiences of a sub-set of participants engaged in an acceptability study of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) among urban youth. Content analysis revealed that all in-depth interview participants reported experiencing some form of positive benefit and enhanced self-awareness as a result of MBSR program participation. Significant variation in the types and intensity of changes occurring was identified, ranging from a reframing and reduction of daily stressors to transformational shifts in life orientation and well-being. Variations in perceptions of and experiences with mindfulness should be studied in further depth in the context of prospective intervention research, including their potentially differential influence on mental and physical health outcomes.

KW - Adolescents/youth KW - At-risk KW - Health and well-being KW - HIV/AIDS KW - Qualitative KW - Stress/distress SP - 96 EP - 101 SN - 1744-3881 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388110000587 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4828 T1 - Cultivating mindfulness in health care professionals: a review of empirical studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice JA - Complement Ther Clin Pract M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.01.002 A1 - Irving,Julie Anne A1 - Dobkin,Patricia L A1 - Park,Jeeseon VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Demands faced by health care professionals include heavy caseloads, limited control over the work environment, long hours, as well as organizational structures and systems in transition. Such conditions have been directly linked to increased stress and symptoms of burnout, which in turn, have adverse consequences for clinicians and the quality of care that is provided to patients. Consequently, there exists an impetus for the development of curriculum aimed at fostering wellness and the necessary self-care skills for clinicians. This review will examine the potential benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs aimed at enhancing well-being and coping with stress in this population. Empirical evidence indicates that participation in MBSR yields benefits for clinicians in the domains of physical and mental health. Conceptual and methodological limitations of the existing studies and suggestions for future research are discussed. KW - Burnout, Professional KW - Clinical Trials as Topic KW - Health Personnel KW - Humans KW - Meditation KW - Stress, Psychological SP - 61 EP - 66 SN - 1873-6947 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4829 T1 - Religiosity, spirituality, and cancer fatalism beliefs on delay in breast cancer diagnosis in African American women JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-008-9232-8 A1 - Gullatte,Mary Magee A1 - Brawley,Otis A1 - Kinney,Anita A1 - Powe,Barbara A1 - Mooney,Kathi VL - 49 IS - 1 PY - 2010/03// N2 - African American women are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to present with a later stage of breast cancer at initial diagnosis. Delay in breast cancer detection is a critical factor in diagnosis at a later stage. Available data indicate a delay of 3 months or more is a significant factor in breast cancer mortalty. Numerous factors have been reported as contributing to delay in time to seek medical care including religiosity, spirituality, and fatalistic beliefs. This study examined the influence of religiosity, spirituality, and cancer fatalism on delay in diagnosis and breast cancer stage in African American women with self-detected breast symptoms. A descriptive correlation, retrospective methodology using an open-ended questionnaire and three validated measurement scales were used: the Religious Problem Solving Scale (RPSS), the Religious Coping Activity Scale (RCAS) subscale measuring spiritually based coping, and the modified Powe Fatalism Inventory (mPFI). A convenience sample of 129 women ages between 30 and 84 years who self-reported detecting a breast symptom before diagnosis of breast cancer within the preceding 12 months were included in the study. Outcome variables were time to seek medical care and breast cancer stage. Other variables of interest included marital status, income, education, insurance status, and to whom the women spoke about their breast symptoms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis, Pearson r correlations, Mann-Whitney U analysis, and Chi Square analysis. Participants were found to be highly religious and spiritual but not fatalistic. While most women delayed more than 3 months in seeking medical care, no associations were found between the three predictor variables and time to seek medical care. The median delay in time from self detection of a breast symptom to seeking medical care was 5.5 months. Women who were less educated, unmarried, and talked to God only about their breast change were significantly more likely to delay seeking medical care. An association was found between disclosing a breast symptom to God only and delay in seeking medical care. In contrast, women who had told a person about their breast symptom were more likely to seek medical care sooner. African American women who delayed seeking medical care for longer than 3 months were more likely to present with a later stage of breast cancer than women who sought care within 3 months of symptom discovery. SP - 62 EP - 72 SN - 1573-6571 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4830 T1 - Fear of Death, Mortality Communication, and Psychological Distress Among Secular and Religiously Observant Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients. JF - Death Studies M3 - 10.1080/07481187.2010.535390 A1 - Bachner,Yaacov G. A1 - O'Rourke,Norm A1 - Carmel,Sara VL - 35 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Previous research suggests that caregivers and terminally ill patients face substantial difficulties discussing illness and death. Existing research, however, has focused primarily on the experience of patients. The current study compared responses as well as the relative strength of association between mortality communication, fear of death, and psychological distress (i.e., depressive symptomatology, emotional exhaustion) among secular and religiously observant family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. A total of 236 participants were recruited over 18 months within the first year of caregiver bereavement. Retrospectively reported mortality communication was statistically greater among secular caregivers; in contrast, both fear of death and depressive symptoms were greater among the religiously observant. Path analyses subsequently revealed notable differences between groups. Among secular caregivers, a significant inverse relationship between mortality communication and the two indices of caregiver distress emerged. In contrast, the association between mortality communication and psychological distress among the religious was moderated by these caregivers' fear of death. The results of this study suggest that fear of death is a significant predictor of psychological distress among religiously observant caregivers of terminal cancer patients (i.e., fear of their own death as elicited by the caregiving role). Fostering morality communication between secular caregivers and patients would appear to be one means of reducing the likelihood of clinically significant psychological distress. This may be insufficient among religiously observant caregivers, however, for whom fear of death may first need to be redressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Analysis of Variance KW - CANCER -- Patients -- Psychological aspects KW - CAREGIVERS -- Psychological aspects KW - CHI-square test KW - death attitudes KW - INTERVIEWS KW - Israel KW - PATH analysis (Statistics) KW - PATIENT-family relations KW - PROBABILITIES KW - Retrospective Studies KW - spirituality KW - STRESS (Psychology) SP - 163 EP - 187 SN - 07481187 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4831 T1 - Attachment and religiousness: Contributions to young adult marital attitudes and readiness. JF - The Family Journal A1 - Mosko,Jonathan E. A1 - Pistole,M. Carole VL - 18 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - In this study (N = 239), Christian religious affiliation, low attachment avoidance, and intrinsic religious motivation contributed uniquely to positive marital attitudes; more serious relational status, low attachment avoidance, and intrinsic religious motivation contributed uniquely to marital readiness. Implications for family counseling practice and research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - attachment behavior KW - Christian religious affiliation KW - Christianity KW - Christians KW - family counseling KW - Family Therapy KW - intrinsic religious motivation KW - marital readiness KW - Marriage Attitudes KW - religiosity KW - religious affiliation KW - Religiousness KW - young adult marital attitudes SP - 127 EP - 135 SN - 1066-4807 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4832 T1 - Spirituality and Cultural Identification Among Latino and Non-Latino College Students JF - Hispanic Health Care International: The Official Journal of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses JA - Hisp Health Care Int M3 - 10.1891/1540-4153.7.2.72 A1 - Campesino,Maureen A1 - Belyea,Michael A1 - Schwartz,Gary VL - 7 IS - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - The purposes of this study were to examine (a) differences in spiritual perspectives and practices of Latino and non-Latino young adults and (b) the cultural relevance of the Latino Spiritual Perspective Scale (LSPS). Studies indicate that spiritual perspectives are embedded within cultural group norms and vary significantly across ethnic groups. A cross-sectional survey design was used with a convenience sample of 223 Latino and non-Latino university students in the Southwestern United States. The Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS), the LSPS, the Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale, and a demographic questionnaire were used. Latinos scored significantly higher than non-Latinos in both measures of spiritual perspectives. Self-reported behavioral measures, such as frequency of personal prayer, were also higher among the Latino group. Latino cultural identification was the only significant predictor of LSPS scores. Findings from this study indicate that spirituality among Latinos has meanings specific to the cultural group context. These findings have implications for nursing research involving the conceptualization and measurement of spirituality among multiethnic groups.Los propósitos de este estudio eran examinar: (a) diferencias en perspectivas espirituales y prácticas de jóvenes Latinos y no Latinos; y (b) la relevancia cultural de la Escala de la Perspectiva Espiritual Latina. Estudios indican que perspectivas espirituales están incrustadas entre normas culturales del grupo y varían considerablemente entre grupos étnicos. Un diseño transversal y de encuesta fue utilizado con una muestra de conveniencia de 233 estudiantes universitarios Latinos y no Latinos en el Suroeste de los Estados Unidos. La Escala de la Perspectiva Espiritual (EPE), la Escala de la Perspectiva Espiritual Latina (EPEL), la Escala Ortogonal de Identificación Cultural, y un cuestionario demográfico fueron utilizados. Los Latinos calificaron considerablemente más alto que los no Latinos en ambas medidas de perspectivas espirituales. Medidas de comportamiento auto-reportadas, como la frecuencia de oración, también estuvieron más altas en el grupo Latino. La identificación con la cultura Latina fue el único vaticinador de las calificaciones de la EPEL. Los resultados de este estudio indican que la espiritualidad entre Latinos tiene significados específicos al contexto del grupo cultural. Estas conclusiones tienen implicaciones para las investigaciones de enfermería que involucran la conceptualización y medida de la espiritualidad entre grupos multiétnicos. KW - COLLEGE students KW - Latinos/Latinas KW - spirituality SP - 72 EP - 72 SN - 1540-4153 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4833 T1 - A broader framework for exploring the influence of spiritual experience in the wake of stressful life events: examining connections between posttraumatic growth and psycho-spiritual transformation. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903367199 A1 - Bray,Peter VL - 13 IS - 3 PY - 2010/04// N2 - The literature suggests that spiritual domains of experience may be influential to an individual's growth in the aftermath of stressful life events. This paper explores the role that spiritual experience might play in the process of posttraumatic growth by examining two quite different approaches to transformational growth: Lawrence Calhoun and Richard Tedeschi's posttraumatic growth model; and Stanislav and Christina Grof's framework of psycho-spiritual transformation. Both approaches are briefly outlined, compared and discussed. Some observations are made about their shared understanding of the human potential for growth and the significance of spiritual experience in the struggle to master distressing life events. A further hypothetical model is presented that marries the two approaches and offers the opportunity for individuals in the posttraumatic process and helping professionals to examine their experiences in a broader context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - MIDLIFE crisis KW - Post-traumatic stress disorder KW - Psychotherapy KW - STRESS (Psychology) KW - TRAUMATIC neuroses SP - 293 EP - 308 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4834 T1 - Low mindfulness predicts pain catastrophizing in a fear-avoidance model of chronic pain JF - Pain M3 - 10.1016/j.pain.2009.10.030 A1 - Schütze,Robert A1 - Rees,Clare A1 - Preece,Minette A1 - Schütze,Mark VL - 148 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N1 -

The relationship between persistent pain and self-directed, non-reactive awareness of present-moment experience (i.e., mindfulness) was explored in one of the dominant psychological theories of chronic pain – the fear-avoidance model [53]. A heterogeneous sample of 104 chronic pain outpatients at a multidisciplinary pain clinic in Australia completed psychometrically sound self-report measures of major variables in this model: Pain intensity, negative affect, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, pain hypervigilance, and functional disability. Two measures of mindfulness were also used, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale [4] and the Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire [1]. Results showed that mindfulness significantly negatively predicts each of these variables, accounting for 17–41% of their variance. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that mindfulness uniquely predicts pain catastrophizing when other variables are controlled, and moderates the relationship between pain intensity and pain catastrophizing. This is the first clear evidence substantiating the strong link between mindfulness and pain catastrophizing, and suggests mindfulness might be added to the fear-avoidance model. Implications for the clinical use of mindfulness in screening and intervention are discussed.

N2 - The relationship between persistent pain and self-directed, non-reactive awareness of present-moment experience (i.e., mindfulness) was explored in one of the dominant psychological theories of chronic pain - the fear-avoidance model [53]. A heterogeneous sample of 104 chronic pain outpatients at a multidisciplinary pain clinic in Australia completed psychometrically sound self-report measures of major variables in this model: Pain intensity, negative affect, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, pain hypervigilance, and functional disability. Two measures of mindfulness were also used, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale [4] and the Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire [1]. Results showed that mindfulness significantly negatively predicts each of these variables, accounting for 17-41% of their variance. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that mindfulness uniquely predicts pain catastrophizing when other variables are controlled, and moderates the relationship between pain intensity and pain catastrophizing. This is the first clear evidence substantiating the strong link between mindfulness and pain catastrophizing, and suggests mindfulness might be added to the fear-avoidance model. Implications for the clinical use of mindfulness in screening and intervention are discussed. KW - Acceptance KW - Attention KW - Catastrophizing KW - Chronic pain KW - Cognition KW - Fear-avoidance KW - Mindfulness SP - 120 EP - 127 SN - 0304-3959 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4835 T1 - Serum cytokines, mood and sleep after a qigong program: is qigong an effective psychobiological tool? JF - Journal of Health Psychology JA - J Health Psychol M3 - 10.1177/1359105308097946 A1 - Manzaneque,Juan M A1 - Vera,Francisca M A1 - Rodriguez,Francisco M A1 - Garcia,Gaspar J A1 - Leyva,Laura A1 - Blanca,Maria J VL - 14 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N2 - Qigong is an ancient Chinese psychosomatic exercise that integrates movement, breathing and meditation into a single multifaceted practice. The present study was designed to assess the effects of qigong practice on serum cytokines, mood and subjective sleep quality. Experimental participants underwent a qigong training program for one month. Blood samples for the quantification of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, and several instruments to assess anxiety and depression symptoms as well as SSQ, were obtained before and after the program. Our findings revealed that while the practice of qigong for one month did not alter serum cytokines, it enhanced psychological well-being, including sleep duration. KW - Adolescent KW - Affect KW - Breathing Exercises KW - Cytokines KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Questionnaires KW - Sleep KW - Time Factors KW - Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha KW - Young Adult SP - 60 EP - 67 SN - 1359-1053 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19129338 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4836 T1 - Mindfulness as a moderator of neuroticism-outcome relations: A self-regulation perspective JF - Journal of Research in Personality M3 - 10.1016/j.jrp.2009.08.009 A1 - Feltman,Roger A1 - Robinson,Michael D. A1 - Ode,Scott VL - 43 IS - 6 PY - 2009/12// N2 - Neuroticism's prediction of negative emotional outcomes has been linked to negative reactivity tendencies. Dispositional mindfulness, defined in terms of being attentive and aware (versus not) of present-moment reality, appears to mitigate negative reactivity tendencies. The present two studies, involving 289 undergraduate participants, sought to integrate these two personality-processing perspectives. Neuroticism was an inverse predictor of mindfulness and both neuroticism and mindfulness independently predicted trait anger (Study 1) and depressive symptoms (Study 2). Of more importance, neuroticism-outcome relations were stronger (weaker) among individuals low (high) in mindfulness. The results document the role that dispositional mindfulness appears to play in moderating neuroticism's pernicious correlates. Results are discussed from personality, cognitive, emotional, social, and clinical perspectives. KW - Anger KW - Attention KW - depression KW - Mindfulness KW - Neuroticism KW - Self-regulation SP - 953 EP - 961 SN - 0092-6566 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WM0-4X4Y22P-1/2/6c5518e8f7062e230d53b9523f10b72c ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4837 T1 - Prayer and reverence in naturalistic, aesthetic, and socio-moral contexts predicted fewer complications following coronary artery bypass. JF - Journal of Behavioral Medicine M3 - 10.1007/s10865-009-9228-1 A1 - Ai,Amy L. A1 - Wink,Paul A1 - Tice,Terrence N. A1 - Bolling,Steven F. A1 - Shearer,Marshall VL - 32 IS - 6 PY - 2009/12// N1 -

This prospective study explores prayer, reverence, and other aspects of faith in postoperative complications and hospital length of stay of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Alongside traditional religiousness measures, we examined sense of reverence in religious and secular contexts. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 177 patients 2 weeks before surgery at a medical center. Medical variables were retrieved from the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Database. Logistic and multiple regression models were performed to predict outcomes. Prayer frequencies were associated with reduced complications but not hospitalization. Sense of reverence in secular contexts predicted fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Controlling for complications reduced the initial influence of reverence on hospitalization, suggesting the potential mediation of complications. No interaction between demographics and faith factors was evident. The role of faith in medicine is complex and context-dependent. Future studies are needed on mediating factors

N2 - This prospective study explores prayer, reverence, and other aspects of faith in postoperative complications and hospital length of stay of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Alongside traditional religiousness measures, we examined sense of reverence in religious and secular contexts. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 177 patients 2 weeks before surgery at a medical center. Medical variables were retrieved from the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Database. Logistic and multiple regression models were performed to predict outcomes. Prayer frequencies were associated with reduced complications but not hospitalization. Sense of reverence in secular contexts predicted fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Controlling for complications reduced the initial influence of reverence on hospitalization, suggesting the potential mediation of complications. No interaction between demographics and faith factors was evident. The role of faith in medicine is complex and context-dependent. Future studies are needed on mediating factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CORONARY artery bypass KW - DISEASES -- Religious aspects KW - HEART -- Blood-vessels KW - PATIENTS KW - SURGERY -- Complications SP - 570 EP - 581 SN - 01607715 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45362477&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4838 T1 - Religiosity, spirituality, and cancer fatalism beliefs on delay in breast cancer diagnosis in African American women JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-008-9232-8 A1 - Gullatte,Mary Magee A1 - Brawley,Otis A1 - Kinney,Anita A1 - Powe,Barbara A1 - Mooney,Kathi VL - 49 IS - 1 PY - 2010/03// N1 -

African American women are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to present with a later stage of breast cancer at initial diagnosis. Delay in breast cancer detection is a critical factor in diagnosis at a later stage. Available data indicate a delay of 3
months or more is a significant factor in breast cancer mortalty. Numerous factors have been reported as contributing to delay in time to seek medical care including religiosity, spirituality, and fatalistic beliefs. This study examined the influence of religiosity, spirituality, and cancer fatalism on delay in diagnosis and breast cancer stage in African American women with self-detected breast symptoms. A descriptive correlation, retrospective methodology using an open-ended questionnaire and three validated measurement scales were used: the Religious Problem Solving Scale (RPSS), the Religious Coping Activity Scale (RCAS) subscale measuring spiritually based coping, and the modified Powe Fatalism Inventory (mPFI). A convenience sample of 129 women ages between 30 and 84 years who self-reported detecting a breast symptom before diagnosis of breast cancer within the preceding 12 months were included in the study. Outcome variables were time to seek medical care and breast cancer stage. Other variables of interest included.

N2 - African American women are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to present with a later stage of breast cancer at initial diagnosis. Delay in breast cancer detection is a critical factor in diagnosis at a later stage. Available data indicate a delay of 3 months or more is a significant factor in breast cancer mortalty. Numerous factors have been reported as contributing to delay in time to seek medical care including religiosity, spirituality, and fatalistic beliefs. This study examined the influence of religiosity, spirituality, and cancer fatalism on delay in diagnosis and breast cancer stage in African American women with self-detected breast symptoms. A descriptive correlation, retrospective methodology using an open-ended questionnaire and three validated measurement scales were used: the Religious Problem Solving Scale (RPSS), the Religious Coping Activity Scale (RCAS) subscale measuring spiritually based coping, and the modified Powe Fatalism Inventory (mPFI). A convenience sample of 129 women ages between 30 and 84 years who self-reported detecting a breast symptom before diagnosis of breast cancer within the preceding 12 months were included in the study. Outcome variables were time to seek medical care and breast cancer stage. Other variables of interest included marital status, income, education, insurance status, and to whom the women spoke about their breast symptoms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis, Pearson r correlations, Mann-Whitney U analysis, and Chi Square analysis. Participants were found to be highly religious and spiritual but not fatalistic. While most women delayed more than 3 months in seeking medical care, no associations were found between the three predictor variables and time to seek medical care. The median delay in time from self detection of a breast symptom to seeking medical care was 5.5 months. Women who were less educated, unmarried, and talked to God only about their breast change were significantly more likely to delay seeking medical care. An association was found between disclosing a breast symptom to God only and delay in seeking medical care. In contrast, women who had told a person about their breast symptom were more likely to seek medical care sooner. African American women who delayed seeking medical care for longer than 3 months were more likely to present with a later stage of breast cancer than women who sought care within 3 months of symptom discovery. KW - Adult KW - African Americans KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Attitude to Health KW - Breast Neoplasms KW - Early Diagnosis KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasms KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality KW - Time Factors SP - 62 EP - 72 SN - 1573-6571 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4839 T1 - The Relationship Between Religious Identity and Preferred Coping Strategies: An Examination of the Relative Importance of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Coping in Muslim and Christian Faiths JF - Review of General Psychology M3 - 10.1037/a0021624 A1 - Fischer,Peter A1 - Ai,Amy L. A1 - Aydin,Nilüfer A1 - Frey,Dieter A1 - Haslam,S. Alexander VL - 14 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Religious affiliation has consistently been shown to help individuals cope with adversity and stressful events. The present paper argues that this proposition is valid for both Christians and Muslims, but that these religious identities foster different types of coping. In accordance with historical, cultural, and psychological accounts, it is proposed that the Christian core self is relatively individualistic, whereas the Muslim core self is oriented more toward the collective. As a consequence, it is hypothesized that when confronted with a stressful life event, Muslims are more likely to adopt interpersonal (collective) coping strategies (such as seeking social support or turning to family members), while Christians are more likely to engage intrapersonal (individualistic) coping mechanisms, such as cognitive restructuring or reframing the event. Evidence from the literature on coping strategies is reviewed and systematized. Evidence lend support to the analysis by indicating that Muslims indeed tend to use an interpersonally oriented (collective) coping style when dealing with adversity, whereas Christians are more likely to employ intrapersonally oriented (individualistic) strategies when facing comparable scenarios. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. KW - collectivism KW - Coping KW - Individualism KW - religion KW - Social Identity SP - 365 EP - 381 SN - 1089-2680 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WYJ-51RY8F0-8/2/65e80806491ae6213c0b725bddf454b6 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4843 T1 - The role of religiosity in the relationship between parents, peers, and adolescent risky sexual behavior JF - Journal of Youth and Adolescence JA - J Youth Adolesc M3 - 10.1007/s10964-010-9598-2 A1 - Landor,Antoinette A1 - Simons,Leslie Gordon A1 - Simons,Ronald L A1 - Brody,Gene H A1 - Gibbons,Frederick X VL - 40 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Research has documented a negative relationship between religion and risky sexual behavior. Few studies, however, have examined the processes whereby religion exerts this effect. The present study develops and tests a model of various mechanisms whereby parental religiosity reduces the likelihood of adolescents' participation in risky sexual behavior (early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use). Structural equation modeling, using longitudinal data from a sample of 612 African American adolescents (55% female), provided support for the model. The results indicated that parental religiosity influenced adolescent risky sexual behavior through its impact on authoritative parenting, adolescent religiosity, and adolescent affiliation with less sexually permissive peers. Some mediating mechanisms differed by the gender of the respondent, suggesting a "double-standard" for daughters but not for sons. Findings also indicated the importance of messages about sexual behavior that are transmitted to adolescents by their peers. Theoretical and policy implications of the findings are discussed. SP - 296 EP - 309 SN - 1573-6601 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21052800 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4844 T1 - Are religious beliefs relevant to mental health among Jews? JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality JA - Psychol Rel Spiritua M3 - 10.1037/a0016728 A1 - Rosmarin,David H. A1 - Pirutinsky,Steven A1 - Pargament,Kenneth I. A1 - Krumrei,Elizabeth J. VL - 1 IS - 3 PY - 2009/08// N2 - Although considerable evidence has linked religious beliefs to mental health among Protestant Christians, previous theory and research has emphasized that practices play a more important role than beliefs for Jews. Beliefs about God’s benevolence may be salient for Orthodox Jews, however, as such beliefs are central to traditional Jewish doctrine. Two studies were conducted to compare the extent to which religious beliefs predicted depression and anxiety for Orthodox Jews, non-Orthodox Jews, and Protestants. Results indicated that beliefs were salient for Orthodox Jews and Protestants, and less relevant for non-Orthodox Jews. Among Orthodox Jews, religious beliefs remained a significant predictor of anxiety and depression after controlling for religious practices. Implications for clinical treatment of Jewish individuals are explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) KW - Anxiety KW - Christians KW - depression KW - God KW - God Concepts KW - Jews KW - Major Depression KW - mental health KW - Protestant Christians KW - Protestants KW - religion KW - Religious Beliefs KW - Religious Practices SP - 180 EP - 190 SN - 1941-1022 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=rel-1-3-180&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4845 T1 - Research on religion, spirituality, and mental health: a review JF - Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie JA - Can J Psychiatry A1 - Koenig,Harold G VL - 54 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Religious and spiritual factors are increasingly being examined in psychiatric research. Religious beliefs and practices have long been linked to hysteria, neurosis, and psychotic delusions. However, recent studies have identified another side of religion that may serve as a psychological and social resource for coping with stress. After defining the terms religion and spirituality, this paper reviews research on the relation between religion and (or) spirituality, and mental health, focusing on depression, suicide, anxiety, psychosis, and substance abuse. The results of an earlier systematic review are discussed, and more recent studies in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other countries are described. While religious beliefs and practices can represent powerful sources of comfort, hope, and meaning, they are often intricately entangled with neurotic and psychotic disorders, sometimes making it difficult to determine whether they are a resource or a liability. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Alcoholism KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Culture KW - Depressive Disorder KW - Humans KW - Mental Disorders KW - mental health KW - Prognosis KW - Psychotic Disorders KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality KW - Substance-Related Disorders KW - Suicide SP - 283 EP - 291 SN - 0706-7437 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4846 T1 - Laboratory stressors in clinically anxious and non-anxious individuals: The moderating role of mindfulness JF - Behaviour Research and Therapy M3 - 10.1016/j.brat.2010.02.005 A1 - Arch,Joanna J. A1 - Craske,Michelle G. VL - 48 IS - 6 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Objective Mindfulness forms the basis for multiple clinical interventions and has been induced in laboratory settings. However, few studies have examined the effects of dispositional or trait mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of trait mindfulness to laboratory stressor responding across fear-based anxiety disorder and non-anxious samples. We hypothesized that trait mindfulness would be associated with diminished stressor responding above and beyond the contribution of anxiety and depression-related variables, and to a greater extent in high anxiety than low anxiety individuals.Methods 90 participants, including 46 with anxiety disorders and 44 non-anxious controls, were assessed on hyperventilation and relaxation stressors. The relationship of trait mindfulness to stressor-related anxiety, negative affect, and duration was investigated in a hierarchical multiple regression model.Results Trait mindfulness predicted stressor responding in over 80% of measured outcomes, and predicted to a greater extent among high anxiety individuals in 50% of outcomes.Conclusions Trait mindfulness was associated with diminished responses to laboratory stressors in clinically anxious and non-anxious samples. Implications for emotion regulation and clinical interventions are discussed. KW - Anxiety KW - anxiety sensitivity KW - emotion regulation KW - hyperventilation KW - Mindfulness KW - Relaxation SP - 495 EP - 505 SN - 0005-7967 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4847 T1 - Establishing the validity of a spiritual distress scale for cancer patients hospitalized in southern Taiwan JF - International Journal of Palliative Nursing JA - Int J Palliat Nurs A1 - Ku,Ya-Lie A1 - Kuo,Shih-Ming A1 - Yao,Ching-Yi VL - 16 IS - 3 PY - 2010/03// N2 - The present study was conducted to establish the validity of the spritual distress scale (SDS), a scale developed as part of a qualitative study in which 20 cancer patients were interviewed about spritual needs in 2003-2004. The SDS has four domains: relationship with self, relationship with others, relationship with God, and attitude towards death A measurement study was conducted whereby 85 patients completed the SDS during their hospitalization in the oncology unit of a medical centre in southern Taiwan. The SDS, including four domains of sub-scales, was broader than other spiritual scales in the literature that only contained one or two domains and focused on the health area. The SDS has established the adequate content and construct validity. Further training of nurses for assessing spiritual distress of cancer patients using the SDS would be recommended for future study. The established content and construct validity of the SDS could be applied in oncology for nurses to assess spiritual distress of cancer patients. SP - 134 EP - 138 SN - 1357-6321 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4849 T1 - Therapeutic Processes and Perceived Helpfulness of Dang-Ki (Chinese Shamanism) from the Symbolic Healing Perspective. JF - Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry M3 - 10.1007/s11013-009-9161-3 A1 - Lee,Boon-Ooi A1 - Kirmayer,Laurence J. A1 - Groleau,Danielle VL - 34 IS - 1 PY - 2010/03// N2 - This study focuses on the therapeutic process and perceived helpfulness of dang-ki, a form of Chinese shamanistic healing, in Singapore. It aims to understand the healing symbols employed in dang-ki, whether or not patients find them helpful and whether their perceived helpfulness can be explained by the symbolic healing model (Dow, Am Anthropol 88(1):56–69, ; Levi-Strauss, Structural anthropology. Basic Books, New York, ). Although many researchers have applied this model to explain the efficacy of shamanistic healings, they did not directly provide empirical support. Furthermore, the therapeutic process of a shared clinical reality as proposed by the model may be achievable in small-scale traditional societies that are culturally more homogeneous than in contemporary societies that are culturally more diversified due to globalization and immigration. Patients may hold multidimensional health belief systems, as biomedicine and alternative healing systems coexist. Thus, it would be interesting to see the relevance and applicability of the symbolic healing model to shamanistic healing in contemporary societies. In this study, ethnographic interviews were conducted with 21 patients over three stages: immediately before and after the healing and approximately 1 month later. The dang-ki healing symbols were identified by observing the healing sessions with video recording. Results show that dang-kis normally applied more than one method to treat a given problem. These methods included words, talismans and physical manipulations. Overall, 11 patients perceived their consultations as helpful, 4 perceived their consultations as helpful but were unable to follow all recommendations, 5 were not sure of the outcome because they had yet to see any concrete results and only 1 patient considered his consultation unhelpful. Although the symbolic healing model provides a useful framework to understand perceived helpfulness, processes such as enactment of a common meaning system and symbolic transformation are complex and dynamic, and may be carried over several healing sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - China KW - healing KW - Shamanism KW - SHAMANS KW - THERAPEUTICS SP - 56 EP - 105 SN - 0165005X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4850 T1 - Religious service attendance and spiritual well-being are differentially associated with risk of major depression JF - Psychological Medicine JA - Psychol Med M3 - 10.1017/S0033291708004418 A1 - Maselko,J A1 - Gilman,S E A1 - Buka,S VL - 39 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N1 -

We investigated the independent influence of religious service attendance and two dimensions of spiritual well-being (religious and existential) on the lifetime risk of major depression. Results: Religious service attendance was associated with 30% lower odds of depression.

N2 - BACKGROUND The complex relationships between religiosity, spirituality and the risk of DSM-IV depression are not well understood. METHOD We investigated the independent influence of religious service attendance and two dimensions of spiritual well-being (religious and existential) on the lifetime risk of major depression. Data came from the New England Family Study (NEFS) cohort (n=918, mean age=39 years). Depression according to DSM-IV criteria was ascertained using structured diagnostic interviews. Odds ratios (ORs) for the associations between high, medium and low tertiles of spiritual well-being and for religious service attendance and the lifetime risk of depression were estimated using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Religious service attendance was associated with 30% lower odds of depression. In addition, individuals in the top tertile of existential well-being had a 70% lower odds of depression compared to individuals in the bottom tertile. Contrary to our original hypotheses, however, higher levels of religious well-being were associated with 1.5 times higher odds of depression. CONCLUSIONS Religious and existential well-being may be differentially associated with likelihood of depression. Given the complex interactions between religiosity and spirituality dimensions in relation to risk of major depression, the reliance on a single domain measure of religiosity or spirituality (e.g. religious service attendance) in research or clinical settings is discouraged. KW - Adult KW - Boston KW - Cohort Studies KW - Depressive Disorder, Major KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Interview, Psychological KW - Logistic Models KW - Male KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Rhode Island KW - Risk Factors SP - 1009 EP - 1017 SN - 1469-8978 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18834554 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4851 T1 - Demographic, behavioral, and health correlates of complementary and alternative medicine and prayer use among midlife women: 2002 JF - Journal of Women's Health (2002) JA - J Womens Health (Larchmt) M3 - 10.1089/jwh.2008.1096 A1 - Upchurch,Dawn M A1 - Dye,Claire E A1 - Chyu,Laura A1 - Gold,Ellen B A1 - Greendale,Gail A VL - 19 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the demographic, behavioral, and health correlates of the most frequently used types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy and the use of prayer for health among midlife women. We also examined the extent to which women used CAM for treatment of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms, and for general health and well-being. METHODS: Data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional, household survey representative of the U.S. civilian adult population, were used. Midlife women aged 40-59 years (n = 5849) were analyzed. Bivariate prevalence estimates were obtained, and binomial logistic regression models were estimated; all analyses were weighted. RESULTS: Overall, 46% of midlife women used any type of CAM in the past 12 months, and 54% reported using prayer for health reasons. The top five specific CAM therapies used were herbs and natural products; relaxation techniques; chiropractic care; yoga, tai chi, or qi gong; and massage. Multivariate results demonstrated different patterns of association between demographic, health, and behavioral characteristics and specific CAM therapies. A higher percentage of women used chiropractic care for an existing health condition than those using relaxation techniques, and few women used CAM specifically for menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: CAM and prayer are frequently used by midlife women, and herbs and natural supplements are the mostly frequently used. The findings underscore the importance, particularly in the clinical setting, of asking women about their use of individual CAM therapies. Such clinical assessment is also important because of the potential for interactions of CAM therapies with prescribed therapies. SP - 23 EP - 30 SN - 1931-843X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4852 T1 - The relationship between addiction and religion and its possible implication for care JF - Substance Use & Misuse JA - Subst Use Misuse M3 - 10.3109/10826081003747611 A1 - Borras,Laurence A1 - Khazaal,Yasser A1 - Khan,Riaz A1 - Mohr,Sylvia A1 - Kaufmann,Yves-Alexandre A1 - Zullino,Daniele A1 - Huguelet,Philippe VL - 45 IS - 14 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Spirituality is a topic of increasing interest to clinicians and researchers interested in addiction because its perceived role in the promotion of meaningfulness in the recovery from addiction. Our review of the literature evaluates different domains relative to the relation between addiction, religion, and psychiatric treatment. Spirituality as a protective or precipitating factor for substance use and as a key component of recovery will be debated. Illustrations of its potential and limitations as a component of treatment will be presented. Types of investigation and integration of this dimension in an eventual therapeutic process strictly respecting the needs and specificities of each one will be discussed. SP - 2357 EP - 2410 SN - 1532-2491 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/21039108 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4853 T1 - Does passage meditation foster compassionate love among health professionals?: a randomised trial. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903261954 A1 - Oman,Doug A1 - Thoresen,Carl E. A1 - Hedberg,John VL - 13 IS - 2 PY - 2010/03// N2 - An emerging scientific literature is investigating the construct of “compassionate love,” love that is “centered on the good of the other,” a construct empirically linked to physical and mental health. We evaluated effects of an 8-week, 16-hour programme for physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other health professionals, using nonsectarian, spiritually based, self-management tools. Participants were randomised to intervention (n = 30) or wait-list (n = 31). Pretest, post-test, 8- and 19-week follow-up data were gathered on six measures of prosocial qualities. Favorable treatment effects (p<0.05) were found for compassionate love (d = 0.49), altruistic actions (d = 0.33), perspective-taking (d = 0.42), and forgiveness (d = 0.61). Treatment adherence fully mediated effects on compassionate love. Furthermore, stress reduction mediated treatment effects on compassionate love, perspective-taking, and forgiveness; each also mediated gains in caregiving self-efficacy. This encouraging evidence suggests that nonlaboratory psychospiritual interventions can boost compassionate love to benefit the recipients and the larger society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Meditation KW - mental health KW - Physicians KW - SELF-management (Psychology) KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - stress management SP - 129 EP - 154 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4854 T1 - "Overeating is not about the food": women describe their experience of a yoga treatment program for binge eating JF - Qualitative Health Research JA - Qual Health Res M3 - 10.1177/1049732309343954 A1 - McIver,Shane A1 - McGartland,Michael A1 - O'Halloran,Paul VL - 19 IS - 9 PY - 2009/09// N2 - As part of a larger mixed-methods study, data from 20 personal journals were analyzed to examine the experience of a 12-week yoga treatment program for binge eating among a sample of 25 women who were obese. Qualitative analysis revealed a positive shift experienced by the women during the program, summarized by a general structural description: disconnection versus connection. Women's comments suggested that the program appeared to encourage a healthy reconnection to food, as well as the development of physical self-empowerment, through cultivating present-moment awareness. Specifically, women perceived an overall reduction in the quantity of food they consumed, decreased eating speed, and an improvement in food choices throughout the program. The women also reported feeling more connected to and positive about their physical well-being. These evolving outcomes were summarized through two major themes: the way their physicality changed, and the way their food consumption changed over time. Findings provide insights relevant to therapeutic processes that might occur within eating disorder interventions that draw on meditation-based approaches. KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Binge-Eating Disorder KW - BODY image KW - Diet Records KW - Female KW - Food Habits KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Medical Records KW - Middle Aged KW - Obesity KW - Power (Psychology) KW - Program Evaluation KW - Qualitative Research KW - Weight Loss KW - WOMEN KW - Women's Health KW - yoga SP - 1234 EP - 1245 SN - 1049-7323 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19690205 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 4855 T1 - Integrative psychiatry CY - New York A1 - Beitman,Bernard D. A1 - Monti,Daniel A. PB - Oxford University Press PY - 2009/08// SN - 9780195388374 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4856 T1 - The moderation of Mindfulness-based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: results from a randomized controlled trial JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20761 A1 - Shapiro,Shauna L A1 - Brown,Kirk Warren A1 - Thoresen,Carl A1 - Plante,Thomas G VL - 67 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown effectiveness for a variety of mental health conditions. However, it is not known for whom the intervention is most effective. In a randomized controlled trial (N = 30), we explored whether individuals with higher levels of pretreatment trait mindfulness would benefit more from MBSR intervention. Results demonstrated that relative to a control condition (n = 15), MBSR treatment (n = 15) had significant effects on several outcomes, including increased trait mindfulness, subjective well-being, and empathy measured at 2 and 12 months after treatment. However, relative to controls, MBSR participants with higher levels of pretreatment mindfulness showed a larger increase in mindfulness, subjective well-being, empathy, and hope, and larger declines in perceived stress up to 1 year after treatment. SP - 267 EP - 277 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4859 T1 - Mourning, Melancholia and Religious Studies: Is the “Lost Object” Really Lost? JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-009-0224-8 A1 - Jones,James W. VL - 59 IS - 3 PY - 2010/06// N2 - This reflection on the book /Mourning and Religion/ (2008) offers a reading of Freud’s foundational text /Mourning and Melancholia/ in which the relationship between mourning and melancholia is theorized slightly differently from that in /Mourning and Religion./ Mourning and melancholia are here seen as clinically distinct responses to object loss: melancholia resulting from a more unconsciously ambivalent and complex relationship to the lost object. And drawing on the work of Hans Loewald, mourning is understood as more dialectical and less linear. Some implications of these models of mourning and melancholia for a psychoanalysis of the origin of the field of religious studies are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BEREAVEMENT -- Psychological aspects KW - DEPRESSION, Mental KW - PSYCHOANALYSIS KW - PSYCHOLOGY, Pathological KW - RELIGION & justice SP - 379 EP - 384 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4860 T1 - Predicting individual differences in mindfulness: The role of trait anxiety, attachment anxiety and attentional control JF - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2008.09.008 A1 - Walsh,James J. A1 - Balint,Marc G. A1 - Smolira SJ,David R. A1 - Fredericksen,Line Kamstrup A1 - Madsen,Stine VL - 46 IS - 2 PY - 2009/01// N2 - Two correlational studies sought to identify possible predictors of individual differences in naturally occurring mindfulness. In study one, trait anxiety and attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance, were negatively predictive of mindfulness. In study two, trait anxiety (-) and attentional control (+), but not openness or parental nurturance, predicted mindfulness. In addition, there was evidence of a partial mediation effect of attentional control on the association between trait anxiety and mindfulness. Key features of trait anxiety such as attentional and interpretative processing biases, as well as those of attachment anxiety such as rumination and hypersensitivity, are at odds with mindfulness characteristics such as attention to what is present coupled with an attitude of openness and acceptance. Thus, whether generalised or specific, anxiety appears to be antagonistic to mindfulness; control over one's attentional resources may form part of the underlying explanation. KW - Attachment anxiety KW - Attentional control KW - Mindfulness KW - Trait anxiety SP - 94 EP - 99 SN - 0191-8869 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V9F-4TRR8MC-1/2/b5cdd4e8e58cbf2b8ed7575c9501ee5c ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4862 T1 - Spiritual Autobiography and Older Adults. JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-010-0307-6 A1 - Moschella,Mary VL - 60 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Spiritual autobiography groups constitute a form of ministry that can potentially enrich the lives of older adults, their families, and their congregations. Such groups, when competently led, provide participants with an environment in which they can make meaning out of their lives, grieve their losses, and give and receive support. The actions and interactions involved in composing, telling, and hearing life stories are salutary exercises that can increase participants' experiences of clarity, coherence, and connection to God and to each other. The spiritual wisdom that emerges from such life stories, when shared within congregations, can enhance intergenerational relationships and lead to spiritual growth for members of diverse ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - autobiography KW - FICTION KW - Intergenerational Relations KW - LISTENING KW - OLDER people KW - PASTORAL theology KW - RELIGIOUS gatherings KW - SPIRITUAL formation SP - 95 EP - 98 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4863 T1 - I think therefore I om: cognitive distortions and coping style as mediators for the effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety, positive and negative affect, and hope JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20543 A1 - Sears,Sharon A1 - Kraus,Sue VL - 65 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N1 -

This study examined cognitive distortions and coping styles as potential mediators for the effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety, negative affect, positive affect, and hope in college students.

N2 - This study examined cognitive distortions and coping styles as potential mediators for the effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety, negative affect, positive affect, and hope in college students. Our pre- and postintervention design had four conditions: control, brief meditation focused on attention, brief meditation focused on loving kindness, and longer meditation combining both attentional and loving kindness aspects of mindfulness. Each group met weekly over the course of a semester. Longer combined meditation significantly reduced anxiety and negative affect and increased hope. Changes in cognitive distortions mediated intervention effects for anxiety, negative affect, and hope. Further research is needed to determine differential effects of types of meditation. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Affect KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Anxiety KW - Attention KW - Cognition Disorders KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Culture KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Love KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Young Adult SP - 561 EP - 573 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4864 T1 - Cortisol as a marker for improvement in mindfulness-based stress reduction JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.004 A1 - Matousek,Rose H. A1 - Dobkin,Patricia L. A1 - Pruessner,Jens VL - 16 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N2 - While much attention has been devoted to examining the beneficial effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs on patients' ability to cope with various chronic medical conditions, most studies have relied on self-report measures of improvement. Given that these measures may not accurately reflect physiological conditions, there is a need for an objective marker of improvement in research evaluating the beneficial effects of stress management programs. Cortisol is the major stress hormone in the human organism and as such is a promising candidate measure in the study of the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs. In conjunction with other biological measures, the use of cortisol levels as a physiological marker of stress may be useful to validate self-reported benefits attributed to this program. In the current manuscript, we review the available literature on the role of cortisol as a physiological marker for improvement with regards to mindfulness practice, and make recommendations for future study designs. KW - Cortisol KW - Mbsr KW - Meditation KW - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction KW - Stress SP - 13 EP - 19 SN - 1744-3881 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4865 T1 - Here and now: Yoga in Israeli schools JF - International Journal of Yoga JA - Int J Yoga M3 - 10.4103/0973-6131.72629 A1 - Ehud,Miron A1 - An,Bar-Dov A1 - Avshalom,Strulov VL - 3 IS - 2 PY - 2010/07// N2 - CONTEXT: In the aftermath of the Second Lebanon War, a project was initiated and designed to reduce tension in the children living in the area under bombardment. AIMS: To assess the impact of yoga intervention in a group of Israeli school children residing in the region affected by the Second Lebanon War. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study population included 122 school children aged 8-12 years in two elementary schools in Safed (n=55 and n=67, respectively) and their teachers (n=6). The children attended the third grade (n=28), fourth grade (n=42) and sixth grade (n=52). Inclusion in the study was based on the school principal's consent to participate in the program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment was conducted using three questionnaires that have been previously validated in international studies and translated to Hebrew. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis of the results included Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Tests for pre- and post-intervention comparisons and the Kruskall-Wallis test for teacher and child cross-comparisons. RESULTS: Based on the questionnaires completed by the children and their teachers, we found that the teachers reported many statistically significant improvements in the children's concentration, mood and ability to function under pressure, although the children themselves were unaware of any change in their behavior. Enjoyment was reported by all participants, and almost all expressed an interest in continuing to practice yoga during school hours. We conclude that participation in yoga classes may be both enjoyable and beneficial to children living in stressful conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that yoga may be beneficial as an intervention for children in postwar stress situations. SP - 42 EP - 47 SN - 0973-6131 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/21170229 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4866 T1 - Blessed assurance: Religion, anxiety, and tranquility among US adults JF - Social Science Research M3 - 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2009.02.002 A1 - Ellison,Christopher G. A1 - Burdette,Amy M. A1 - Hill,Terrence D. VL - 38 IS - 3 PY - 2009/09// N1 -

A growing body of research investigates the possible relationships between religion and mental health. Results show that frequency of religious attendance and the belief in an afterlife are inversely associated with feelings of anxiety and positively associated with feelings of tranquility. However, frequency of prayer has no direct association with either outcome.

N2 - A growing body of research investigates the possible relationships between religion and mental health. After developing a series of arguments linking various aspects of religion with anxiety and tranquility, we test relevant hypotheses using data from the 1996 General Social Survey. Results show that frequency of religious attendance and the belief in an afterlife are inversely associated with feelings of anxiety and positively associated with feelings of tranquility. However, frequency of prayer has no direct association with either outcome. Strong beliefs in the pervasiveness of sin are positively linked with anxiety but unrelated to tranquility. Finally, belief in an afterlife and frequency of prayer buffer the adverse effects of poor health and financial decline on anxiety. Implications of these findings are discussed along with study limitations and promising directions for future research. KW - Anxiety KW - Emotions KW - mental health KW - religion KW - Religious Beliefs SP - 656 EP - 667 SN - 0049-089X UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6WX8-4VP666D-1/2/2ca9b8bde3472d0934b4e5a1aca4a490 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 4867 T1 - Spirit possession and trance : new interdisciplinary perspectives T3 - Continuum Advances in Religious Studies CY - London; New York A1 - Schmidt,Bettina A1 - Huskinson,Lucy PB - Continuum PY - 2010/// SN - 9780826435743 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4868 T1 - Faith Moves Mountains: an Appalachian cervical cancer prevention program JF - American Journal of Health Behavior JA - Am J Health Behav A1 - Schoenberg,Nancy E A1 - Hatcher,Jennifer A1 - Dignan,Mark B A1 - Shelton,Brent A1 - Wright,Sherry A1 - Dollarhide,Kaye F VL - 33 IS - 6 PY - 2009/12//Nov-undefined N1 -

To provide a conceptual description of Faith Moves Mountains (FMM), an intervention designed to reduce the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer among Appalachian women.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: To provide a conceptual description of Faith Moves Mountains (FMM), an intervention designed to reduce the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer among Appalachian women. METHODS: FMM, a community-based participatory research program designed and implemented in collaboration with churches in rural, southeastern Kentucky, aims to increase cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) through a multiphase process of educational programming and lay health counseling. RESULTS: We provide a conceptual overview to key elements of the intervention, including programmatic development, theoretical basis, intervention approach and implementation, and evaluation procedures. CONCLUSIONS: After numerous modifications, FMM has recruited and retained over 400 women, 30 churches, and has become a change agent in the community. KW - Adult KW - Appalachian Region KW - Community Networks KW - Counseling KW - Female KW - Health Education KW - Health promotion KW - Health Services Research KW - Health Status Disparities KW - Humans KW - Middle Aged KW - Program Development KW - Religion and Medicine KW - United States KW - Uterine Cervical Neoplasms KW - Vaginal Smears KW - Young Adult SP - 627 EP - 638 SN - 1945-7359 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19320612 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4870 T1 - Measuring spirituality, religiosity, and denial in individuals working in funeral service to predict death anxiety JF - Omega - Journal of Death and Dying M3 - 10.2190/OM.60.2.b A1 - Harrawood,LK VL - 60 IS - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - The aim of the present study was to examine predictors of death anxiety in U.S. funeral directors/embalmers who were part of a larger Study (n = 234). Backward stepwise multiple regression was conducted to determine whether or not spirituality, intrinsic religiosity, extrinsic religiosity, and denial predicted levels of death anxiety. Results indicated that spirituality along with age of the participants accounted for 19% of the variance of death anxiety, R-2 = .190, R-adj(2) = .180, F(2, 168) = 19.64, p < .001. Intrinsic religiosity, extrinsic religiosity, and denial were not significant in the regression model. Several items, however, in the model had a significant positive correlation with each other at the .01 alpha level including spirituality with intrinsic religiosity (r = .63) and age (r = .21), and intrinsic religiosity with denial (r = .22) and age (r = .24). Other variables con-elated negatively with one another at the .01 alpha level. Namely, death anxiety with spirituality (-.38), intrinsic religiosity (r = -.36), and age (-.28); spirituality with extrinsic religiosity (-.22); intrinsic religiosity with extrinsic religiosity (-.45); and extrinsic religiosity with age (r = -.19). Limitations of the study and implications for practice were discussed. SP - 129 EP - 142 SN - 0030-2228 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4871 T1 - Changes in Personal Religion/Spirituality During and After Childhood Abuse: A Review and Synthesis JF - Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy M3 - 10.1037/a0016211 A1 - Walker,Donald F. A1 - Reid,Henri Webb A1 - O'Neill,Tiffany A1 - Brown,Lindsay VL - 1 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Psychologists have begun to consider the potential role of traumatic experiences on the victim's spirituality and religiousness as well as the role personal religious and spiritual faith might have in recovery from abuse. In this review, the authors were particularly interested in these issues as they pertain to childhood abuse. The authors identified 34 studies of child abuse as they relate to spirituality and religiosity that included information on a total of 19, 090 participants. The studies were classified according to both the form of abuse and the form of religiousness or spirituality that were examined. The majority of studies indicated either some decline in religiousness or spirituality (N = 14) or a combination of both growth and decline (N = 12). Seven studies gave preliminary indications that religiousness/spirituality can moderate the development of posttraumatic symptoms or symptoms associated with other Axis I disorders. The authors discuss implications for both therapy and future research. KW - childhood abuse KW - religion and spirituality SP - 130 EP - 145 SN - 1942-9681 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B9845-4WTJYVG-5/2/69990efad0e393a082ae381930cd9f51 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4873 T1 - Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami. JF - Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica M3 - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01466.x A1 - Descilo,T. A1 - Vedamurtachar,A. A1 - Gerbarg,P. L. A1 - Nagaraja,D. A1 - Gangadhar,B. N. A1 - Damodaran,B. A1 - Adelson,B. A1 - Braslow,L. H. A1 - Marcus,S. A1 - Brown,R. P. VL - 121 IS - 4 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, Nagaraja D, Gangadhar BN, Damodaran B, Adelson B, Braslow LH, Marcus S, Brown RP. Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for PTSD and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of a yoga breath program alone and followed by a trauma reduction exposure technique on post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 Asian tsunami. Method: In this non-randomized study, 183 tsunami survivors who scored 50 or above on the Post-traumatic Checklist-17 (PCL-17) were assigned by camps to one of three groups: yoga breath intervention, yoga breath intervention followed by 3–8 h of trauma reduction exposure technique or 6-week wait list. Measures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-17) and depression (BDI-21) were performed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Data were analyzed usinganova and mixed effects regression. Results: The effect of treatment vs. control was significant at 6 weeks ( F2,178 = 279.616, P < 0.001): mean PCL-17 declined by 42.5 +/- 10.0 SD with yoga breath, 39.2 +/- 17.2 with Yoga breath + exposure and 4.6 +/- 13.2 in the control. Conclusion: Yoga breath-based interventions may help relieve psychological distress following mass disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Accidents KW - ASIA KW - Post-traumatic stress disorder KW - STRESS (Psychology) KW - yoga SP - 289 EP - 300 SN - 0001690X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4874 T1 - Image of god: effect on coping and psychospiritual outcomes in early breast cancer survivors JF - Oncology Nursing Forum JA - Oncol Nurs Forum M3 - 10.1188/11.ONF.293-301 A1 - Schreiber,Judith A VL - 38 IS - 3 PY - 2011/05/01/ N1 -

To examine the effect of breast cancer survivors' views of God on religious coping strategies, depression, anxiety, stress, concerns about recurrence, and psychological well-being.

N2 - Purpose/Objectives: To examine the effect of breast cancer survivors' views of God on religious coping strategies, depression, anxiety, stress, concerns about recurrence, and psychological well-being.Design: Exploratory, cross-sectional, comparative survey.Setting: Outpatients from community and university oncology practices in the southeastern United States.Sample: 130 early breast cancer survivors (6-30 months postdiagnosis).Methods: Self-report written survey packets were mailed to practice-identified survivors.Main Research Variables: Image of God, religious coping strategies, depression, anxiety, stress, concerns about recurrence, and psychological well-being.Findings: Women who viewed God as highly engaged used more coping strategies to promote spiritual conservation in proportion to coping strategies that reflect spiritual struggle. Women who viewed God as highly engaged maintained psychological well-being when either spiritual conservation or spiritual struggle coping styles were used. No differences in variables were noted for women who viewed God as more or less angry.Conclusions: The belief in an engaged God is significantly related to increased psychological well-being, decreased psychological distress, and decreased concern about recurrence.Implications for Nursing: Addressing survivors' issues related to psychological adjustment and concern about recurrence within their world view would allow for more personalized and effective interventions. Future research should be conducted to establish how the view that God is engaged affects coping and psychological adjustment across diverse groups of cancer survivors and groups with monotheistic, polytheistic, and naturalistic world views. This could lead to a practical method for examining the influence of these world views on individuals' responses to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. SP - 293 EP - 301 SN - 1538-0688 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21531680 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4876 T1 - Schizotypal personality traits and attitudes towards Hinduism among Balinese Hindus. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902930344 A1 - Lesmana,C. B. A1 - Tiliopoulos,N. VL - 12 IS - 8 PY - 2009/12// N2 - The study explored the relationship between schizotypal personality traits and attitude of Hindus towards their faith. A total of 309 Balinese Hindus responded to the Santosh-Francis Scale of Attitude towards Hinduism, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire Brief, and a number of external indicators and religious practices. Attitude towards Hinduism, frequency of prayer, and temple attendance had a rather weak positive relationship with each other, while prayer behaviour exhibited negative low-to-moderate relationships with schizotypal traits. A hierarchical multiple linear regression model identified the disorganised elements of schizotypy as the primary predictor of the attitude towards Hinduism. Finally, age showed negative associations with schizotypy and positive ones with Hinduism, while women were less schizotypal and had more positive attitude towards their faith than men. These findings suggest the presence of both underlying cross-faith elements and the strong influence of faith- and culture-specific forces on the relationship between religiosity and schizotypy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Hinduism KW - PERSONALITY questionnaires KW - PERSONALITY tests KW - Regression Analysis KW - SCHIZOTYPAL personality disorder SP - 773 EP - 785 SN - 13674676 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45427288&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4877 T1 - The role of religiosity, social support, and stress-related growth in protecting against HIV risk among transgender women. JF - Journal of Health Psychology M3 - 10.1177/1359105310364169 A1 - Golub,Sarit A. A1 - Walker,Ja'Nina J. A1 - Longmire-Avital,Buffie A1 - Bimbi,David S. A1 - Parsons,Jeffrey T. VL - 15 IS - 8 PY - 2010/11// N1 -

Transgender women completed questionnaires of religiosity, social support, stigma, stress-related growth, and sexual risk behavior. In a multivariate model, both social support and religious stress-related growth were significant negative predictors of unprotected anal sex, but religious behaviors and beliefs emerged as a significant positive predictor. The interaction between religious behaviors and beliefs and social support was also significant, and post-hoc analyses indicated that high-risk sex was least likely among individuals with high-levels of social support but low levels of religious behaviors and beliefs. These data have important implications for understanding factors that might protect against HIV risk for transgender women.

N2 - Transgender women completed questionnaires of religiosity, social support, stigma, stress-related growth, and sexual risk behavior. In a multivariate model, both social support and religious stress-related growth were significant negative predictors of unprotected anal sex, but religious behaviors and beliefs emerged as a significant positive predictor. The interaction between religious behaviors and beliefs and social support was also significant, and post-hoc analyses indicated that high-risk sex was least likely among individuals with high-levels of social support but low levels of religious behaviors and beliefs. These data have important implications for understanding factors that might protect against HIV risk for transgender women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Human Females KW - protective factors KW - religiosity KW - sexual risk behavior KW - Sexual Risk Taking KW - social support KW - Stress KW - Transgender KW - transgender women SP - 1135 EP - 1144 SN - 1359-1053 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4878 T1 - Spiritual Diversity: Multifaith Perspectives in Family Therapy JF - Family Process M3 - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2010.01326.x A1 - Walsh,Froma VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2010/09// N2 - This paper addresses the growing diversity and complexity of spirituality in society and within families. This requires a broadly inclusive, multifaith approach in clinical training and practice. Increasingly, individuals, couples, and families seek, combine, and reshape spiritual beliefs and practices—within and among faiths and outside organized religion—to fit their lives and relationships. With rising faith conversion and interfaith marriages, the paper examines challenges in multifaith families, particularly with marriage, childrearing, and the death of a loved one. Clinical guidelines, cautions, and case examples are offered to explore the role and significance of spiritual beliefs and practices in couple and family relationships; to identify spiritual sources of distress and relational conflict; and to draw potential spiritual resources for healing, well-being, and resilience, fitting client values and preferences. SP - 330 EP - 348 SN - 00147370 UR - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1545-5300.2010.01326.x/abstract ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4879 T1 - The effect of meditation on physical and mental health in junior college students: a quasi-experimental study JF - The Journal of Nursing Research JA - J Nurs Res M3 - 10.1097/JNR.0b013e3181c17f77 A1 - Yang,Ke-Ping A1 - Su,Whei-Ming A1 - Huang,Chen-Kuan VL - 17 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - BACKGROUND: Physical stress and mental stress are increasingly common phenomena in our rapidly changing and stressful modern society. Research has found meditation to produce positive and demonstrable stress reduction effects on brain and immune functions. This study is grounded in traditional Chinese philosophical mores that teach a process summarized by the keynote activities of "calm, still, quiet, consider, and get" and the potential of this process to reduce stress in adolescents. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of meditation on the physical and mental health of junior college students. METHODS: This research employed a quasi-experimental design. Participants included 242 freshmen from a junior college in Taiwan selected using a convenience sampling technique. Participants were then randomly separated into experimental (n = 119) and control (n = 123) groups. The project duration was 18 weeks, during which the experimental group received 2 hours of meditation treatment per week, for a total of 36 hours. Both groups completed pretest and posttest Life Adaptation Scale forms, which included questionnaires addressing information on physical and mental distress and positive and negative coping strategies. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Findings showed that the effect of the experiment treatment was significant when student physical and mental distress pretest scores were controlled. Physical and mental symptoms in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Meditation can help students to adapt to life stressors. This study also provides support for traditional Chinese wisdom, which promotes meditation as one way to improve health. SP - 261 EP - 269 SN - 1948-965X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19955882 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4882 T1 - Might Massage or Guided Meditation Provide “Means to a Better End”? Primary Outcomes from an Efficacy Trial with Patients at the End of Life JF - Journal of palliative care JA - J Palliat Care A1 - Downey,Lois A1 - Diehr,Paula A1 - Standish,Leanna J. A1 - Patrick,Donald L. A1 - Kozak,Leila A1 - Fisher,Douglass A1 - Congdon,Sean A1 - Lafferty,William E. VL - 25 IS - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - This article reports findings from a randomized controlled trial of massage and guided meditation with patients at the end of life. Using data from 167 randomized patients, the authors consider patient outcomes through 10 weeks post-enrollment, as well as next-of-kin ratings of the quality of the final week of life for 106 patients who died during study participation. Multiple regression models demonstrated no significant treatment effects of either massage or guided meditation, delivered up to twice a week, when compared with outcomes of an active control group that received visits from hospice-trained volunteers on a schedule similar to that of the active treatment arms. The authors discuss the implications of their findings for integration of these complementary and alternative medicine therapies into standard hospice care. SP - 100 EP - 108 SN - 0825-8597 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4885 T1 - The Religious Schema Scale: Construction and Initial Validation of a Quantitative Measure for Religious Styles. JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508619.2010.481223 A1 - Streib,Heinz A1 - Hood,Ralph W. A1 - Klein,Constantin VL - 20 IS - 3 PY - 2010/07//Jul-Sep2010 N2 - This article presents the Religious Schema Scale (RSS). Its conceptual background is the model of religious styles. After a conceptual discussion of the relation between religious styles and religious schemata, the steps of scale construction are reported. Based on 822 responses from research participants in the United States and Germany to a preliminary 78-item version, we used construct-oriented iterative and factor-analytic procedures for reducing the RSS to a 15-item version that consists of three 5-item subscales with acceptable reliabilities. Confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the RSS has a robust 3-factor structure, which is cross-culturally valid in both the United States and Germany. We report correlations of the RSS with the Big Five, Psychological Well-Being, Religious Fundamentalism, and Right-Wing Authoritarianism. We also present predictive characteristics of the RSS in regard to Fowler's stages of faith. Finally, we report results on the incremental validity of the RSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 151 EP - 172 SN - 10508619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4886 T1 - Religiosity and Spirituality Among Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices. JF - Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin M3 - 10.1177/0034355210368868 A1 - Marini,Irmo A1 - Glover-Graf,Noreen M. VL - 54 IS - 2 PY - 2011/01/01/ N1 -

A total of 157 persons with spinal cord injury completed the Spirituality and Spinal Cord Injury Survey in relation to their spiritual and/or religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices in terms of adapting to their disability.  The majority of participants expressed overall satisfaction with God or a Spiritual Power (G/SP) and that G/SP helped them cope, gave them meaning, and was a source of happiness in their lives. Implications for rehabilitation counselors and educators are discussed.

N2 - A total of 157 persons with spinal cord injury completed the Spirituality and Spinal Cord Injury Survey in relation to their spiritual and/or religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices in terms of adapting to their disability. Factor analysis accounting for 69% of the variance revealed four factors related to Spiritual Help and Improvement (36%), Spiritual Decline (22%), Punishment/Atonement (6%), and Body/Mind Improvements (5%). Participants were further classified by time since injury, which statistically indicated that some individuals tend to become more focused on religious or spiritual practices and beliefs regarding cure soon after injury; however, these behaviors and beliefs tend to dissipate over time. The majority of participants expressed overall satisfaction with God or a Spiritual Power (G/SP) and that G/SP helped them cope, gave them meaning, and was a source of happiness in their lives. Implications for rehabilitation counselors and educators are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] KW - Analysis of Variance KW - CONTINUING education units KW - CORRELATION (Statistics) KW - DEMOGRAPHY KW - EDUCATIONAL attainment KW - EMPLOYMENT (Economic theory) KW - factor analysis KW - PEOPLE with disabilities KW - POPULATION geography KW - religion KW - RESEARCH -- Evaluation KW - SAMPLING (Statistics) KW - SCALE analysis (Psychology) KW - SCALE items KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - SEX distribution (Demography) KW - SOUTHERN States KW - SPINAL cord -- Wounds & injuries -- Psychological aspects KW - spirituality KW - SURVEYS KW - Time KW - T-test (Statistics) SP - 82 EP - 92 SN - 00343552 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4887 T1 - Yogic exercises and health--a psycho-neuro immunological approach JF - Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology JA - Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol A1 - Kulkarni,D D A1 - Bera,T K VL - 53 IS - 1 PY - 2009/03//Jan-undefined N2 - Relaxation potential of yogic exercises seems to play a vital role in establishing psycho-physical health in reversing the psycho-immunology of emotions under stress based on breath and body awareness. However, mechanism of yogic exercises for restoring health and fitness components operating through psycho-neuro-immunological pathways is unknown. Therefore, a hybrid model of human information processing-psycho-neuroendocrine (HIP-PNE) network has been proposed to reveal the importance of yogic information processing. This study focuses on two major pathways of information processing involving cortical and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) interactions with a deep reach molecular action on cellular, neuro-humoral and immune system in reversing stress mediated diseases. Further, the proposed HIP-PNE model has ample of experimental potential for objective evaluation of yogic view of health and fitness. KW - Cerebral Cortex KW - Cognition KW - Health KW - Homeostasis KW - Humans KW - Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System KW - Models, Biological KW - Neuroimmunomodulation KW - Pituitary-Adrenal System KW - Stress, Psychological KW - yoga SP - 3 EP - 15 SN - 0019-5499 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4888 T1 - Effect of one week of yoga on function and severity in rheumatoid arthritis JF - BMC Research Notes JA - BMC Res Notes M3 - 10.1186/1756-0500-4-118 A1 - Telles,Shirley A1 - Naveen,Kalkuni V A1 - Gaur,Vaishali A1 - Balkrishna,Acharya VL - 4 PY - 2011/// N2 - UNLABELLED ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that yoga practice improved the hand grip strength in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FINDINGS Sixty-four participants with RA (group average age ± S.D., 46.5 ± 9.6 years; 47 females) were assessed at the beginning and end of a one week yoga program. The Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), hand grip strength, rheumatoid factor, and C-reactive protein levels were assessed on the first and last day and compared using a t-test for paired data. All participants showed reduced disability scores of the HAQ and rheumatoid factor levels, with an increase in bilateral hand grip strength in male participants alone. CONCLUSIONS This single group study indicated that a brief intensive yoga program was beneficial in RA, with decreased disability, better functionality and changes in the rheumatoid factor levels suggesting improvement. SP - 118 EP - 118 SN - 1756-0500 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21481278 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4889 T1 - Religiosity and hope: a path for women coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer JF - Psychosomatics JA - Psychosomatics M3 - 10.1176/appi.psy.50.5.525 A1 - Hasson-Ohayon,Ilanit A1 - Braun,Michal A1 - Galinsky,Daliah A1 - Baider,Lea VL - 50 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10//Sep-undefined N2 - BACKGROUND: Both religiosity and hope are known for their positive role in coping with cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the mediating role of hope between religiosity and coping for women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHOD: Israeli Jewish women with breast cancer (N=233) completed the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, The Systems of Belief Inventory, and The Hope Scale. RESULTS: By use of hierarchical regression, hope was found to be a mediator between religiosity and three coping styles. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be given to the role of hope for religious patients because it increases the positive effects of religion in coping with cancer. SP - 525 EP - 533 SN - 1545-7206 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19855039 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4890 T1 - Development of a Spiritually Based Educational Intervention to Increase Informed Decision Making for Prostate Cancer Screening Among Church-Attending African American Men JF - Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives M3 - 10.1080/10810730903120534 A1 - Holt,Cheryl L. A1 - Wynn,Theresa A. A1 - Southward,Penny A1 - Litaker,Mark S. A1 - Jeames,Sanford A1 - Schulz,Emily VL - 14 IS - 6 PY - 2009/// N2 - One way of developing culturally relevant health communication in the African American church setting is to develop spiritually based interventions, in which the health message is framed by relevant spiritual themes and scripture. In this article we describe the development of a community health advisor(CHA)-led intervention aimed at increasing informed decision making (IDM) for prostate cancer screening among church-attending African American men. Full-color print educational booklets were developed and pilot tested with extensive community participation of church-attending African American men age-eligible for screening. The intervention development phase consisted of ideas solicited from an advisory panel of African American men (N = 10), who identified core content and developed the spiritual themes. In the intervention pilot testing phase, prototypes of the intervention materials were pilot tested for graphic appeal in two focus groups (N = 16), and content was tested for acceptability and comprehension using individual cognitive response interviews (N = 10). Recommendations were made for project branding and logo and for use of graphics of real people in the educational materials. Significant feedback was obtained from the focus groups, on the graphics, colors, fonts, continuity, titles, and booklet size/shape. The importance of working closely with the community when developing interventions is discussed, as well as the importance of pilot testing of educational materials. KW - NEED ABSTRACT SP - 590 EP - 590 SN - 1081-0730 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/10810730903120534 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4891 T1 - The influence of changes in women’s religious affiliation on contraceptive use and fertility among the Kassena-Nankana of northern Ghana. JF - Studies in Family Planning M3 - 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2009.00194.x A1 - Doctor,Henry V. A1 - Phillips,James F. A1 - Sakeah,Evelyn VL - 40 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// N1 -

This study finds that changes of religious affiliation from African traditional religions to either Christianity or Islam in Northern Ghana results in increased contraceptive use and decreased fertility.  This trend of conversion among women has many social effects that improve the status of women in these societies as they adopt behaviors and attitudes commensurate with economic and political empowerment.

N2 - Religious affiliation is undergoing major changes in rural Sahelian Africa, with profound consequences for customs that are grounded in traditional belief systems. This study examines the influence of women's religious affiliation on contraceptive use and fertility among the Kassena-Nankana of northern Ghana. Analysis of longitudinal data for women in 1995 and 2003 shows that 61 percent of women changed their religion, with shifts from traditional beliefs to Christianity being dominant. Moreover, women were more likely than men to make such a change. Regression results show that, compared with those who did not change, switching from traditional religion to Christianity or Islam is associated with increased contraceptive use and decreased fertility. The more rapid change in religious affiliation among women than men may have social consequences for the status of women, signaling a trend toward greater autonomy in the family and new aspirations, values, and behavior as evidenced by the proportion of people adopting contraceptives. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - BIRTH control KW - contraceptive usage KW - Fertility KW - Ghana KW - Oral Contraceptives KW - religious affiliation KW - women's religious affiliation SP - 113 EP - 122 SN - 0039-3665 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4892 T1 - Immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) JA - J Altern Complement Med M3 - 10.1089/acm.2008.0440 A1 - Pramanik,Tapas A1 - Sharma,Hari Om A1 - Mishra,Suchita A1 - Mishra,Anurag A1 - Prajapati,Rajesh A1 - Singh,Smriti VL - 15 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N1 -

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) for 5 minutes on heart rate and blood pressure and the effect of the same breathing exercise for the same duration of time (5 minutes) following oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan), a parasympathetic blocker drug. Results showed that Vagal cardiac and pulmonary mechanisms are linked, and improvement in one vagal limb might spill over into the other. Baroreceptor sensitivity can be enhanced significantly by slow breathing (supported by a small reduction in the heart rate observed during slow breathing and by reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure). Slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) exercise thus shows a strong tendency to improving the autonomic nervous system through enhanced activation of the parasympathetic system.

N2 - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) for 5 minutes on heart rate and blood pressure and the effect of the same breathing exercise for the same duration of time (5 minutes) following oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan), a parasympathetic blocker drug. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Heart rate and blood pressure of volunteers (n = 39, age = 25-40 years) was recorded following standard procedure. First, subjects had to sit comfortably in an easy and steady posture (sukhasana) on a fairly soft seat placed on the floor keeping head, neck, and trunk erect, eyes closed, and the other muscles reasonably loose. The subject is directed to inhale through both nostrils slowly up to the maximum for about 4 seconds and then exhale slowly up to the maximum through both nostrils for about 6 seconds. The breathing must not be abdominal. These steps complete one cycle of slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min). During the practice the subject is asked not to think much about the inhalation and exhalation time, but rather was requested to imagine the open blue sky. The pranayama was conducted in a cool, well-ventilated room (18-20 degrees C). After 5 minutes of this breathing practice, the blood pressure and heart rate again were recorded in the aforesaid manner using the same instrument. The other group (n = 10) took part in another study where their blood pressure and heart rate were recorded following half an hour of oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide 20 mg. Then they practiced the breathing exercise as stated above, and the abovementioned parameters were recorded again to study the effect of parasympathetic blockade on the same pranayama. RESULTS: It was noted that after slow bhastrika pranayamic breathing (respiratory rate 6/min) for 5 minutes, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly with a slight fall in heart rate. No significant alteration in both blood pressure and heart rate was observed in volunteers who performed the same breathing exercise for the same duration following oral intake of hyoscine-N-butylbromide. DISCUSSION: Pranayama increases frequency and duration of inhibitory neural impulses by activating pulmonary stretch receptors during above tidal volume inhalation as in Hering Bruer reflex, which bring about withdrawal of sympathetic tone in the skeletal muscle blood vessels, leading to widespread vasodilatation, thus causing decrease in peripheral resistance and thus decreasing the diastolic blood pressure. After hyoscine-N-butylbromide, the parasympathetic blocker, it was observed that blood pressure was not decreased significantly as a result of pranayama, as it was observed when no drug was administered. CONCLUSIONS: Vagal cardiac and pulmonary mechanisms are linked, and improvement in one vagal limb might spill over into the other. Baroreceptor sensitivity can be enhanced significantly by slow breathing (supported by a small reduction in the heart rate observed during slow breathing and by reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure). Slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) exercise thus shows a strong tendency to improving the autonomic nervous system through enhanced activation of the parasympathetic system. KW - Adult KW - Autonomic Nervous System KW - Blood Pressure KW - Breathing Exercises KW - Female KW - Forced Expiratory Volume KW - Heart Rate KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Reference Values KW - Relaxation Therapy KW - Vital Capacity KW - yoga SP - 293 EP - 295 SN - 1557-7708 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4893 T1 - To pray or not to pray: considering gender and religious concordance in praying with the ill JF - Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy JA - J Health Care Chaplain M3 - 10.1080/08854720903529694 A1 - Galek,Kathleen A1 - Silton,Nava R A1 - Vanderwerker,Lauren C A1 - Handzo,George F A1 - Porter,Matthew A1 - Montonye,Martin G A1 - Fleenor,David W VL - 16 IS - 1-2 PY - 2009/// N2 - Analysis of Covariance was conducted on quantitative data collected by chaplains from January 2005 to December 2008. Data from 82 Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant chaplains, consisting of 53 CPE students and 29 professional chaplains were used in this study. Overall, chaplains exhibited a statistically significant higher rate of prayer with patients from their own religion (religious concordance) than they did with patients of different religions (religious discordance). There was also an interaction of chaplain religion and religious concordance wherein Protestant chaplains were 50% more likely to pray with Protestant patients than with patients of other religions, and Catholic chaplains were 20% more likely to pray with Catholic patients than with other patients. Chaplains were also significantly more likely to pray with patients of their own gender (gender concordance) than with patients of the other gender (gender discordance). KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Catholicism KW - Chaplaincy Service, Hospital KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Jews KW - Male KW - Pastoral Care KW - PROTESTANTISM KW - religion KW - Religion and Medicine KW - Sex Factors SP - 42 EP - 52 SN - 1528-6916 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4895 T1 - Clinical implications of research on religion, spirituality, and mental health JF - Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie JA - Can J Psychiatry A1 - Baetz,Marilyn A1 - Toews,John VL - 54 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N2 - The relation between religion and (or) spirituality (RS), and mental health has shown generally positive associations; however, it is a complex and often emotion-laden field of study. We attempt to examine potential mechanisms that have been proposed as mediators for the RS and mental health relation. We also examine more philosophical areas including patient and physician opinions about inclusion of RS in patient care, and ethical issues that may arise. We review suggested guidelines for sensitive patient inquiry, and opportunities and challenges for education of psychiatrists and trainees. We also study practical ways to incorporate psychospiritual interventions into patient treatment, with specific reference to more common spiritual issues such as forgiveness, gratitude, and altruism. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Curriculum KW - Humans KW - Internship and Residency KW - Mental Disorders KW - mental health KW - Psychiatry KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Religious Philosophies KW - Research KW - Social Values KW - spirituality SP - 292 EP - 301 SN - 0706-7437 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4896 T1 - Characteristics and Predictors of Short-Term Outcomes in Individuals Self-selecting Yoga or Physical Therapy for Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain JF - PM&R M3 - 10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.07.006 A1 - Evans,Dian Dowling A1 - Carter,Michael A1 - Panico,Richard A1 - Kimble,Laura A1 - Morlock,Jennifer T. A1 - Spears,Manjula Judith VL - 2 IS - 11 PY - 2010/11// N1 -

To compare clinical and demographic characteristics of individuals self-selecting yoga or physical therapy (PT) for treatment of chronic low back pain (cLBP) and to examine predictors of short-term pain and functional outcomes. Descriptive, longitudinal study.A hospital-based clinic that offers modified integral yoga classes for cLBP and 2 outpatient PT clinics that offer exercise-based PT.Adults (n = 53) with cLBP ≥12 weeks: yoga (n = 27), PT (n = 26).Yoga participants attended a 6-week, once weekly, 2-hour yoga class. PT participants underwent twice weekly, 1-hour individualized PT. Data were collected at baseline and at 6 weeks. Groups were compared by using χ2 and independent samples t-tests. Hierarchical linear regression was used to predict treatment outcomes.Disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), health status (Rand Short Form 36 Health Survey 1.0), pain bothersomeness (numerical rating scale), back pain self-efficacy (Back Pain Self-Efficacy Scale), and treatment satisfaction. At baseline, yoga participants were significantly less disabled (P = .013), had higher health status (P = .023), greater pain self-efficacy (P = .012), and less average pain bothersomeness (P = .001) compared with PT participants. At 6 weeks, when controlling for baseline group differences, greater pain self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for reduced pain and higher function for the entire sample. A significant group interaction by baseline pain self-efficacy predicted disability at 6 weeks. PT participants with low pain self-efficacy reported significantly greater disability than those with high pain self-efficacy. Yoga participants with low and high pain self-efficacy had similar disability outcomes.These findings strengthen evidence that self-efficacy is associated with cLBP outcomes, especially in individuals self-selecting PT. Further research to evaluate outcomes after yoga and PT in participants with low pain self-efficacy is needed.

N2 - Objective To compare clinical and demographic characteristics of individuals self-selecting yoga or physical therapy (PT) for treatment of chronic low back pain (cLBP) and to examine predictors of short-term pain and functional outcomes.Design Descriptive, longitudinal study.Settings A hospital-based clinic that offers modified integral yoga classes for cLBP and 2 outpatient PT clinics that offer exercise-based PT.Participants Adults (n = 53) with cLBP >=12 weeks: yoga (n = 27), PT (n = 26).Methods Yoga participants attended a 6-week, once weekly, 2-hour yoga class. PT participants underwent twice weekly, 1-hour individualized PT. Data were collected at baseline and at 6 weeks. Groups were compared by using [chi]2 and independent samples t-tests. Hierarchical linear regression was used to predict treatment outcomes.Main Outcome Measures Disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), health status (Rand Short Form 36 Health Survey 1.0), pain bothersomeness (numerical rating scale), back pain self-efficacy (Back Pain Self-Efficacy Scale), and treatment satisfaction.Results At baseline, yoga participants were significantly less disabled (P = .013), had higher health status (P = .023), greater pain self-efficacy (P = .012), and less average pain bothersomeness (P = .001) compared with PT participants. At 6 weeks, when controlling for baseline group differences, greater pain self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for reduced pain and higher function for the entire sample. A significant group interaction by baseline pain self-efficacy predicted disability at 6 weeks. PT participants with low pain self-efficacy reported significantly greater disability than those with high pain self-efficacy. Yoga participants with low and high pain self-efficacy had similar disability outcomes.Conclusion These findings strengthen evidence that self-efficacy is associated with cLBP outcomes, especially in individuals self-selecting PT. Further research to evaluate outcomes after yoga and PT in participants with low pain self-efficacy is needed. SP - 1006 EP - 1015 SN - 1934-1482 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B8JHF-51H17J4-4/2/6959a54ca69cbc0d8d6e5a0a12743296 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4897 T1 - Religious Leaders' Perceptions Regarding Benefits of and Barriers to Organized Religious Support in Providing Care to Older Adults with Chronic Illness JF - Clinical Gerontologist M3 - 10.1080/07317115.2011.554344 A1 - Butler,Denise C. A1 - Haley,Philip P. A1 - Ege,Margaret A. A1 - Allen,Rebecca S. VL - 34 IS - 3 PY - 2011/// N1 -

This article argues that bridging the health care gap for community-dwelling older adults with chronic illnesses is vital. Interviews with 12 religious leaders explored perceived barriers and potential benefits in partnering with a secular organization to provide such care. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for content analysis. Themes identified as barriers included difficulty identifying “chronic illness” and awareness of need, volunteer over-commitment, proselytizing concerns, and financial obligations. Themes identified as benefits included the possibility of partnering with a secular organization to broker services, community views of churches as centralized assistance “clearinghouses,” a history of church collaboration, and creation of community cohesion. While faith-based organizations were interested in partnering to provide services, such partnerships must be developed within local community organizations in a position to broker services to those in need.

N2 - Bridging the health care gap for community-dwelling older adults with chronic illnesses is vital. Interviews with 12 religious leaders explored perceived barriers and potential benefits in partnering with a secular organization to provide such care. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for content analysis. Themes identified as barriers included difficulty identifying “chronic illness” and awareness of need, volunteer over-commitment, proselytizing concerns, and financial obligations. Themes identified as benefits included the possibility of partnering with a secular organization to broker services, community views of churches as centralized assistance “clearinghouses,” a history of church collaboration, and creation of community cohesion. While faith-based organizations were interested in partnering to provide services, such partnerships must be developed within local community organizations in a position to broker services to those in need. SP - 237 EP - 250 SN - 0731-7115 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4899 T1 - Effects of yoga program on quality of life and affect in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial JF - Complementary Therapies in Medicine JA - Complement Ther Med M3 - 10.1016/j.ctim.2009.06.004 A1 - Vadiraja,H S A1 - Rao,M Raghavendra A1 - Nagarathna,Raghuram A1 - Nagendra,H R A1 - Rekha,M A1 - Vanitha,N A1 - Gopinath,K S A1 - Srinath,B S A1 - Vishweshwara,M S A1 - Madhavi,Y S A1 - Ajaikumar,B S A1 - Bilimagga,S Ramesh A1 - Rao,Nalini VL - 17 IS - 5-6 PY - 2009/12//Oct-undefined N1 -

This study compares the effects of an integrated yoga program with brief supportive therapy in breast cancer outpatients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy at a cancer centre.The results suggest a possible role for yoga to improve quality of life and affect in breast cancer outpatients.

N2 - OBJECTIVES: This study compares the effects of an integrated yoga program with brief supportive therapy in breast cancer outpatients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy at a cancer centre. METHODS: Eighty-eight stage II and III breast cancer outpatients were randomly assigned to receive yoga (n = 44) or brief supportive therapy (n = 44) prior to their radiotherapy treatment. Intervention consisted of yoga sessions lasting 60 min daily while the control group was imparted supportive therapy once in 10 days. Assessments included European Organization for Research in the Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life (EORTCQoL C30) functional scales and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Assessments were done at baseline and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy treatment. RESULTS: An intention to treat GLM repeated measures ANOVA showed significant difference across groups over time for positive affect, negative affect and emotional function and social function. There was significant improvement in positive affect (ES = 0.59, p = 0.007, 95%CI 1.25 to 7.8), emotional function (ES = 0.71, p = 0.001, 95%CI 6.45 to 25.33) and cognitive function (ES = 0.48, p = 0.03, 95%CI 1.2 to 18.5), and decrease in negative affect (ES = 0.84, p<0.001, 95%CI -13.4 to -4.4) in the yoga group as compared to controls. There was a significant positive correlation between positive affect with role function, social function and global quality of life. There was a significant negative correlation between negative affect with physical function, role function, emotional function and social function. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a possible role for yoga to improve quality of life and affect in breast cancer outpatients. SP - 274 EP - 280 SN - 1873-6963 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4900 T1 - The effects of the transcendental meditation program on mindfulness JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20544 A1 - Tanner,Melissa A A1 - Travis,Fred A1 - Gaylord-King,Carolyn A1 - Haaga,David A F A1 - Grosswald,Sarina A1 - Schneider,Robert H VL - 65 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Mindfulness is associated with low levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as high levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with life (Brown & Ryan, 2003). As part of a 3-month randomized waitlist-controlled trial of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program on university students (N=295), we examined the impact of TM practice on mindfulness as measured by the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer, Smith, & Allen, 2004). A repeated measures ANOVA on total KIMS scores showed a significant timextreatment interaction, with the TM participants reporting greater increases in mindfulness than the waitlist participants. All KIMS subscales were positively intercorrelated at pretreatment, and there were no differences over time or as a function of treatment condition in subscale intercorrelations. Therefore, previously published findings of a positive correlation between subscales measuring the skills of observing and accepting-without-judgment one's inner experiences only among those with meditation experience may have reflected a self-selection effect rather than a change in the relation of these mindfulness components resulting directly from meditation practice. KW - Adult KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Attention KW - Awareness KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Questionnaires KW - Students KW - Young Adult SP - 574 EP - 589 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4901 T1 - Religious Commitment and Expectations About Psychotherapy Among Christian Clients JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 37/a0021604 A1 - Walker,Donald F. A1 - Worthington Jr.,Everett L. A1 - Gartner,Aubrey L. A1 - Gorsuch,Richard L. A1 - Hanshew,Evalin Rhodes VL - 3 IS - 2 PY - 2011/05// N2 -


To assist psychotherapists in understanding client religiousness, Richards and Bergin (2005) have suggested assessing clients' religiousness at a broad level initially, using ecumenical measures, followed by a more detailed assessment that uses measures particular to the client's religious affiliation. In this study, the utility of this approach was tested in predicting expectations about psychotherapy of Christian clients (N = 176). Their religious commitment was considered in comparison to religious beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors. Client religiousness was positively associated with ratings of therapist expertise and attractiveness, desire to discuss religious issues in psychotherapy, and desire to see a Christian therapist. This suggests that assessing religious commitment is important, and that measuring religious beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors add accuracy to assessment.

KW - expectations about psychotherapy KW - religious commitment SP - 98 EP - 114 SN - 1941-1022 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1941102211600083 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4902 T1 - Spirituality and life satisfaction in adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury JF - Spinal Cord: The Official Journal of the International Medical Society of Paraplegia JA - Spinal Cord M3 - 10.1038/sc.2010.80 A1 - Chlan,K M A1 - Zebracki,K A1 - Vogel,L C VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Study design:This study was a cross-sectional, follow-up survey.Objectives:To examine the role of importance of religion and spiritual coping on life satisfaction in adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting:This study was carried out in a specialty hospital system. Methods:Individuals who sustained an SCI before age 18 completed a structured telephone interview at ages 24-45. Demographic/medical questionnaires along with standardized measures were administered: Brief COPE, FIM, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Satisfaction with Life (SWL) scales. Spirituality was measured with a question assessing importance of religion and using the spiritual coping domain of the Brief COPE. Results: A total of 298 individuals (62% men; 56% with tetraplegia) participated in this study. Approximately half (141) of the participants reported that religion is 'important to very important' to them and 55% (163) used spiritual coping. Importance of religion and spiritual coping was significantly associated with older age (P<0.01), longer duration of injury (P<0.01) and higher SWL (P<0.05). Importance of religion was also related to higher SF-12 mental component (P<0.05). Spiritual coping was negatively associated with motor independence (P<0.05) and CHART occupation (P<0.05). Moreover, spiritual coping emerged as a predictor of SWL, whereas importance of religion did not.Conclusion:Over half of the participants endorsed importance of religion and the use of spiritual coping. Spiritual coping, in particular, may serve a unique role in promoting SWL. Consequently, assessment of spirituality needs to become a standard part of care in the treatment of individuals with SCI and the use of spirituality-focused interventions to promote SWL should be explored. SP - 371 EP - 375 SN - 1476-5624 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20603633 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4903 T1 - Religiousness/spirituality and health behaviors in younger adult cancer survivors: does faith promote a healthier lifestyle? JF - Journal of Behavioral Medicine M3 - 10.1007/s10865-009-9223-6 A1 - Park,Crystal L. A1 - Edmondson,Donald A1 - Hale-Smith,Amy A1 - Blank,Thomas O. VL - 32 IS - 6 PY - 2009/12// N1 -

Positive health behaviors are crucial to cancer survivors’ well-being, yet little is known about the personal factors that may facilitate positive health behaviors. The current study focuses on the association of religion/spirituality (R/S) and health behaviors, examining links between health behaviors and religious attendance, daily spiritual experiences, and religious struggle in a sample of 167 younger adult survivors of a variety of cancers. The extent to which positive affect (self-assurance) and negative affect (guilt/shame) mediate these links was also investigated. Results revealed that religious attendance had little impact on health behaviors, but that daily spiritual experiences were related to greater performance of health behaviors, while religious struggle was related to less. Self-assurance partially mediated the effects of daily spiritual experiences, while guilt/shame partially mediated the effects of religious struggle. The findings suggest that aspects of R/S may play important and different roles in the lifestyle choices of cancer survivors.

N2 - Positive health behaviors are crucial to cancer survivors’ well-being, yet little is known about the personal factors that may facilitate positive health behaviors. The current study focuses on the association of religion/spirituality (R/S) and health behaviors, examining links between health behaviors and religious attendance, daily spiritual experiences, and religious struggle in a sample of 167 younger adult survivors of a variety of cancers. The extent to which positive affect (self-assurance) and negative affect (guilt/shame) mediate these links was also investigated. Results revealed that religious attendance had little impact on health behaviors, but that daily spiritual experiences were related to greater performance of health behaviors, while religious struggle was related to less. Self-assurance partially mediated the effects of daily spiritual experiences, while guilt/shame partially mediated the effects of religious struggle. The findings suggest that aspects of R/S may play important and different roles in the lifestyle choices of cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CANCER -- Patients KW - CANCER -- Study & teaching KW - Emotions KW - GUILT KW - Health Behavior SP - 582 EP - 591 SN - 01607715 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45362476&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4904 T1 - Family and religious characteristics' influence on delinquency trajectories from adolescence to young adulthood. JF - American Sociological Review M3 - 10.1177/000312240907400307 A1 - Petts,Richard J. VL - 74 IS - 3 PY - 2009/06// N2 - This study takes a life-course approach to examine whether family and religious characteristics influence individual-level delinquency trajectories from early adolescence through young adulthood. Based on data from the NLSY79, results suggest that residing with two parents deters youths from becoming delinquent and that supportive parenting practices reduce their likelihood of becoming involved in delinquent behavior early in adolescence. There is also evidence that family and religion interact to predict delinquency trajectories. Religion enhances the effect of parental affection in deterring delinquent behavior and mitigates the increased risk of high levels of delinquent behavior among youths in single-parent families. Moreover, the findings indicate that delinquency trajectories are not immutable; family transitions are associated with increases in delinquency, but religious participation throughout adolescence and marriage are associated with declines in delinquent behavior. Overall, results suggest that family and religious characteristics continually influence the extent to which youths commit delinquent acts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Adolescent Development KW - Adult Development KW - Family KW - Juvenile Delinquency KW - life course KW - life span KW - parenting style KW - religion KW - religious characteristics KW - supportive parenting practices SP - 465 EP - 483 SN - 0003-1224 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4905 T1 - Focused attention, open monitoring and automatic self-transcending: Categories to organize meditations from Vedic, Buddhist and Chinese traditions JF - Consciousness and Cognition JA - Conscious Cogn M3 - 10.1016/j.concog.2010.01.007 A1 - Travis,Fred A1 - Shear,Jonathan VL - 19 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - This paper proposes a third meditation-category--automatic self-transcending--to extend the dichotomy of focused attention and open monitoring proposed by Lutz. Automatic self-transcending includes techniques designed to transcend their own activity. This contrasts with focused attention, which keeps attention focused on an object; and open monitoring, which keeps attention involved in the monitoring process. Each category was assigned EEG bands, based on reported brain patterns during mental tasks, and meditations were categorized based on their reported EEG. Focused attention, characterized by beta/gamma activity, included meditations from Tibetan Buddhist, Buddhist, and Chinese traditions. Open monitoring, characterized by theta activity, included meditations from Buddhist, Chinese, and Vedic traditions. Automatic self-transcending, characterized by alpha1 activity, included meditations from Vedic and Chinese traditions. Between categories, the included meditations differed in focus, subject/object relation, and procedures. These findings shed light on the common mistake of averaging meditations together to determine mechanisms or clinical effects. SP - 1110 EP - 1118 SN - 1090-2376 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4906 T1 - Culturally adapted cognitive-behavior therapy: integrating sexual, spiritual, and family identities in an evidence-based treatment of a depressed Latino adolescent JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20710 A1 - Duarté-Vélez,Yovanska A1 - Bernal,Guillermo A1 - Bonilla,Karen VL - 66 IS - 8 PY - 2010/08// N2 - The article described and illustrated how a culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can maintain fidelity to a treatment protocol while allowing for considerable flexibility to address a patient's values, preferences, and context. A manual-based CBT was used with a gay Latino adolescent regarding his sexual identity, family values, and spiritual ideas. The adolescent suffered from a major depression disorder and identified himself as gay and Christian within a conservative and machista Puerto Rican family. CBT promoted personal acceptance and active questioning of homophobic thoughts in a climate of family respect. CBT enabled identity formation and integration, central to the development of a sexual identity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, with remission of the patient's depression and better family outcomes. SP - 895 EP - 906 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4907 T1 - Intensive meditation for refractory pain and symptoms JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine JA - J Altern Complement Med M3 - 10.1089/acm.2009.0372 A1 - Goyal,Madhav A1 - Haythornthwaite,Jennifer A1 - Levine,David A1 - Becker,Diane A1 - Vaidya,Dhananjay A1 - Hill-Briggs,Felicia A1 - Ford,Daniel VL - 16 IS - 6 PY - 2010/06// N1 -

The object of this study was to assess patient interest in intensive meditation training for chronic symptoms. The study concluded that over 50% of patients followed in chronic disease clinics complain of moderate to severe pain. Patients with persistent pain or stress are more likely to be interested in intensive meditation.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess patient interest in intensive meditation training for chronic symptoms. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional anonymous survey among six chronic disease clinics in Baltimore including Chronic Kidney Disease, Crohn's Disease, Headache, Renal Transplant Recipients, General Rheumatology, and lupus clinic. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 1119 consecutive patients registering for their appointments at these clinics. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were 6-month pain, global symptomatology, four-item perceived stress scale, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, and attitudes toward use of meditation for managing symptoms. We then gave a scripted description of an intensive, 10-day meditation training retreat. Patient interest in attending such a retreat was assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent (77%) of patients approached completed the survey. Fifty-three percent (53%) of patients reported moderate to severe pain over the past 6 months. Eighty percent (80%) reported use of some CAM therapy in the past. Thirty-five percent (35%) thought that learning meditation would improve their health, and 49% thought it would reduce stress. Overall, 39% reported interest in attending the intensive 10-day meditation retreat. Among those reporting moderate to severe pain or stress, the percentages were higher (48% and 59%). In a univariate analysis, higher education, nonworking/disabled status, female gender, higher stress, higher pain, higher symptomatology, and any CAM use were all associated with a greater odds of being moderately to very interested in an intensive 10-day meditation retreat. A multivariate model that included prior use of CAM therapies as predictors of interest in the program fit the data significantly better than a model not including CAM therapies (p = 0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of patients followed in chronic disease clinics complain of moderate to severe pain. Patients with persistent pain or stress are more likely to be interested in intensive meditation. SP - 627 EP - 631 SN - 1557-7708 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4908 T1 - Burden of cardiovascular risk factors, subclinical atherosclerosis, and incident cardiovascular events across dimensions of religiosity: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis JF - Circulation JA - Circulation M3 - 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.879973 A1 - Feinstein,Matthew A1 - Liu,Kiang A1 - Ning,Hongyan A1 - Fitchett,George A1 - Lloyd-Jones,Donald M VL - 121 IS - 5 PY - 2010/02/09/ N1 -

Religious involvement has been associated with improved health practices and outcomes; however, no ethnically diverse community-based study has examined differences in cardiac risk factors, subclinical cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events across levels of religiosity.The study included 5474 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants who attended examination 2 of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We compared cross-sectional differences in cardiac risk factors and subclinical CVD and longitudinal CVD event rates across self-reported levels of religious participation, prayer/meditation, and spirituality. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were fitted to assess associations of measures of religiosity with risk factors, subclinical CVD, and CVD events. MESA participants (52.4% female; mean age, 63) with greater levels of religious participation were more likely to be female and black. After adjustment for demographic covariates, participants who attended services daily, compared with never, were significantly more likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.72) but less likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.58). Results were similar for those with frequent prayer/meditation or high levels of spirituality. There were no consistent patterns of association observed between measures of religiosity and presence/extent of subclinical CVD at baseline or incident CVD events during longitudinal follow-up in the course of 4 years. The results do not confirm those of previous studies associating greater religiosity with overall better health risks and status, at least with regard to CVD. There was no reduction in risk for CVD events associated with greater religiosity.

N2 - BACKGROUND: Religious involvement has been associated with improved health practices and outcomes; however, no ethnically diverse community-based study has examined differences in cardiac risk factors, subclinical cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events across levels of religiosity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 5474 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants who attended examination 2 of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We compared cross-sectional differences in cardiac risk factors and subclinical CVD and longitudinal CVD event rates across self-reported levels of religious participation, prayer/meditation, and spirituality. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were fitted to assess associations of measures of religiosity with risk factors, subclinical CVD, and CVD events. MESA participants (52.4% female; mean age, 63) with greater levels of religious participation were more likely to be female and black. After adjustment for demographic covariates, participants who attended services daily, compared with never, were significantly more likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.72) but less likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.58). Results were similar for those with frequent prayer/meditation or high levels of spirituality. There were no consistent patterns of association observed between measures of religiosity and presence/extent of subclinical CVD at baseline or incident CVD events during longitudinal follow-up in the course of 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not confirm those of previous studies associating greater religiosity with overall better health risks and status, at least with regard to CVD. There was no reduction in risk for CVD events associated with greater religiosity. SP - 659 EP - 666 SN - 1524-4539 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4910 T1 - "It depends": viewpoints of patients, physicians, and nurses on patient-practitioner prayer in the setting of advanced cancer JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management JA - J Pain Symptom Manage M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.07.008 A1 - Balboni,Michael J A1 - Babar,Amenah A1 - Dillinger,Jennifer A1 - Phelps,Andrea C A1 - George,Emily A1 - Block,Susan D A1 - Kachnic,Lisa A1 - Hunt,Jessica A1 - Peteet,John A1 - Prigerson,Holly G A1 - Vanderweele,Tyler J A1 - Balboni,Tracy A VL - 41 IS - 5 PY - 2011/05// N1 -

Although prayer potentially serves as an important practice in offering religious/spiritual support, its role in the clinical setting remains disputed. Few data exist to guide the role of patient-practitioner prayer in the setting of advanced illness. The aim of the study was to inform the role of prayer in the setting of life-threatening illness, this study used mixed quantitative-qualitative methods to describe the viewpoints expressed by patients with advanced cancer, oncology nurses, and oncology physicians concerning the appropriateness of clinician prayer.

N2 - CONTEXT Although prayer potentially serves as an important practice in offering religious/spiritual support, its role in the clinical setting remains disputed. Few data exist to guide the role of patient-practitioner prayer in the setting of advanced illness. OBJECTIVES To inform the role of prayer in the setting of life-threatening illness, this study used mixed quantitative-qualitative methods to describe the viewpoints expressed by patients with advanced cancer, oncology nurses, and oncology physicians concerning the appropriateness of clinician prayer. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, multisite, mixed-methods study of advanced cancer patients (n=70), oncology physicians (n=206), and oncology nurses (n=115). Semistructured interviews were used to assess respondents' attitudes toward the appropriate role of prayer in the context of advanced cancer. Theme extraction was performed based on interdisciplinary input using grounded theory. RESULTS Most advanced cancer patients (71%), nurses (83%), and physicians (65%) reported that patient-initiated patient-practitioner prayer was at least occasionally appropriate. Furthermore, clinician prayer was viewed as at least occasionally appropriate by the majority of patients (64%), nurses (76%), and physicians (59%). Of those patients who could envision themselves asking their physician or nurse for prayer (61%), 86% would find this form of prayer spiritually supportive. Most patients (80%) viewed practitioner-initiated prayer as spiritually supportive. Open-ended responses regarding the appropriateness of patient-practitioner prayer in the advanced cancer setting revealed six themes shaping respondents' viewpoints: necessary conditions for prayer, potential benefits of prayer, critical attitudes toward prayer, positive attitudes toward prayer, potential negative consequences of prayer, and prayer alternatives. CONCLUSION Most patients and practitioners view patient-practitioner prayer as at least occasionally appropriate in the advanced cancer setting, and most patients view prayer as spiritually supportive. However, the appropriateness of patient-practitioner prayer is case specific, requiring consideration of multiple factors. SP - 836 EP - 847 SN - 1873-6513 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21276700 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4911 T1 - Cancer survivors' spiritual well-being and use of complementary methods: a report from the American Cancer Society's Studies of Cancer Survivors JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-010-9327-x A1 - Crammer,Corinne A1 - Kaw,Chiewkwei A1 - Gansler,Ted A1 - Stein,Kevin D VL - 50 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - We examined associations between spiritual well-being and CAM use among 4,139 cancer survivors. We also explored the classification of religious/spiritual practices (R/S) as CAMs and alternative subscale structures of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy--Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-Sp). We evaluated three aspects of spirituality, Faith, Peace, and Meaning, and use of 19 CAMs in 5 domains. Mind-body methods were subdivided into R/S and non-R/S. All FACIT-Sp factors were associated with CAM use, but in different directions: Meaning and Faith were positively associated; Peace was negatively associated. Peace was negatively associated with R/S CAMs, but not non-R/S CAMs. The prevalence of CAM use dropped from 79.3 to 64.8% when R/S items were excluded. These findings confirm an association between spiritual well-being and CAM use, including some non-R/S CAMs, and provide evidence of the benefits of using the three-factor FACIT-Sp solution and treating R/S CAMs as a separate category. SP - 92 EP - 107 SN - 1573-6571 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20300963 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4912 T1 - Religiosity, Spirituality, and Death Attitudes in Chronically Ill Older Adults JF - Research on Aging JA - Research on Aging M3 - 10.1177/0164027509351476 A1 - Daaleman,T. P. A1 - Dobbs,D. VL - 32 IS - 2 PY - 2009/11// N2 - Following interviews with 257 community-dwelling elders with chronic illness, researchers found that self-reported religiosity, closeness to God, and age were significantly associated with approach acceptance of death attitudes. Fear of death attitudes were significantly associated with self-efficacy beliefs, anxiety, and physical functioning. SP - 224 EP - 243 SN - 0164-0275 UR - http://roa.sagepub.com/cgi/doi/10.1177/0164027509351476 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4914 T1 - Does Negative Interaction in the Church Increase Psychological Distress? Longitudinal Findings from the Presbyterian Panel Survey JF - Sociology of Religion M3 - 10.1093/socrel/srp062 A1 - Ellison,Christopher G. A1 - Zhang,Wei A1 - Krause,Neal A1 - Marcum,John P. VL - 70 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12/01/ N2 - This study examines the effects of negative interaction in church on psychological distress. After outlining a series of theoretical arguments linking negative interaction with health and well-being, relevant hypotheses are tested using longitudinal data from two surveys of the 1997-1999 Presbyterian Panel, a nationwide panel of members and elders (lay leaders) in congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Findings confirm that negative interaction appears to foster or exacerbate distress over the study period. In addition, specific dimensions of social negativity have distinctive effects; the impact of criticisms on distress surface only in cross-sectional models, while the effects of excessive demands emerge only in the longitudinal models. No subgroup variations in these effects are detected. Implications of these findings are discussed with regard to (a) research on religion and health and (b) congregational life, and a number of promising directions for future research are elaborated. SP - 409 EP - 431 UR - http://socrel.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/4/409 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4915 T1 - Religion and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among young Muslim women in Saudi Arabia. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674676.2010.544868 A1 - Al-Solaim,Lamis A1 - Loewenthal,Kate Miriam VL - 14 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Fifteen young women suffering from OCD in Saudi Arabia were interviewed about their experience of the illness and the roles played by religion. Religion was not perceived as a cause of the illness, but the illness can show itself in religious symptoms - notably with respect to prayer, and in a phase in which the young women were very strict and literal-minded with themselves and their families, with respect to religious observance. Religious symptoms were reported as more upsetting than other symptoms - being seen as damaging to the sufferer's piety. Other facets of the importance of religion in the experience of OCD were shown in help-seeking, in choosing to go first to religious healers for treatment, and only when these were unsuccessful were mental health professionals consulted. At this point, it was very important that the professional should be seen as trustworthy, and the criterion of trustworthiness was religiosity, specifically the use of pious, Qura'anic quotations, and a covered face (for a woman)/long beard (for a man). The accounts of the roles of religion in the experiences of the young women interviewed suggest that religion is an arena - but not the sole arena - for the expression of OCD symptoms. Religion plays an important role in determining the acceptability of treatments and treatment providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - GROUNDED theory KW - HELP-seeking behavior KW - INTERVIEWING KW - ISLAM KW - MEDICAL personnel & patient KW - OBSESSIVE-compulsive disorder KW - RESEARCH -- Methodology KW - SAUDI Arabia KW - SELF-perception KW - THEMATIC analysis KW - WOMEN SP - 169 EP - 182 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4916 T1 - A "good death": perspectives of Muslim patients and health care providers JF - Annals of Saudi Medicine JA - Ann Saudi Med M3 - 10.4103/0256-4947.62836 A1 - Tayeb,Mohamad A A1 - Al-Zamel,Ersan A1 - Fareed,Muhammed M A1 - Abouellail,Hesham A VL - 30 IS - 3 PY - 2010/06//May-undefined N1 -

Identifies "good death" principles as determined by a diverse survey of Muslim interlocutors. proffers collectively agreed-upon principles relating to beliefs, community, and legacy. Introduces "uniquely Muslim" "good death" values.

N2 - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Twelve "good death" principles have been identified that apply to Westerners. This study aimed to review the TFHCOP good death perception to determine its validity for Muslim patients and health care providers, and to identify and describe other components of the Muslim good death perspective. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants included 284 Muslims of both genders with different nationalities and careers. We used a 12-question questionnaire based on the 12 principles of the TFHCOP good death definition, followed by face-to-face interviews. We used descriptive statistics to analyze questionnaire responses. However, for new themes, we used a grounded theory approach with a "constant comparisons" method. RESULT: On average, each participant agreed on eight principles of the questionnaire. Dignity, privacy, spiritual and emotional support, access to hospice care, ability to issue advance directives, and to have time to say goodbye were the top priorities. Participants identified three main domains. The first domain was related to faith and belief. The second domain included some principles related to self-esteem and person's image to friends and family. The third domain was related to satisfaction about family security after the death of the patient. Professional role distinctions were more pronounced than were gender or nationality differences. CONCLUSION: Several aspects of "good death," as perceived by Western communities, are not recognized as being important by many Muslim patients and health care providers. Furthermore, our study introduced three novel components of good death in Muslim society. SP - 215 EP - 221 SN - 0975-4466 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4917 T1 - Exploring the impact on counsellors of working with spiritually abused clients. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802441509 A1 - Gubi,Peter Madsen A1 - Jacobs,Rachel VL - 12 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - This small-scale study explores the impact on counsellors of working with clients who have experienced spiritual abuse. Participants were five counsellors who have worked with spiritually abused clients. They were interviewed and the data analysed using a bricolage of heuristic and interpretative phenomenological analysis. The data indicate that counsellors experience symptoms of visceral traumatization and secondary traumatic stress disorder characterized by feelings of anger, outrage, sadness, grief, powerlessness, cynicism, helplessness, frustration, disassociation, needing to justify or vindicate God and protect the spiritual community—rather than the abuser—and wariness of leadership of spiritual communities. However, working with clients who were spiritually abused deepened and strengthened the counsellors' relationship with God in a profound way. The research also highlights the need for greater awareness to be had of spirituality and spiritual abuse in supervision and training courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CHILD sexual abuse by clergy -- Psychological aspects KW - CHRISTIANS -- Abuse of KW - COUNSELING -- Religious aspects KW - COUNSELORS -- Psychology KW - FAITH -- Psychological aspects KW - PSYCHIC trauma KW - PSYCHOLOGY & religion KW - VICTIMS of abuse SP - 191 EP - 204 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4919 T1 - Womanist Spirituality as a Response to the Racism-Sexism Double Bind in African American Women. JF - Counseling & Values A1 - Williams,Carmen Braun A1 - Wiggins,Marsha I. VL - 54 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Many African American women begin counseling stigmatized by race and gender and may be targets of additional discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, class, age, and other social variables. In this article, the authors discuss "womanist" spirituality as a means for African American women to cope with racism, sexism, and multiple social stigmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - AFRICAN American women KW - RACISM KW - SEXISM KW - SEXUAL orientation KW - SOCIAL classes KW - STIGMA (Social psychology) SP - 175 EP - 186 SN - 01607960 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4920 T1 - Teaching acceptance and mindfulness to improve the lives of the obese: a preliminary test of a theoretical model JF - Annals of Behavioral Medicine: A Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine JA - Ann Behav Med M3 - 10.1007/s12160-009-9083-x A1 - Lillis,Jason A1 - Hayes,Steven C A1 - Bunting,Kara A1 - Masuda,Akihiko VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N2 - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing epidemic. Weight control interventions can achieve weight loss, but most is regained over time. Stigma and low quality of life are significant problems that are rarely targeted. PURPOSE: A new model aimed at reducing avoidant behavior and increasing psychological flexibility, has shown to be relevant in the treatment of other chronic health problems and is worth examining for improving the lives of obese persons. METHODS: Patients who had completed at least 6 months of a weight loss program (N = 84) were randomly assigned to receive a 1-day, mindfulness and acceptance-based workshop targeting obesity-related stigma and psychological distress or be placed on a waiting list. RESULTS: At a 3-month follow-up, workshop participants showed greater improvements in obesity-related stigma, quality of life, psychological distress, and body mass, as well as improvements in distress tolerance, and both general and weight-specific acceptance and psychological flexibility. Effects on distress, stigma, and quality of life were above and beyond the effects due to improved weight control. Mediational analyses indicated that changes in weight-specific acceptance coping and psychological flexibility mediated changes in outcomes. CONCLUSION: Results provide preliminary support for the role of acceptance and mindfulness in improving the quality of life of obese individuals while simultaneously augmenting their weight control efforts. KW - Attitude KW - Body Mass Index KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Education KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Middle Aged KW - Models, Psychological KW - Obesity KW - Quality of Life KW - Stress, Psychological SP - 58 EP - 69 SN - 1532-4796 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4921 T1 - Meaning-centered group psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial JF - Psycho-Oncology JA - Psychooncology M3 - 10.1002/pon.1556 A1 - Breitbart,William A1 - Rosenfeld,Barry A1 - Gibson,Christopher A1 - Pessin,Hayley A1 - Poppito,Shannon A1 - Nelson,Christian A1 - Tomarken,Alexis A1 - Timm,Anne Kosinski A1 - Berg,Amy A1 - Jacobson,Colleen A1 - Sorger,Brooke A1 - Abbey,Jennifer A1 - Olden,Megan VL - 19 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N1 -

An increasingly important concern for clinicians who care for patients at the end of life is their spiritual well-being and sense of meaning and purpose in life. In response to the need for short-term interventions to address spiritual well-being, the authors developed Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) to help patients with advanced cancer sustain or enhance a sense of meaning, peace and purpose in their lives, even as they approach the end of life.

N2 - OBJECTIVES: An increasingly important concern for clinicians who care for patients at the end of life is their spiritual well-being and sense of meaning and purpose in life. In response to the need for short-term interventions to address spiritual well-being, we developed Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) to help patients with advanced cancer sustain or enhance a sense of meaning, peace and purpose in their lives, even as they approach the end of life. METHODS: Patients with advanced (stage III or IV) solid tumor cancers (N=90) were randomly assigned to either MCGP or a supportive group psychotherapy (SGP). Patients were assessed before and after completing the 8-week intervention, and again 2 months after completion. Outcome assessment included measures of spiritual well-being, meaning, hopelessness, desire for death, optimism/pessimism, anxiety, depression and overall quality of life. RESULTS: MCGP resulted in significantly greater improvements in spiritual well-being and a sense of meaning. Treatment gains were even more substantial (based on effect size estimates) at the second follow-up assessment. Improvements in anxiety and desire for death were also significant (and increased over time). There was no significant improvement on any of these variables for patients participating in SGP. CONCLUSIONS: MCGP appears to be a potentially beneficial intervention for patients' emotional and spiritual suffering at the end of life. Further research, with larger samples, is clearly needed to better understand the potential benefits of this novel intervention. SP - 21 EP - 28 SN - 1099-1611 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4922 T1 - The effects of parental marital discord and divorce on the religious and spiritual lives of young adults JF - Social Science Research M3 - 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2010.10.010 A1 - Ellison,Christopher G. A1 - Walker,Anthony B. A1 - Glenn,Norval D. A1 - Marquardt,Elizabeth VL - 40 IS - 2 PY - 2011/03// N2 - A growing literature reveals that parental divorce and marital discord can have undesirable effects on the mental health and social well-being of children, some of which extend well into adulthood. Our study augments this body of work by focusing on the interplay of divorce and discord in shaping the religious and spiritual lives of young adults. Several discrete subgroups of young adults are identified in terms of parental marital status and degree of parents' marital conflict, and multiple religious and spiritual outcomes are considered. Data are taken from the National Survey on the Moral and Spiritual Lives of Young Adults from Divorced and Intact Families, a nationwide US telephone survey of approximately 1500 young adults ages 18-35 conducted in 2001. Findings confirm that persons raised by parents in intact, happy, low-conflict marriages tend to score higher on most religious and spiritual outcomes. However, offspring from divorced families and those from intact high-conflict families differ on some outcomes, but not others. Indicators of traditional institutional religious practices and beliefs appear more vulnerable to the effects of parental divorce and discord than personal spiritual beliefs and practices. Overall, findings reveal a rich but complex set of relationships between family background and religious and spiritual lives among young adults. KW - divorce KW - Family KW - Marriage KW - Parents KW - religion KW - Young adults SP - 538 EP - 551 SN - 0049-089X UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WX8-51BBKSX-2/2/7b3d54ce9ff61b21b234a99d9c5d8986 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4923 T1 - Studying mindfulness in experienced meditators: A quasi-experimental approach JF - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2009.10.022 A1 - Falkenström,Fredrik VL - 48 IS - 3 PY - 2010/02// N2 - Self-report measures were used to study mindfulness and well-being in experienced meditators in a quasi-experimental intervention study. Seventy-six experienced meditators were studied, 48 who were participating in an intensive meditation retreat in the Vipassana (insight meditation) tradition and 28 who did not. Retreat participants had scheduled meditation practice from early morning to late at night, and were encouraged to practice mindfulness throughout the whole day. The Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) were used to measure mindfulness, and the General Population version of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (GP-CORE) was used to measure well-being. Correlation analyses in the pre-intervention data showed that self-reported mindfulness was strongly related to well-being, with the exception for the observe subscale of FFMQ. Only the acceptance subscales were associated with meditation experience. Mindfulness increased after the retreat, but the increase was not significantly larger for retreat participants than for the control group. However, well-being increased more in the retreat group than the control group, and increase in mindfulness was associated with increase in well-being across both groups. Results are discussed in relation to previous research and methodological aspects. KW - Measurement KW - Meditation KW - Mindfulness KW - Vipassana SP - 305 EP - 310 SN - 0191-8869 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4924 T1 - How Christian Spiritual and Religious Beliefs Help and Hinder Counselors' Empathy Toward Clients. JF - Counseling & Values A1 - Morrison,Marie A1 - Borgen,William A. VL - 55 IS - 1 PY - 2010/10// N2 - The critical incident technique was used to examine how counselors' religion and spirituality help and hinder counselor empathy toward clients. Twelve counselors holding Christian beliefs identified 242 helping and 25 hindering incidents that formed 14 helping and 3 hindering categories. Categories reflected counselors relying on a natural connection to their spirituality, drawing from empathic roots in their religion or spiritual experience, and using commonalities shared with clients as a means of empathizing. Implications for research, counselor education, and counseling practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Christians KW - COUNSELORS KW - Empathy KW - religion KW - spirituality SP - 25 EP - 45 SN - 01607960 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4926 T1 - Facilitating dialogue on religion and sexuality using a descriptive approach. JF - New Directions for Student Services A1 - McCarty,Richard W. IS - 125 PY - 2009///Spring2009 N2 - This chapter offers practical steps for creating and navigating difficult dialogues with respect to sexuality and religion. It suggests that partnership with departments, programs, and scholars of religious studies may prove helpful for student affairs professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - COLLEGE student development programs KW - COUNSELING in higher education KW - EDUCATION, Higher -- Social aspects KW - RELIGION -- Study & teaching KW - SEX -- Religious aspects KW - SOCIAL history KW - STUDENT affairs services KW - STUDENTS -- Services for SP - 39 EP - 46 SN - 01647970 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4927 T1 - Mindfulness meditation: a primer for rheumatologists JF - Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America JA - Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am M3 - 10.1016/j.rdc.2010.11.010 A1 - Young,Laura A VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in meditation as a mind-body approach, given its potential to alleviate emotional distress and promote improved well being in a variety of populations. The overall purpose of this review is to provide the practicing rheumatologist with an overview of mindfulness and how it can be applied to Western medical treatment plans to enhance both the medical and psychological care of patients. SP - 63 EP - 75 SN - 1558-3163 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4928 T1 - THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL NATURE OF THE QUEST CONSTRUCT FORGIVENESS, SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION, & DIFFERENTIATION OF SELF JF - JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND THEOLOGY A1 - Holeman,VT A1 - Dean,JB A1 - DeShea,L A1 - Duba,JD VL - 39 IS - 1 PY - 2011///SPR N2 - The study examined relationships between differentiation of self, sacred loss/desecration, and decisional or emotional forgiveness. A convenience sample (N = 437) completed an on-line survey. After controlling for impact of the event, impression management, hurtfulness, and religiousness, sacred loss/desecration partially predicted forgiveness. Sacred loss significantly predicted one measure of emotional forgiveness, and desecration significantly predicted two measures of decisional forgiveness and one measure of emotional forgiveness. Four differentiation of self scales were examined in separate hierarchical regression analyses as predictors of forgiveness, controlling for impact of the event, impression management, and hurtfulness. Each differentiation of self scale significantly predicted reduction of negative emotion, and two differentiation of self scales significantly predicted inhibition of harmful intention. Differentiation of self partially mediated the relationship between sacred loss/desecration and emotional or decisional forgiveness. Implications for clinical practice and future research are considered. SP - 31 EP - 43 SN - 0091-6471 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4929 T1 - Religious orientation, religious affiliation, and boundary maintenance: The case of polygamy. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902832805 A1 - Nielsen,Michael E. A1 - Cragun,Ryan T. VL - 13 IS - 7/8 PY - 2010/11//Nov N2 - The role of religious orientation in group boundary maintenance was explored in the context of Fundamentalist Mormon polygamy. A sample of 2330 Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, Fundamentalist (polygamous) Mormons, and religious 'nones' responded to a series of questions regarding sexuality, polygamy, religious orientation, religious doubt, and whether Mormons are considered Christian. Regression analyses indicate that attitudes regarding polygamy are predicted by attitudes toward alternative sexual practices for all groups except for Fundamentalist Mormons. Religious doubt, and considering Mormons to be Christian, were associated with relatively more favorable views toward polygamy. Intrinsic religious orientation was negatively correlated with polygamy attitudes, but this relationship reversed once conservative views toward sexuality were taken into account. The results are consistent with the view that alternative sexual and marital arrangements may generate differential treatment because of their implicit challenge to family structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 761 EP - 770 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4930 T1 - Secularizing Religious Practices: A Study of Subjectivity and Existential Transformation in Naikan Therapy JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01497.x A1 - Ozawa-de Silva,Chikako A1 - Ozawa-de Silva,Brendan VL - 49 IS - 1 PY - 2010/03// N2 - Data collected in both Japan and Austria reveal that Naikan, a “secularized” practice derived from Buddhist meditation but stripped of Buddhist references, effects changes in clients’ subjectivity that are strikingly similar to those sought in Buddhist traditions. This suggests that Naikan operates therapeutically on an existential level and employs cognitive techniques that, while originating in Buddhism, remain efficacious outside a Buddhist context. SP - 147 EP - 161 SN - 00218294 UR - http://blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01497.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4932 T1 - The effect of mortality salience and belief in afterlife on the manifestation of homonegativity. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903487393 A1 - Piwowarski,Troy A1 - Christopher,Andrew A1 - Walter,Mark VL - 14 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - If derogation of out-groups serves the function of bolstering self-esteem, it is possible that this effect can be counteracted by means of existential relief. Two variables were presented in a 2 × 2 factorial to a population of primarily college students: a mortality salience (MS) variable and an afterlife variable, in which participants read 'scientific' accounts that either supported or denied the existence of a literal afterlife. Homonegativity was utilised as a dependent measure of out-group derogation. In the predicted manner, mortality salience and afterlife variables interacted to predict significantly different levels of homonegativity. When participants were subconsciously primed with MS, their psychological need to derogate dissimilar others was significantly lowered if they were assured of an afterlife. These results demonstrate that the effects of MS can be attenuated by presenting existential relief through assurance of literal afterlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Analysis of Variance KW - ATTITUDE (Psychology) KW - CORRELATION (Statistics) KW - death attitudes KW - GAYS KW - MIDDLE West KW - religion KW - SCALE analysis (Psychology) KW - sex KW - T-test (Statistics) KW - UNIVERSITIES & colleges SP - 271 EP - 279 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4933 T1 - Effects of Transcendental Meditation practice on brain functioning and stress reactivity in college students JF - International Journal of Psychophysiology: Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology JA - Int J Psychophysiol M3 - 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2008.09.007 A1 - Travis,Fred A1 - Haaga,David A F A1 - Hagelin,John A1 - Tanner,Melissa A1 - Nidich,Sanford A1 - Gaylord-King,Carolyn A1 - Grosswald,Sarina A1 - Rainforth,Maxwell A1 - Schneider,Robert H VL - 71 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - This randomized controlled trial investigated effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice on Brain Integration Scale scores (broadband frontal coherence, power ratios, and preparatory brain responses), electrodermal habituation to 85-dB tones, sleepiness, heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and P300 latencies in 50 college students. After pretest, students were randomly assigned to learn TM immediately or learn after the 10-week posttest. There were no significant pretest group differences. A MANOVA of students with complete data (N=38) yielded significant group vs treatment interactions for Brain Integration Scale scores, sleepiness, and habituation rates (all p<.007). Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in Brain Integration Scale scores for Immediate-start students but decreases in Delayed-start students; significant reductions in sleepiness in Immediate-start students with no change in Delayed-start students; and no changes in habituation rates in Immediate-start students, but significant increases in Delayed-start students. These data support the value of TM practice for college students. KW - Acoustic Stimulation KW - Adult KW - Brain KW - Electroencephalography KW - Event-Related Potentials, P300 KW - Female KW - Follow-Up Studies KW - Galvanic Skin Response KW - Heart Rate KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Multivariate Analysis KW - Photic Stimulation KW - Reaction Time KW - Retrospective Studies KW - Statistics as Topic KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Students KW - Time Factors KW - Universities KW - Young Adult SP - 170 EP - 176 SN - 1872-7697 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18854202 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4934 T1 - An exploratory study of spiritual orientation and adaptation to therapeutic community treatment JF - Journal of Addictive Diseases JA - J Addict Dis M3 - 10.1080/10550887.2010.489443 A1 - Dermatis,Helen A1 - James,Tina A1 - Galanter,Marc A1 - Bunt,Gregory VL - 29 IS - 3 PY - 2010/07// N2 - The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which spiritual orientation was associated with adaptation to therapeutic community treatment. Spiritual orientation was assessed by the Spirituality Self-Rating Scale, a measure consistent with the conceptualization of spirituality typically reflected in Alcoholics Anonymous members' views. Spiritual orientation was positively correlated with acceptance of therapeutic community principles and clinical progress. Further assessment of spirituality related characteristics and their relation to treatment outcomes is important in informing the design of interventions aimed at improving progress in the therapeutic community, particularly those aspects involving the relative value of integrating the 12-Step group approach in therapeutic community programs. SP - 306 EP - 313 SN - 1545-0848 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4935 T1 - Natural stress relief meditation as a tool for reducing anxiety and increasing self-actualization. JF - Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal A1 - Coppola,Fabrizio A1 - Spector,David VL - 37 IS - 3 PY - 2009/04// N2 - Natural Stress Relief (NSR) Meditation, a mental technique practiced for 15 minutes twice a day, reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a physiological state of deep rest. Regular practice of this technique appears to reduce trait anxiety and to develop qualities associated with selfactualization, such as inner peace, satisfaction, and creativity. This article reports new research that documents this effect using psychometric measures. A group of 31 practitioners showed, after four weeks of regular practice, a significant reduction of trait anxiety as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983) (effect size d = .69, calculated following Cohen), and a significant increase of selfactualization as measured by the Jones and Crandall (1986) Short Index of Self-Actualization (SISA; effect size d = .47). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Anxiety KW - MEDITATION -- Psychological aspects KW - PEACE of mind KW - Psychometrics KW - SELF-actualization (Psychology) KW - STRESS (Psychology) -- Research SP - 307 EP - 311 SN - 03012212 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4937 T1 - An exploratory study of radical mindfulness training with severely economically disadvantaged people: Findings of a Canadian study. JF - Australian Social Work M3 - 10.1080/0312407X.2010.496865 A1 - Hick,Steven F. A1 - Furlotte,Charles VL - 63 IS - 3 PY - 2010/// N2 - This article describes a two-phased research project that piloted a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention developed specifically for a severely economically disadvantaged population. The terms severely economically disadvantaged (SED) and "severely marginalised" were used to describe the participants who experience socioeconomic disadvantage and social isolation as well as significant medical, psychological, physical, and learning challenges. Phase one of the project consisted of community focus groups to determine what types of mindfulness-based interventions would most benefit this population. Based on this feedback, the first author developed a modified MBSR intervention he called radical mindfulness training (or RMT). Phase two was a pilot study of RMT with 11 SED participants who accessed services at a local community health centre; eight participants completed the program, and seven of the participants completed Self Compassion and Satisfaction with Life scales and qualitative interviews. Results revealed an overall mean increase in self compassion and satisfaction with life after completing the program. Qualitative findings provided further evidence of the nature of the participants’ perceived effectiveness of this program. The authors conclude that the findings from his limited exploratory study substantiate the need for further study of the RMT program. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Canada KW - Disadvantaged KW - economically disadvantaged people KW - Mindfulness KW - radical mindfulness training KW - socioeconomic status KW - Stress KW - stress management KW - stress reduction intervention KW - Treatment Outcomes SP - 281 EP - 298 SN - 0312-407X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4938 T1 - Religious coping and physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal findings. JF - AIDS and Behavior M3 - 10.1007/s10461-007-9332-6 A1 - Trevino,Kelly M. A1 - Pargament,Kenneth I. A1 - Cotton,Sian A1 - Leonard,Anthony C. A1 - Hahn,June A1 - Caprini-Faigin,Carol Ann A1 - Tsevat,Joel VL - 14 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N1 -

The present study investigated the relationships between positive religious coping (e.g., seeking spiritual support) and spiritual struggle (e.g., anger at God) versus viral load, CD4 count, quality of life, HIV symptoms, depression, self-esteem, social support, and spiritual wellbeing in 429 patients with HIV/AIDS. Data were collected through patient interview and chart review at baseline and 12–18 months later from four clinical sites.

N2 - The present study investigated the relationships between positive religious coping (e.g., seeking spiritual support) and spiritual struggle (e.g., anger at God) versus viral load, CD4 count, quality of life, HIV symptoms, depression, self-esteem, social support, and spiritual wellbeing in 429 patients with HIV/AIDS. Data were collected through patient interview and chart review at baseline and 12–18 months later from four clinical sites. At baseline, positive religious coping was associated with positive outcomes while spiritual struggle was associated with negative outcomes. In addition, high levels of positive religious coping and low levels of spiritual struggle were associated with small but significant improvements over time. These results have implications for assessing religious coping and designing interventions targeting spiritual struggle in patients with HIV/AIDS. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - AIDS KW - Coping Behavior KW - HIV KW - HIV patients KW - longitudinal findings KW - Longitudinal Studies KW - PATIENTS KW - physiological outcomes KW - Quality of Life KW - Religious Beliefs KW - Religious Coping KW - Self Esteem KW - social outcomes KW - social support KW - spiritual outcomes KW - spiritual wellbeing KW - well being SP - 379 EP - 389 SN - 1090-7165 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4940 T1 - Divine love and deep connections: a long-term followup of patients surviving cardiac surgery JF - Journal of Aging Research JA - J Aging Res M3 - 10.4061/2011/841061 A1 - Ai,Amy L A1 - Hall,Daniel E VL - 2011 PY - 2011/// N1 -

The authors examined experiencing divine love as an indicator of affective spiritual growth in a prospective cohort of 200 patients surviving cardiac surgery. These patients previously completed two-wave preoperative interviews when standardized cardiac surgery data were also collected. The information included left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association Classification, baseline health (physical and mental), optimism, hope, religiousness, prayer coping, religious/spiritual coping, and demographics. The authors then measured divine love at 900 days postoperatively. Hierarchical linear regression indicated the direct effect of positive religious coping on experiences of divine love, controlling for other key variables. Postoperatively perceived spiritual support was entered at the final step as an explanatory factor, which appeared to mediate the coping effect. None of the other faith factors predicted divine love. Further research regarding divine love and spiritual support may eventually guide clinical attempts to support patients' spiritual growth as an independently relevant outcome of cardiac surgery.

N2 - We examined experiencing divine love as an indicator of affective spiritual growth in a prospective cohort of 200 patients surviving cardiac surgery. These patients previously completed two-wave preoperative interviews when standardized cardiac surgery data were also collected. The information included left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association Classification, baseline health (physical and mental), optimism, hope, religiousness, prayer coping, religious/spiritual coping, and demographics. We then measured divine love at 900 days postoperatively. Hierarchical linear regression indicated the direct effect of positive religious coping on experiences of divine love, controlling for other key variables. Postoperatively perceived spiritual support was entered at the final step as an explanatory factor, which appeared to mediate the coping effect. None of the other faith factors predicted divine love. Further research regarding divine love and spiritual support may eventually guide clinical attempts to support patients' spiritual growth as an independently relevant outcome of cardiac surgery. SP - 841061 EP - 841061 SN - 2090-2212 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748012 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4941 T1 - A stairway to heaven? Structure of the religious involvement inventory and spiritual well-being scale JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-010-9375-2 A1 - Gow,Alan J A1 - Watson,Roger A1 - Whiteman,Martha A1 - Deary,Ian J VL - 50 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Being religious or having spiritual beliefs has been linked to improved health and well-being in several empirical studies. Potential underlying mechanisms can be suggested by psychometrically reliable and valid indices. Two self-report measures of religiosity/spirituality were completed by a cohort of older adults: the Religious Involvement Inventory and the Spiritual Well-being Scale. Both were analyzed using principal components analysis and the Mokken scaling procedure. The latter technique examines whether items can be described as having a hierarchical structure. The results across techniques were comparable and hierarchical structures were discovered in the scales. Analysis of the hierarchy in the RII items suggested the latent trait assesses the extent to which an individual's belief in God influences their life. Examining scales with a range of psychometric techniques may give a better indication of the latent construct being assessed, particularly the hierarchies within these which may be of interest to those investigating religiosity-health associations. SP - 5 EP - 19 SN - 1573-6571 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20614185 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4942 T1 - Validation of the Narrative Emplotment Scale and its correlations with well-being and psychological adjustment JF - British Journal of Psychology JA - Br J Psychol M3 - 10.1348/000712608X396585 A1 - Hill,Eric D A1 - Terrell,Heather K A1 - Hladkyj,Steven A1 - Nagoshi,Craig T VL - 100 IS - Pt 4 PY - 2009/11// N2 - Two studies examined correlates of the Narrative Emplotment Scale (NES), which measures the extent to which individuals perceive chance events and unchosen experiences as meaningfully connected. In Study 1 (N=99), the NES demonstrated adequate test-retest stability and good internal reliability. The scale was positively related to paranormal beliefs, mystical experiences, and absorption. In Study 2 (N=342), personality measures indicative of external locus of control, intrinsic religiosity, well-being, satisfaction with life, and a measure of frequency of coincidence experience were all positively correlated with narrative emplotment, providing further support for the construct validity of the scale. In terms of the question of whether meaning making is predictive of better or worse psychological adjustment, analyses indicated that the relationship between narrative emplotment and psychological adjustment was moderated by individual differences in coping strategies. Path analysis indicated that emplotment was a mediator of the pathway between religiosity and well-being. Emplotment had a negative effect on well-being through chance locus of control. These analyses suggest that this type of meaning-making is an important variable for understanding religious/spiritual beliefs and their influence on psychological adjustment. SP - 675 EP - 698 SN - 0007-1269 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19236793 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4943 T1 - Yoga lifestyle intervention reduces blood pressure in HIV-infected adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors JF - HIV Medicine JA - HIV Med M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2009.00801.x A1 - Cade,W. T. A1 - Reeds,D. N. A1 - Mondy,K. E. A1 - Overton,E. T. A1 - Grassino,J. A1 - Tucker,S. A1 - Bopp,C. A1 - Laciny,E. A1 - Hubert,S. A1 - Lassa-Claxton,S. A1 - Yarasheski,K. E. VL - 11 IS - 6 PY - 2010/07/01/ N1 -

This article presents a prospective, randomized, controlled study to evaluate whether a yoga lifestyle intervention improves cardiovascular disease risk factors, virological or immunological status, or quality of life (QOL) in HIV-infected adults relative to standard of care treatment in a matched control group.  The results showed that among traditional lifestyle modifications, yoga is a low-cost, simple to administer, nonpharmacological, popular behavioural intervention that can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive HIV-infected adults with mild–moderate cardiovascular risk factors.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: People living with HIV infection are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Safe and effective interventions for lowering CVD risk in HIV infection are high priorities. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study to evaluate whether a yoga lifestyle intervention improves CVD risk factors, virological or immunological status, or quality of life (QOL) in HIV-infected adults relative to standard of care treatment in a matched control group. METHODS: Sixty HIV-infected adults with mild-moderate CVD risk were assigned to 20 weeks of supervised yoga practice or standard of care treatment. Baseline and week 20 measures were: 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with insulin monitoring, body composition, fasting serum lipid/lipoprotein profile, resting blood pressures, CD4 T-cell count and plasma HIV RNA, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF)-36 health-related QOL inventory. RESULTS: Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures improved more (P=0.04) in the yoga group (-5 +/- 2 and -3 +/- 1 mmHg, respectively) than in the standard of care group (+1 +/- 2 and+2 +/- 2 mmHg, respectively). However, there was no greater reduction in body weight, fat mass or proatherogenic lipids, or improvements in glucose tolerance or overall QOL after yoga. Immune and virological status was not adversely affected. CONCLUSION: Among traditional lifestyle modifications, yoga is a low-cost, simple to administer, nonpharmacological, popular behavioural intervention that can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive HIV-infected adults with mild-moderate CVD risk factors. SP - 379 EP - 388 SN - 1468-1293 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4944 T1 - Religiosity, Psychological Acculturation to the Host Culture, Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptoms Among Stigmatized and Nonstigmatized Religious Immigrant Groups in Western Europe. JF - Basic & Applied Social Psychology M3 - 10.1080/01973531003738387 A1 - Friedman,Mike A1 - Saroglou,Vassilis VL - 32 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - This study examined the associations among religiosity, psychological acculturation to the host culture, and self-esteem and depressive symptoms among immigrants to a secular European country (Belgium). A first hypothesis proposed that religiosity would be negatively indirectly associated with psychological acculturation through the intervening mechanism of perceived distance between the home and host cultures. A second hypothesis proposed that religiosity would be indirectly negatively related to self-esteem and indirectly positively related to depressive symptoms through (a) reduced perceptions that religious beliefs are tolerated by the host culture and (b) feelings of anger toward the host society. The first hypothesis received support among stigmatized and nonstigmatized religious groups, whereas the second was supported only for members of the stigmatized religious group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BELIEF & doubt KW - CULTURE conflict KW - IMMIGRANTS KW - Religiousness KW - SELF-esteem SP - 185 EP - 195 SN - 01973533 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4946 T1 - Effects of yoga on inner-city children's well-being: a pilot study JF - Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine JA - Altern Ther Health Med A1 - Berger,Deborah L A1 - Silver,Ellen Johnson A1 - Stein,Ruth E K VL - 15 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10//Sep-undefined N2 - OBJECTIVE: To examine yoga's effects on inner-city children's well-being. METHODS: This pilot study compared fourth- and fifth-grade students at 2 after-school programs in Bronx, New York. One program offered yoga 1 hour per week for 12 weeks (yoga) and the other program (non-yoga) did not. Preintervention and postintervention emotional well-being was assessed by Harter's Global Self-Worth and Physical Appearance subscales, which were the study's primary outcome measures. Secondary outcomes included other measures of emotional well-being assessed by 2 new scales: Perceptions of Physical Health and Yoga Teachings (including Negative Behaviors, Positive Behaviors, and Focusing/relaxation subscales). Preintervention and postintervention, physical wellbeing was assessed by measures of flexibility and balance. Subjective ratings ofyoga's effects on well-being were evaluated by an additional questionnaire completed by the yoga group only. RESULTS: Data were collected from 78% (n=39) and 86.5% (n=32) of potential yoga and non-yoga study enrollees. No differences in baseline demographics were found. Controlling for preintervention well-being differences using analysis of covariance, we found that children in the yoga group had better postintervention Negative Behaviors scores and balance than the non-yoga group (P < .05). The majority of children participating in yoga reported enhanced wellbeing, as reflected by perceived improvements in behaviors directly targeted by yoga (e.g., strength, flexibility, balance). CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant differences were found in the study's primary outcomes (global self-worth and perceptions of physical well-being), children participating in yoga reported using fewer negative behaviors in response to stress and had better balance than a comparison group. Improvements in wellbeing, specifically in behaviors directly targeted by yoga, were reported. These results suggest a possible role of yoga as a preventive intervention as well as a means of improving children's perceived well-being. SP - 36 EP - 42 SN - 1078-6791 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19771929 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4948 T1 - Spirituality: A key factor in coping among Iranians chronically affected by mustard gas in the disaster of war JF - Nursing & Health Sciences M3 - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2009.00498.x A1 - Ebadi,Abbas A1 - Ahmadi,Fazlollah A1 - Ghanei,Mostafa A1 - Kazemnejad,Anoshirvan VL - 11 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - The present study aimed to explore the approach used by Iranians chronically affected by mustard gas in the disaster of war to cope with their chronic illness complications. A qualitative approach was adopted using content analysis of unstructured interviews carried out with 20 patients in a medical center in Tehran and an outpatient clinic in the North West of Iran. Two main themes that emerged from the study were "religious sentiment" and "patriotism". The subthemes that emerged were "divine will", "illness as a means of absolving sin", "saying prayers in the anticipation of divine rewards", "defending the motherland" and "self-sacrifice as a source of pride". To sum up, spirituality was recognized as a key factor among the participants in accepting and coping with their chronic illness complications. SP - 344 EP - 350 UR - http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1111/j.1442-2018.2009.00498.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4949 T1 - A Christian Humanist Implicit Association Test: Validity and test−retest reliability. JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality JA - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0018456 A1 - Ventis,W. Larry A1 - Ball,Christopher T. A1 - Viggiano,Claudia VL - 2 IS - 3 PY - 2010/// N2 - The logical tension between humanistic views and traditional deity-centered religious beliefs represents an important psychological conflict for many traditionally religious individuals. Because this conflict can generate anxiety, many people may avoid it, and only encounter the issues unconsciously. We created a Christian Humanist Implicit Association Test to assess implicit evaluative responses to Humanist beliefs among Christian students. We administered the test to 233 students (96 men and 137 women) and also examined test–retest reliability on a subsample (n = 31). Validity of the test received support in correlations with established religious measures. Examples include the correlations with the Rejection of Christianity Scale (r = −.31, p < .001), and with an explicit rating of Warmth to Christianity (r = .38, p < .001). Future research should compare implicit and explicit attitudes toward humanism of differing religions and differing Christian denominations, as well as exploring religious orientations which may more comfortably integrate Christian and Humanist perspectives. SP - 181 EP - 189 SN - 1943-1562 UR - http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/a0018456 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4951 T1 - Mindfulness, self-compassion, and happiness in non-meditators: A theoretical and empirical examination JF - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2010.09.033 A1 - Hollis-Walker,Laurie A1 - Colosimo,Kenneth VL - 50 IS - 2 PY - 2011/01// N2 - This study examined relationships between mindfulness and indices of happiness and explored a five-factor model of mindfulness. Previous research using this mindfulness model has shown that several facets predicted psychological well-being (PWB) in meditating and non-meditating individuals. The current study tested the hypothesis that the prediction of PWB by mindfulness would be augmented and partially mediated by self-compassion. Participants were 27 men and 96 women (mean age = 20.9 years). All completed self-report measures of mindfulness, PWB, personality traits (NEO-PI-R), and self-compassion. Results show that mindfulness is related to psychologically adaptive variables and that self-compassion is a crucial attitudinal factor in the mindfulness-happiness relationship. Findings are interpreted from the humanistic perspective of a healthy personality. KW - Eudaimonia KW - Mindfulness KW - Psychological well-being KW - self-compassion SP - 222 EP - 227 SN - 0191-8869 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4952 T1 - Religiosity, self-control, and antisocial behavior: Religiosity as a promotive and protective factor JF - Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology M3 - 10.1016/j.appdev.2010.12.003 A1 - Laird,Robert D. A1 - Marks,Loren D. A1 - Marrero,Matthew D. VL - 32 IS - 2 PY - 2011/03// N2 -


Three hypotheses with the potential to provide information on the role of religiosity as a promotive and protective factor in early adolescence were tested. Adolescents (N = 166, M age = 13 years, 49% female, 49% European American, 45% African American) and mothers reported their own personal importance of religion and the frequency of their attendance of religious services. Greater mother importance and attendance was associated with greater adolescent importance and attendance. Mother importance was indirectly linked to adolescent antisocial behavior through adolescent importance. Less adolescent importance and attendance were associated with low self-control and low self-control was associated with more antisocial and rule-breaking behavior. Adolescent importance also moderated the links between low self-control and antisocial and rule-breaking behavior such that low levels of self-control were more strongly associated with more antisocial and rule-breaking behavior among adolescents reporting low religious importance compared to adolescents reporting high religious importance.

KW - adolescence KW - Antisocial Behavior KW - religiosity KW - Self-control SP - 78 EP - 85 SN - 0193-3973 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6W52-521V6MG-1/2/03fb3523f64c77c1622114289b01b6c5 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4953 T1 - Longitudinal relationships of religious worship attendance and spirituality with major depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation and attempts: Findings from the Baltimore epidemiologic catchment area study JF - Journal of Psychiatric Research M3 - 16/j.jpsychires.2010.11.014 A1 - Rasic,Daniel A1 - Robinson,Jennifer A. A1 - Bolton,James A1 - Bienvenu,O. Joseph A1 - Sareen,Jitender VL - 45 IS - 6 PY - 2011/06// N2 -


We present findings on the longitudinal relationships of religious worship attendance and seeking spiritual comfort with subsequent major depression, anxiety disorders and suicidal ideation/attempts using data from Waves 3 and 4 of the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study (N = 1091). Respondents who attended religious services at least once per year had decreased odds of subsequent suicide attempts compared with those who did not attend religious services (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.84). Seeking spiritual comfort at baseline was associated with decreased odds of suicidal ideation (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.99). These finding were independent of the effects of the presence of the suicidal ideation/attempts, comorbid mental disorders, social supports and chronic physical conditions at baseline. These results suggest that religious attendance is possibly an independent protective factor against suicide attempts.

KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Major Depression KW - religion KW - Religious attendance KW - Social supports KW - spirituality KW - Suicide SP - 848 EP - 854 SN - 0022-3956 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395610003407 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4954 T1 - The spiritual distress assessment tool: an instrument to assess spiritual distress in hospitalised elderly persons JF - BMC Geriatrics JA - BMC Geriatr M3 - 10.1186/1471-2318-10-88 A1 - Monod,Stefanie M A1 - Rochat,Etienne A1 - Büla,Christophe J A1 - Jobin,Guy A1 - Martin,Estelle A1 - Spencer,Brenda VL - 10 PY - 2010/// N2 - Background Although spirituality is usually considered a positive resource for coping with illness, spiritual distress may have a negative influence on health outcomes. Tools are needed to identify spiritual distress in clinical practice and subsequently address identified needs. This study describes the first steps in the development of a clinically acceptable instrument to assess spiritual distress in hospitalized elderly patients. Methods A three-step process was used to develop the Spiritual Distress Assessment Tool (SDAT): 1) Conceptualisation by a multidisciplinary group of a model (Spiritual Needs Model) to define the different dimensions characterizing a patient's spirituality and their corresponding needs; 2) Operationalisation of the Spiritual Needs Model within geriatric hospital care leading to a set of questions (SDAT) investigating needs related to each of the defined dimensions; 3) Qualitative assessment of the instrument's acceptability and face validity in hospital chaplains. Results Four dimensions of spirituality (Meaning, Transcendence, Values, and Psychosocial Identity) and their corresponding needs were defined. A formalised assessment procedure to both identify and subsequently score unmet spiritual needs and spiritual distress was developed. Face validity and acceptability in clinical practice were confirmed by chaplains involved in the focus groups. Conclusions The SDAT appears to be a clinically acceptable instrument to assess spiritual distress in elderly hospitalised persons. Studies are ongoing to investigate the psychometric properties of the instrument and to assess its potential to serve as a basis for integrating the spiritual dimension in the patient's plan of care. SP - 88 EP - 88 SN - 1471-2318 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4956 T1 - Spiritual Well-Being, Spiritual Practices, and Depressive Symptoms among Elderly Patients Hospitalized with Acute Heart Failure JF - Geriatric Nursing M3 - 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2009.04.001 A1 - Whelan-Gales,MA A1 - Griffin,MTQ A1 - Maloni,J A1 - Fitzpatrick,JJ VL - 30 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10//SEP N2 - Spirituality, including both spiritual wellbeing and spiritual practices, is important to assess in older persons hospitalized with acute heart failure. Depressive symptoms in this population are commonly exhibited but infrequently assessed. The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe spiritual well-being and spiritual practices in hospitalized older heart failure patients and relate spiritual well-being to depression. The sample included 24 hospitalized older adults diagnosed with Class III or IV heart failure. The spiritual practices used most by the older persons were identified. There was a significant negative correlation between spiritual well-being and depression: those who had more depressive symptoms had a lower level of spiritual well-being. Implications for future research and clinical practice are addressed. (Geriatr Nurs 2009;30:312-317) SP - 312 EP - 317 SN - 0197-4572 UR - http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&SID=3CnFfJ9gNElIMe5AOIj&page=4&doc=179&cacheurlFromRightClick=no ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4959 T1 - Religious coping and use of intensive life-prolonging care near death in patients with advanced cancer JF - JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association JA - JAMA M3 - 10.1001/jama.2009.341 A1 - Phelps,Andrea C A1 - Maciejewski,Paul K A1 - Nilsson,Matthew A1 - Balboni,Tracy A A1 - Wright,Alexi A A1 - Paulk,M Elizabeth A1 - Trice,Elizabeth A1 - Schrag,Deborah A1 - Peteet,John R A1 - Block,Susan D A1 - Prigerson,Holly G VL - 301 IS - 11 PY - 2009/03/18/ N1 -

The objective of this study is to determine the way religious coping relates to the use of intensive life-prolonging end-of-life care among patients with advanced cancer.

N2 - Patients frequently rely on religious faith to cope with cancer, but little is known about the associations between religious coping and the use of intensive life-prolonging care at the end of life. To determine the way religious coping relates to the use of intensive life-prolonging end-of-life care among patients with advanced cancer. A US multisite, prospective, longitudinal cohort of 345 patients with advanced cancer, who were enrolled between January 1, 2003, and August 31, 2007. The Brief RCOPE assessed positive religious coping. Baseline interviews assessed psychosocial and religious/spiritual measures, advance care planning, and end-of-life treatment preferences. Patients were followed up until death, a median of 122 days after baseline assessment. Intensive life-prolonging care, defined as receipt of mechanical ventilation or resuscitation in the last week of life. Analyses were adjusted for demographic factors significantly associated with positive religious coping and any end-of-life outcome at P < .05 (ie, age and race/ethnicity). The main outcome was further adjusted for potential psychosocial confounders (eg, other coping styles, terminal illness acknowledgment, spiritual support, preference for heroics, and advance care planning). A high level of positive religious coping at baseline was significantly associated with receipt of mechanical ventilation compared with patients with a low level (11.3% vs 3.6%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.81 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.03-7.69]; P = .04) and intensive life-prolonging care during the last week of life (13.6% vs 4.2%; AOR, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.14-7.35]; P = .03) after adjusting for age and race. In the model that further adjusted for other coping styles, terminal illness acknowledgment, support of spiritual needs, preference for heroics, and advance care planning (do-not-resuscitate order, living will, and health care proxy/durable power of attorney), positive religious coping remained a significant predictor of receiving intensive life-prolonging care near death (AOR, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.07-7.89]; P = .04). Positive religious coping in patients with advanced cancer is associated with receipt of intensive life-prolonging medical care near death. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms for this association. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Advance Care Planning KW - Aged KW - Attitude to Death KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Longitudinal Studies KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasms KW - Religion and Medicine KW - Resuscitation Orders KW - spirituality KW - Terminal Care KW - Withholding Treatment SP - 1140 EP - 1147 SN - 1538-3598 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4960 T1 - Spirituality and religiosity in patients with HIV: A test and expansion of a model. JF - Annals of Behavioral Medicine M3 - 10.1007/s12160-010-9229-x A1 - Kudel,Ian A1 - Cotton,Sian A1 - Szaflarski,Magda A1 - Holmes,William C. A1 - Tsevat,Joel VL - 41 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N1 -

Using structural equation modeling, this study tested the model and expanded versions that use self-report data of patients with HIV.

N2 - Background: A causal model developed by Koenig suggests that higher levels of spirituality and religiosity effect intermediary variables and eventually result in better mental health, which then positively affects physical function. Purpose/Methods: Using structural equation modeling, we tested the model and expanded versions that use self-report data of patients with HIV (n = 345). Results: All models demonstrated good overall fit with significant parameters. The final model found that increased spirituality/religiosity predicted increased religious coping, which influenced social support. Social support, in turn, positively influenced depressed mood (as a measure of mental health); depressed mood affected fatigue; and both variables predicted self-reported physical function. These three variables predicted health rating/utility for one’s health state. Additional analyses found that two covariates, religiosity and race, differentially predicted spirituality/religiosity and religious coping. Conclusion: In patients with HIV, an expanded version of Koenig's model found that increased spirituality/religiosity is positively associated with self-reported outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - HIV KW - HIV patients KW - Quality of Life KW - religiosity KW - spirituality SP - 92 EP - 103 SN - 0883-6612 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4961 T1 - Out-of-Body Experiences and Physical Body Activity and Posture JF - The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease JA - The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease M3 - 10.1097/NMD.0b013e3181cc0d6d A1 - Zingrone,Nancy L. A1 - Alvarado,Carlos S. A1 - Cardeña,Etzel VL - 198 IS - 2 PY - 2010/02// N2 - Results from surveys of persons who have had out-of-body experiences (OBEs) indicate that OBEs were associated with low physical activity and being in a supine position. Those who had experiences under these conditions also obtained a higher number of OBE features than those who were active and standing at the time of the OBE. SP - 163 EP - 165 SN - 0022-3018 UR - http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?sid=WKPTLP:landingpage&an=00005053-201002000-00014 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4962 T1 - Disappointment With God and Well-Being: The Mediating Influence of Relationship Quality and Dispositional Forgiveness. JF - Counseling & Values A1 - Strelan,Peter A1 - Acton,Collin A1 - Patrick,Kent VL - 53 IS - 3 PY - 2009/04// N2 - This study examined the extent to which disappointment with God Influenced the psychological and spiritual well being of 160 churchgoers, and the potential mediating influences of relationship quality (spiritual maturity and relationship commitment) and dispositional forgiveness Disappointment with God was positively related to depression and stress and negatively related to spiritual well being, dispositional forgiveness, spiritual maturity, and relationship commitment. The latter 3 were negatively related to depression and stress and positively associated with spiritual well-being. The results suggest an explanation for why religious individuals disappointed with God tend to experience reduced well being outcomes. Counseling implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Counseling KW - DEPRESSION, Mental KW - HUMAN biology KW - Psychology KW - spirituality KW - STRESS (Psychology) SP - 202 EP - 213 SN - 01607960 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4963 T1 - Self-compassion is a better predictor than mindfulness of symptom severity and quality of life in mixed anxiety and depression JF - Journal of Anxiety Disorders M3 - 10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.08.011 A1 - Van Dam,Nicholas T. A1 - Sheppard,Sean C. A1 - Forsyth,John P. A1 - Earleywine,Mitch VL - 25 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - Mindfulness has received considerable attention as a correlate of psychological well-being and potential mechanism for the success of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Despite a common emphasis of mindfulness, at least in name, among MBIs, mindfulness proves difficult to assess, warranting consideration of other common components. Self-compassion, an important construct that relates to many of the theoretical and practical components of MBIs, may be an important predictor of psychological health. The present study compared ability of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) to predict anxiety, depression, worry, and quality of life in a large community sample seeking self-help for anxious distress (N = 504). Multivariate and univariate analyses showed that self-compassion is a robust predictor of symptom severity and quality of life, accounting for as much as ten times more unique variance in the dependent variables than mindfulness. Of particular predictive utility are the self-judgment and isolation subscales of the SCS. These findings suggest that self-compassion is a robust and important predictor of psychological health that may be an important component of MBIs for anxiety and depression. KW - Anxiety KW - depression KW - Mindfulness KW - Quality of Life KW - self-compassion KW - Well-Being SP - 123 EP - 130 SN - 0887-6185 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4964 T1 - Effects of yoga on stress management in healthy adults: A systematic review JF - Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine JA - Altern Ther Health Med A1 - Chong,Cecilia S M A1 - Tsunaka,Megumi A1 - Tsang,Hector W H A1 - Chan,Edward P A1 - Cheung,Wai Ming VL - 17 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02//Jan-undefined N2 - OBJECTIVE This article reports a systematic review and critical appraisal of the effect of yoga on stress management in healthy adults. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) that assessed the effects of yoga on stress management in healthy adults. Selected studies were classified according to the types of intervention, duration, outcome measures, and results. They were also qualitatively assessed based on Public Health Research, Education and Development standards. RESULTS The systematic review was based on eight RCTs and CCTs that indicated a positive effect of yoga in reducing stress levels or stress symptoms. However, most of the studies had methodological problems in that the intervention duration was short and limited follow-up data was available. CONCLUSION This review revealed positive effects of yoga on stress reduction in healthy adult populations. However, the result should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies and the associated methodological problems. Further studies to ascertain yoga's long-term effects and the underlying biological mechanisms leading to its stress reduction effect should be conducted. SP - 32 EP - 38 SN - 1078-6791 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21614942 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4967 T1 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction for stress management in healthy people: a review and meta-analysis JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) JA - J Altern Complement Med M3 - 10.1089/acm.2008.0495 A1 - Chiesa,Alberto A1 - Serretti,Alessandro VL - 15 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N1 -

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a clinically standardized meditation that has shown consistent efficacy for many mental and physical disorders. A literature search was conducted. MBSR showed a nonspecific effect on stress reduction in comparison to an inactive control, both in reducing stress and in enhancing spirituality values.

N2 - BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a clinically standardized meditation that has shown consistent efficacy for many mental and physical disorders. Less attention has been given to the possible benefits that it may have in healthy subjects. The aim of the present review and meta-analysis is to better investigate current evidence about the efficacy of MBSR in healthy subjects, with a particular focus on its benefits for stress reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), the ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane database, and the references of retrieved articles. The search included articles written in English published prior to September 2008, and identified ten, mainly low-quality, studies. Cohen's d effect size between meditators and controls on stress reduction and spirituality enhancement values were calculated. RESULTS: MBSR showed a nonspecific effect on stress reduction in comparison to an inactive control, both in reducing stress and in enhancing spirituality values, and a possible specific effect compared to an intervention designed to be structurally equivalent to the meditation program. A direct comparison study between MBSR and standard relaxation training found that both treatments were equally able to reduce stress. Furthermore, MBSR was able to reduce ruminative thinking and trait anxiety, as well as to increase empathy and self-compassion. CONCLUSIONS: MBSR is able to reduce stress levels in healthy people. However, important limitations of the included studies as well as the paucity of evidence about possible specific effects of MBSR in comparison to other nonspecific treatments underline the necessity of further research. KW - Anxiety KW - Empathy KW - Humans KW - Meditation KW - Relaxation Therapy KW - Self Care KW - Stress, Psychological SP - 593 EP - 600 SN - 1557-7708 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4968 T1 - Do improvements in emotional distress correlate with becoming more mindful? A study of older adults JF - Aging & Mental Health JA - Aging Ment Health M3 - 10.1080/13607860802459807 A1 - Splevins,Kate A1 - Smith,Alistair A1 - Simpson,Jane VL - 13 IS - 3 PY - 2009/05// N2 - OBJECTIVES: The study aimed (1) to investigate changes in older adults' emotional wellbeing (specifically depression, anxiety and stress levels) and mindful ability following a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course; (2) to explore correlations between mindfulness (measured as an overall ability and as individual components; observe, describe, act with awareness and accept without judgement) and changes in depression, anxiety and stress levels. METHOD: Twenty-two participants took an eight-week MBCT course. Levels of depression, anxiety and stress were recorded pre- and post-intervention, as was mindfulness ability (measured both as an overall ability and as individual components). RESULTS: Significant improvements in emotional wellbeing and mindfulness were reported post-MBCT, with large to moderate effect sizes. Increased mindfulness was moderately and significantly associated with improved emotional wellbeing. Increases on all four components of mindfulness were positively associated with greater emotional wellbeing, however only act with awareness and accept without judgement were significantly correlated (with reduced depression). Older adults in our sample reported higher scores on observe and act with awareness than other populations. CONCLUSION: This study adds to a growing evidence-base indicating the efficacy of MBCT for depression, anxiety and stress, and extends these finding to older adults. This study found older adults to have elevated levels of certain facets of mindfulness and recommendations are made for researching the possibility that mindfulness may be an extension of the developmental process. KW - Aged KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Attention KW - Awareness KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - depression KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Psychotherapy, Group KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 328 EP - 335 SN - 1364-6915 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4969 T1 - An examination of the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity, blood pressure, and hypertension JF - Social Science & Medicine (1982) JA - Soc Sci Med M3 - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.10.010 A1 - Buck,Anna C A1 - Williams,David R A1 - Musick,Marc A A1 - Sternthal,Michelle J VL - 68 IS - 2 PY - 2009/01// N1 -

Researchers have established the role of heredity and lifestyle in the occurrence of hypertension, but the potential role of psychosocial factors, especially religiosity, is less understood. This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension using data taken from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, a probability sample of adults (N=3105) aged 18 and over living in the city of Chicago, USA. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure. The addition of several other religiosity variables to the models did not appear to affect these findings. However, variables for meaning and forgiveness were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of hypertension outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon. This study should be regarded as a first step toward systematically analyzing a complex relationship.

N2 - Researchers have established the role of heredity and lifestyle in the occurrence of hypertension, but the potential role of psychosocial factors, especially religiosity, is less understood. This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension using data taken from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, a probability sample of adults (N=3105) aged 18 and over living in the city of Chicago, USA. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure. The addition of several other religiosity variables to the models did not appear to affect these findings. However, variables for meaning and forgiveness were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of hypertension outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon. This study should be regarded as a first step toward systematically analyzing a complex relationship. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Blood Pressure KW - Chicago KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Hypertension KW - Logistic Models KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Religion and Medicine KW - social support KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - spirituality KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Young Adult SP - 314 EP - 322 SN - 0277-9536 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19019516 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4971 T1 - Post traumatic stress symptoms and heart rate variability in Bihar flood survivors following yoga: a randomized controlled study JF - BMC Psychiatry JA - BMC Psychiatry M3 - 10.1186/1471-244X-10-18 A1 - Telles,Shirley A1 - Singh,Nilkamal A1 - Joshi,Meesha A1 - Balkrishna,Acharya VL - 10 PY - 2010/// N2 - BACKGROUND: An earlier study showed that a week of yoga practice was useful in stress management after a natural calamity. Due to heavy rain and a rift on the banks of the Kosi river, in the state of Bihar in north India, there were floods with loss of life and property. A week of yoga practice was given to the survivors a month after the event and the effect was assessed. METHODS: Twenty-two volunteers (group average age +/- S.D, 31.5 +/- 7.5 years; all of them were males) were randomly assigned to two groups, yoga and a non-yoga wait-list control group. The yoga group practiced yoga for an hour daily while the control group continued with their routine activities. Both groups' heart rate variability, breath rate, and four symptoms of emotional distress using visual analog scales, were assessed on the first and eighth day of the program. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in sadness in the yoga group (p < 0.05, paired t-test, post data compared to pre) and an increase in anxiety in the control group (p < 0.05, paired t-test, post data compared to pre). CONCLUSIONS: A week of yoga can reduce feelings of sadness and possibly prevent an increase in anxiety in flood survivors a month after the calamity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry of India: CTRI/2009/091/000285. SP - 18 EP - 18 SN - 1471-244X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4973 T1 - The Current Status of Measures of Spirituality: A Critical Review of Scale Development JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0020498 A1 - Kapuscinski,Afton N. A1 - Masters,Kevin S. VL - 2 IS - 4 PY - 2010/11// N2 - Despite spirituality's growing popularity within psychology, measurement of the construct remains challenging. The difficulty largely arises from disagreement regarding the nature of spirituality per se and its relationship to religiousness. The present paper provides a critical review of scale development practices for 24 measures of spirituality including information pertaining to conceptualization, item generation and revision practices, format, sample characteristics, and psychometric properties. Findings raise theological and methodological concerns, which inform several recommendations for future development and validation of spirituality measures. KW - measure KW - religion KW - Review KW - scale KW - spirituality SP - 191 EP - 205 SN - 1941-1022 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B9846-51HB622-1/2/0551e89585fe8b4d93a2924f4d176653 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4974 T1 - Psychoneuroimmunology: application to ocular diseases JF - Journal of Ocular Biology, Diseases, and Informatics JA - J Ocul Biol Dis Infor M3 - 10.1007/s12177-009-9028-4 A1 - Ventura,Lori M VL - 2 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a relatively new discipline within the field of neuroscience which researches the relationship between emotional states, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the endocrine and immune systems. Negative psychological states, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, may alter immune system regulation and modulation of peripheral cytokines. A plethora of PNI studies have shown that increased psychological stress and depression are associated with an alteration of immune functioning and worsened health outcomes for many conditions. To date, application of PNI methodology has not been reported for ocular diseases. This article provides an historical perspective on the origins of the rift between the emotional and spiritual from physical aspects of disease. A review of how stress is mediated through sympathetic adrenomedullary and hypothalamic pituitary axis activation with shifts in immunity is provided. The literature which supports spirituality in healing is presented. Finally, ocular diseases which would be most amenable to a PNI approach are discussed. SP - 84 EP - 93 SN - 1936-8445 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4975 T1 - The effects of mind-body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines JF - Neuroscience Letters JA - Neurosci. Lett M3 - 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.05.048 A1 - Jung,Ye-Ha A1 - Kang,Do-Hyung A1 - Jang,Joon Hwan A1 - Park,Hye Yoon A1 - Byun,Min Soo A1 - Kwon,Soo Jin A1 - Jang,Go-Eun A1 - Lee,Ul Soon A1 - An,Seung Chan A1 - Kwon,Jun Soo VL - 479 IS - 2 PY - 2010/07/26/ N2 - This study was designed to assess the association between stress, positive affect and catecholamine levels in meditation and control groups. The meditation group consisted of 67 subjects who regularly engaged in mind-body training of "Brain-Wave Vibration" and the control group consisted of 57 healthy subjects. Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) levels were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were administered. The meditation group showed higher scores on positive affect (p=.019) and lower scores on stress (p<.001) compared with the control group. Plasma DA levels were also higher in the meditation (p=.031) than in the control group. The control group demonstrated a negative correlation between stress and positive affects (r=-.408, p=.002), whereas this correlation was not observed in the meditation group. The control group showed positive correlations between somatization and NE/E (r=.267, p=.045) and DA/E (r=.271, p=.042) ratios, whereas these correlations did not emerge in the meditation group. In conclusion, these results suggest that meditation as mind-body training is associated with lower stress, higher positive affect and higher plasma DA levels when comparing the meditation group with the control group. Thus, mind-body training may influence stress, positive affect and the sympathetic nervous system including DA activity. SP - 138 EP - 142 SN - 1872-7972 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4976 T1 - A spiritually based caregiver intervention with telephone delivery for family caregivers of veterans with dementia JF - Family & Community Health JA - Fam Community Health M3 - 10.1097/FCH.0b013e3181b91fd6 A1 - Bormann,Jill A1 - Warren,Kathleen A A1 - Regalbuto,Laura A1 - Glaser,Dale A1 - Kelly,Ann A1 - Schnack,Judy A1 - Hinton,Lakemba VL - 32 IS - 4 PY - 2009/10//undefined N2 - Caring for veterans with dementia is burdensome for family caregivers. This exploratory study tested the efficacy of an innovative, spiritually based mantram caregiver intervention delivered using teleconference calls. A prospective, within-subjects, mixed-methods, and 3-time repeated-measures design with 36-week follow-up telephone interviews was conducted. Sixteen caregivers (94% women, 94% Whites with mean age 69.2 years, SD = 10.35 years) completed the intervention. Significant effects for time and linear terms were found for decreasing caregiver burden, perceived stress, depression, and rumination and for increasing quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction, all with large effect sizes. Findings suggest that teleconference delivery of a spiritually based caregiver intervention is feasible. SP - 345 EP - 353 SN - 1550-5057 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19752637 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4977 T1 - Correlations between spirituality and health-promoting behaviors among sheltered homeless women JF - Journal of Community Health Nursing JA - J Community Health Nurs M3 - 10.1080/07370016.2011.564064 A1 - Hurlbut,Jene M. A1 - Robbins,Leslie K. A1 - Hoke,Mary M. VL - 28 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04// N2 - This study examined the relationship between spirituality and health-promoting behaviors in a convenience sample of 90 sheltered homeless women using the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. A moderate positive correlation was found between spiritual well-being and overall health promoting lifestyle (r = .426). Moderate to strong positive correlations were found between the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II dimension subscales (physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management). The results support the importance of spirituality in relation to health-promoting behaviors among sheltered homeless women. SP - 81 EP - 91 SN - 1532-7655 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21541870 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4978 T1 - Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Difficulties in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Preliminary Evidence for Independent and Overlapping Contributions JF - Behavior Therapy JA - Behavior Therapy M3 - 10.1016/j.beth.2008.04.001 A1 - Roemer,Lizabeth A1 - Lee,Jonathan K. A1 - Salters-Pedneault,Kristalyn A1 - Erisman,Shannon M. A1 - Orsillo,Susan M. A1 - Mennin,Douglas S. VL - 40 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// SP - 142 EP - 154 SN - 00057894 UR - http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0005789408000658 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4979 T1 - Lifetime Trauma, Prayer, and Psychological Distress In Late Life JF - The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion JA - Int J Psychol Relig M3 - 10.1080/10508610802471112 A1 - Krause,Neal VL - 19 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01/01/ N2 - The purpose of this study is to see whether prayer helps older people cope more effectively with the adverse effects of lifetime trauma. Data from a nationwide survey of older adults reveal that the size of the relationship between traumatic events and depressive symptoms is reduced for older people who believe that only God knows when it is best to answer a prayer, and when they believe that only God knows the best way to answer it. The findings further reveal that these beliefs about prayer outcomes are especially likely to offset the effects of traumatic events that arose during childhood. SP - 55 EP - 72 SN - 1050-8619 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20204149 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4980 T1 - Mucosal Immunity Modulated by Integrative Meditation in a Dose-Dependent Fashion JF - The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine JA - The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine M3 - 10.1089/acm.2009.0234 A1 - Fan,Yaxin A1 - Tang,Yi-Yuan A1 - Ma,Yinghua A1 - Posner,Michael I. VL - 16 IS - 2 PY - 2010/02// N2 - After four weeks of Integrative Body–Mind Training (IBMT), participants showed significantly increased salivary basal sIgA levels compared to participants trained for 4 weeks in relaxation. An additional IBMT practice session immediately after acute stress produced significantly higher sIgA release for the IBMT-trained group in comparison with controls at week 2 and 4. SP - 151 EP - 155 SN - 1075-5535 UR - http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2009.0234 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4982 T1 - Spirituality, depression, living alone, and perceived health among Korean older adults in the community JF - Archives of Psychiatric Nursing JA - Arch Psychiatr Nurs M3 - 10.1016/j.apnu.2008.07.003 A1 - You,Kwang Soo A1 - Lee,Hae-Ok A1 - Fitzpatrick,Joyce J A1 - Kim,Susie A1 - Marui,Eiji A1 - Lee,Jung Su A1 - Cook,Paul VL - 23 IS - 4 PY - 2009/08// N2 - Both theoretical and empirical studies have documented the protective effect of religiosity and spirituality on general health in older adults in community and hospital settings; however, no study has documented the relationship between spirituality and depression among older adults living alone in communities in Korea. We tested two hypotheses: Hypothesis 1: Korean older adults living alone would be more depressed and less healthy than older adults living with family, and Hypothesis 2: Individuals who are more religious and spiritual would report a lower level of depression and a higher level of general health even when other demographic and living status variables are controlled. A descriptive, comparative, and correlational design with a convenience sampling method was conducted among community-dwelling Korean older adults in Chounbook Providence, South Korea. This study included 152 men and women older than 65 years old. Hypothesis 1 was supported as Korean older adults living alone were significantly more depressed than were older adults living with family (P<.01). However, for Hypotheses 2, only spirituality activities and Spirituality Index of Well-Being scores were significantly associated with general health and/or depression (P<.01), but there were no relationships between the variables of attendance and importance of religion with general health and depression. SP - 309 EP - 322 SN - 1532-8228 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19631109 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4983 T1 - Existential suffering in the palliative care setting: an integrated literature review JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management JA - J Pain Symptom Manage M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.05.010 A1 - Boston,Patricia A1 - Bruce,Anne A1 - Schreiber,Rita VL - 41 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - CONTEXT Existential and spiritual concerns in relation to palliative end-of-life care have received increasing attention over the past decade. OBJECTIVES To review the literature specifically related to existential suffering in palliative care in terms of the significance of existential suffering in end-of-life care, definitions, conceptual frameworks, and interventions. METHODS A systematic approach was undertaken with the aim of identifying emerging themes in the literature. Databases using CINAHL (1980-2009), MEDLINE (1970-2009), and PsychINFO (1980-2009) and the search engine of Google Scholar were searched under the key words existential suffering, existential distress, existential pain, palliative and end of life care. RESULTS The search yielded a total of 156 articles; 32% were peer-reviewed empirical research articles, 28% were peer-reviewed theoretical articles, and 14% were reviews or opinion-based articles. After manually searching bibliographies and related reference lists, 64 articles were considered relevant and are discussed in this review. Overall analysis identifies knowledge of the following: 1) emerging themes related to existential suffering, 2) critical review of those identified themes, 3) current gaps in the research literature, and 4) recommendations for future research. Findings from this comprehensive review reveal that existential suffering and deep personal anguish at the end of life are some of the most debilitating conditions that occur in patients who are dying, and yet the way such suffering is treated in the last days is not well understood. CONCLUSION Given the broad range of definitions attributed to existential suffering, palliative care clinicians may need to be mindful of their own choices and consider treatment options from a critical perspective. SP - 604 EP - 618 SN - 1873-6513 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21145202 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4984 T1 - Social buffering by God: prayer and measures of stress JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9256-8 A1 - Belding,Jennifer N. A1 - Howard,Malcolm G. A1 - McGuire,Anne M. A1 - Schwartz,Amanda C. A1 - Wilson,Janie H. VL - 49 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Social buffering is characterized by attenuation of stress in the presence of others, with supportive individuals providing superior buffering. We were interested in learning if the implied presence of a supportive entity, God, would reduce acute stress. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: prayer, encouraging self-talk, and control. They were subsequently placed in a stressful situation. Self ratings of stress were lower among the prayer and self-talk conditions relative to controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures only among those who prayed were lower than controls; however, prayer and self-talk did not differ. Prayer alone did not significantly reduce stress, perhaps because the majority of students in the prayer condition did not consider reading a prayer to constitute praying. SP - 179 EP - 187 SN - 1573-6571 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4985 T1 - Faith at Work Scale (FWS): Justification, development, and validation of a measure of Judaeo-Christian religion in the workplace. JF - Journal of Business Ethics M3 - 10.1007/s10551-008-9767-3 A1 - Lynn,Monty L. A1 - Naughton,Michael J. A1 - VanderVeen,Steve VL - 85 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Workplace spirituality research has sidestepped religion by focusing on the function of belief rather than its substance. Although establishing a unified foundation for research, the functional approach cannot shed light on issues of workplace pluralism, individual or institutional faith-work integration, or the institutional roles of religion in economic activity. To remedy this, we revisit definitions of spirituality and argue for the place of a belief-based approach to workplace religion. Additionally, we describe the construction of a 15-item measure of workplace religion informed by Judaism and Christianity—the Faith at Work Scale (FWS). A stratified random sample (n = 234) of managers and professionals assisted in refining the FWS which exhibits a single factor structure (Eigenvalue = 8.88; variance accounted for = 59.22%) that is internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.77) and demonstrates convergent validity with the Faith Maturity Scale (r = 0.81, p > 0.0001). The scale shows lower skew and kurtosis with Mainline and Catholic adherents than with Mormons and Evangelicals. Validation of the scale among Jewish and diverse Christian adherants would extend research in workplace religion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Beliefs KW - CATHOLICS KW - Christianity KW - Diversity in the Workplace KW - Economics KW - Faith at Work Scale KW - Judaeo-Christian religion KW - Judaism KW - Psychometrics KW - spirituality KW - test validation KW - Test Validity KW - Workplace SP - 227 EP - 243 SN - 0167-4544 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4986 T1 - Anxiety, depression and students' religiosity. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903352837 A1 - Jansen,Kate L. A1 - Motley,Rebecca A1 - Hovey,Joseph VL - 13 IS - 3 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Many studies have examined the protective factors associated with religion and mental illness. In some studies, religiosity had an inverse relationship to mental health problems, whereas in other studies, religiosity has no effect. The current study examines the relationship between religious beliefs, anxiety, and depression in college students. The Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered as well as questions about religious beliefs and religiosity. No difference was found between Catholic and other Christian denominations in rates and levels of depression and anxiety. Self-reported religious influence and self-reported religiosity were significantly related to depression but not anxiety. Religious service attendance was negatively correlated with both anxiety and depression. These results suggest that certain aspects of religiosity may play a more influential role in the protection against depression, indicating these aspects of religion play different roles in individual's mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Anxiety KW - mental health KW - MENTAL illness KW - Religiousness KW - STRESS (Psychology) SP - 267 EP - 271 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4987 T1 - The relationship between parental religiosity and mental health of pre-adolescents in a community sample: the TRAILS study JF - European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry JA - Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry M3 - 10.1007/s00787-011-0171-7 A1 - van der Jagt-Jelsma,Willeke A1 - de Vries-Schot,Margreet A1 - de Jong,Rint A1 - Verhulst,Frank C A1 - Ormel,Johan A1 - Veenstra,René A1 - Swinkels,Sophie A1 - Buitelaar,Jan VL - 20 IS - 5 PY - 2011/05// N2 - The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between parental religiosity, parental harmony on the subject of religiosity, and the mental health of pre-adolescents. In a community-based sample of 2,230 pre-adolescents (10-12 years), mental health problems were assessed using self-report (Youth Self-Report, YSR), parental report (Child Behavior Checklist, CBCL) as well as teacher report (Teacher Checklist for Psychopathology, TCP). Information about the religiosity of mother, the religiosity of father and religious harmony between the parents was obtained by parent report. The influence of maternal religiosity on internalizing symptoms depended on the religious harmony between parents. This was particularly apparent on the CBCL. Higher levels of internalizing symptoms were associated with parental religious disharmony when combined with passive maternal religiosity. Boys scored themselves as having more externalizing symptoms in case of religiously disharmonious parents. The levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in pre-adolescents were not influenced by parental religiosity. Religious disharmony between parents is a risk factor for internalizing problems when the mother is passive religious. Religious disharmony is a risk factor on its own for externalizing problems amongst boys. Parental religious activity and parental harmony play a role in the mental health of pre-adolescents. SP - 253 EP - 260 SN - 1435-165X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21479848 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4988 T1 - Twelve-Step affiliation and 3-year substance use outcomes among adolescents: social support and religious service attendance as potential mediators JF - Addiction (Abingdon, England) JA - Addiction M3 - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02524.x A1 - Chi,Felicia W A1 - Kaskutas,Lee A A1 - Sterling,Stacy A1 - Campbell,Cynthia I A1 - Weisner,Constance VL - 104 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N2 - AIMS: Twelve-Step affiliation among adolescents is little understood. We examined 12-Step affiliation and its association with substance use outcomes 3 years post-treatment intake among adolescents seeking chemical dependency (CD) treatment in a private, managed-care health plan. We also examined the effects of social support and religious service attendance on the relationship. DESIGN: We analyzed data for 357 adolescents, aged 13-18, who entered treatment at four Kaiser Permanente Northern California CD programs between March 2000 and May 2002 and completed both baseline and 3-year follow-up interviews. MEASURES: Measures at follow-up included alcohol and drug use, 12-Step affiliation, social support and frequency of religious service attendance. FINDINGS: At 3 years, 68 adolescents (19%) reported attending any 12-Step meetings, and 49 (14%) reported involvement in at least one of seven 12-Step activities, in the previous 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that after controlling individual and treatment factors, 12-Step attendance at 1 year was marginally significant, while 12-Step attendance at 3 years was associated with both alcohol and drug abstinence at 3 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.58, P < 0.05 and OR 2.53, P < 0.05, respectively]. Similarly, 12-Step activity involvement was associated significantly with 30-day alcohol and drug abstinence. There are possible mediating effects of social support and religious service attendance on the relationship between post-treatment 12-Step affiliation and 3-year outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the importance of 12-Step affiliation in maintaining long-term recovery, and help to understand the mechanism through which it works among adolescents. KW - Adolescent KW - California KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Patient Compliance KW - Recurrence KW - Regression Analysis KW - religion KW - Self-Help Groups KW - social support KW - Substance-Related Disorders KW - Time KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 927 EP - 939 SN - 1360-0443 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4991 T1 - Elaboration on posttraumatic growth in youth exposed to terror: the role of religiosity and political ideology JF - Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology JA - Soc Psychiat Epidemiol M3 - 10.1007/s00127-009-0106-5 A1 - Laufer,Avital A1 - Solomon,Zahava A1 - Levine,Stephen Z. VL - 45 IS - 6 PY - 2009/08// N2 - Researchers found that both religiosity and political ideology mediated the effects of exposure and fear on growth in 2,999 Israeli youth exposed to terror, aged 13-15. Political ideology, but not religiosity, had a moderating effect, such that subjective fear was positively associated with growth only among those with stronger ideologies. SP - 647 EP - 653 SN - 0933-7954 UR - http://www.springerlink.com/index/10.1007/s00127-009-0106-5 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4993 T1 - The difficulties assessing spiritual distress in palliative care patients: a qualitative study. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674671003716780 A1 - Abbas,S. Q. A1 - Dein,S. VL - 14 IS - 4 PY - 2011/04// N2 - This paper reports on a focus group study aimed at exploring the difficulties that palliative care healthcare professionals encounter while assessing the spiritual distress of their patients. Three focus groups were conducted in a hospice (n = 15). Participants were all healthcare professionals working in the hospice in-patient unit. Interviews were taped and later transcribed. The data was analysed through content analysis. Emergent themes included: lack of vocabulary around spiritual issues, personal issues surrounding death and dying, training issues, fear of being unable to resolve spiritual problems, time constraints and difficulty separating spiritual and religious needs. Participants provided a number of recommendations for improving care. This pilot study has generated useful data in relation to how spiritual care of patients might be improved. Despite the abundance of academic publications and policies on spirituality, this area is not integrated well into palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ATTITUDE (Psychology) KW - CONFIDENCE KW - death attitudes KW - England KW - Focus Groups KW - JUDGMENT sampling KW - MEDICAL personnel KW - MEDICAL personnel & patient KW - PALLIATIVE treatment KW - PERSONNEL management KW - Pilot Projects KW - Qualitative Research KW - RURAL conditions KW - Rural Health KW - SOUND recordings KW - spirituality KW - STRESS (Psychology) -- Diagnosis KW - THEMATIC analysis KW - Time KW - VOCABULARY SP - 341 EP - 352 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4994 T1 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction and cancer: a meta-analysis JF - Psycho-Oncology JA - Psychooncology M3 - 10.1002/pon.1400 A1 - Ledesma,Dianne A1 - Kumano,Hiroaki VL - 18 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N1 -

This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the mental and physical health status of various cancer patients.

N2 - OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the mental and physical health status of various cancer patients. METHODS Ten studies (randomized-controlled trials and observational studies) were found to be eligible for meta-analysis. Individual study results were categorized into mental and physical variables and Cohen's effect size d was computed for each category. RESULTS MBSR may indeed be helpful for the mental health of cancer patients (Cohen's effect size d=0.48); however, more research is needed to show convincing evidence of the effect on physical health (Cohen's effect size d=0.18). CONCLUSION The results suggest that MBSR may improve cancer patients' psychosocial adjustment to their disease. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Aged KW - Arousal KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasms KW - Prognosis KW - Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic KW - Sick Role KW - Stress, Psychological SP - 571 EP - 579 SN - 1099-1611 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19023879 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4995 T1 - Effects of yoga on depression and anxiety of women JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice JA - Complement Ther Clin Pract M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.01.003 A1 - Javnbakht,M A1 - Hejazi Kenari,R A1 - Ghasemi,M VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2009/05// N2 - oga has often been perceived as a method of stress management tool that can assist in alleviating depression and anxiety disorders. This study sought to evaluate the influence of yoga in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety in women who were referred to a yoga clinic. METHODS: The study involved a convenience sample of women who were referred to a yoga clinic from July 2006 to July 2007. All new cases were evaluated on admission using a personal information questionnaire well as Beck and Spielberger tests. Participants were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group (n=34) participated in twice weekly yoga classes of 90 min duration for two months. The control group (n=31) was assigned to a waiting list and did not receive yoga. Both groups were evaluated again after the two-month study period. RESULTS: The average prevalence of depression in the experimental group pre and post Yoga intervention was 12.82+/-7.9 and 10.79+/-6.04 respectively, a statistically insignificant decrease (p=0.13). However, when the experimental group was compared to the control group, women who participated in yoga classes showed a significant decrease in state anxiety (p=0.03) and trait anxiety (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a two-month yoga class can lead to significant reduction in perceived levels of anxiety in women who suffer from anxiety disorders. This study suggests that yoga can be considered as a complementary therapy or an alternative method for medical therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. KW - Adult KW - Anxiety KW - depression KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Women's Health KW - yoga SP - 102 EP - 104 SN - 1873-6947 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4996 T1 - Religious attendance reduces cognitive decline among older women with high levels of depressive symptoms JF - The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences JA - J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci M3 - 10.1093/gerona/glp116 A1 - Corsentino,Elizabeth A A1 - Collins,Nicole A1 - Sachs-Ericsson,Natalie A1 - Blazer,Dan G VL - 64 IS - 12 PY - 2009/12// N2 - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that regular attendance at religious functions is associated with less cognitive decline (CD). However, little research has investigated factors that may moderate the religious attendance-CD relationship. The present study examined the effects of gender and depressive symptoms on the relationship between religious attendance and CD. METHODS: Data were drawn from waves 1 and 2 of the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, which were 3 years apart. Participants consisted of a sample of community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older (N = 2,938). Linear regression analyses were conducted controlling for important demographic-, socioeconomic-, and health-related variables. Cognitive functioning was assessed at both waves to examine change in errors over time. RESULTS: Greater religious attendance was related to less CD. In addition, there was a three-way interaction between religious attendance, gender, and depressive symptoms in predicting CD. Among women with higher levels of depressive symptoms, those who less frequently attended religious services experienced greater CD than those who more frequently attended religious services. The interaction between attendance and depressive symptoms in men did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Religious attendance may offer mental stimulation that helps to maintain cognitive functioning in later life, particularly among older depressed women. Given the possible benefits religious attendance may have on cognitive functioning, it may be appropriate in certain instances for clinicians to recommend that clients reengage in religious activities they may have given up as a result of their depression. KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Aging KW - Cognition Disorders KW - Cohort Studies KW - Depressive Disorder KW - Female KW - Follow-Up Studies KW - Geriatric Assessment KW - Humans KW - Incidence KW - Linear Models KW - Probability KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Questionnaires KW - Reference Values KW - Registries KW - Risk Assessment KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - Spiritual Therapies KW - spirituality KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 1283 EP - 1289 SN - 1758-535X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19675176 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 4999 T1 - Self-chosen involvement in new religious movements (NRMs): well-being and mental health from a longitudinal perspective JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902897618 A1 - Namini,S. A1 - Murken,S. VL - 12 IS - 6 PY - 2009/09// N2 - In spite of a cult debate that has lasted for some decades now, the controversy about the harmfulness of new religious movements (NRMs) continues. A core question remains whether current or past involvement with an NRM has an adverse effect on psychosocial adjustment. In this study, this question is investigated from a longitudinal perspective. First, an overview on previous research is given. Then findings from an empirical study on individuals who get involved with NRMs in Germany are reported. Life satisfaction, depression and anxiety are investigated over the course of three years for two groups: (a) #8220stayers#8221: individuals who remained in the chosen NRM (n = 51) and (b) #8220leavers#8221: persons who left a Pentecostal parish during the course of the study (n = 9). The results confirm findings from previous studies which indicate that joining an NRM is often preceded by some kind of (retrospectively reported) crisis and that well-being increases with involvement. Adaptation during involvement was comparable to that of comparison groups from the general population and remained relatively stable over time. Among several aspects of involvement related to health and well-being, religious sense of coherence and secure attachment to God were most often and most strongly correlated with the outcome measures. Surprisingly, the hypothesis of a crisis accompanying the exit from the Pentecostal parish was only partially supported. Overall, the study does not confirm the popular notion that membership in an NRM must be harmful. It calls for a sensitive handling of the topic. SP - 561 EP - 585 SN - 1367-4676 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/13674670902897618 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5000 T1 - Eating attitudes and dieting behavior among religious subgroups of Israeli-Arab adolescent females. JF - Journal of Religion and Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-008-9189-7 A1 - Latzer,Yael A1 - Azaiza,Faisal A1 - Tzischinsky,Orna VL - 48 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Objectives The aim of the study was to compare the eating attitudes and behaviors, including weight concerns and dieting behavior, among three religious subgroups (Moslems, Druze, and Christians) and three age subgroups (12–13, 14–15, and 16–18 years old) of Israeli-Arab adolescent females. Methods The sample consisted of 1141 Israeli-Arab adolescent females, including 926 (81.2%) Moslem, 128 (11.2%) Christian, and 87 (7.6%) Druze schoolgirls in the seventh to twelfth grades. Participants were assessed using the EAT–26 questionnaire. Results The results showed that 75% of the students had a negative EAT-26 score (>20) and that 25% of the students had a positive EAT-26 score (<20). No significant differences were found in total scores, subscale scores, or scores above 20 between the age subgroups or the religious subgroups. The results demonstrated a high prevalence of disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors among Israeli- Arab adolescent schoolgirls. Discussion Higher prevalence of disturbed eating attitudes found among Israeli-Arab schoolgirls as compared to their Jewish counterparts. Although our sample is a communal based, there still remains an open question as to why the desired "slenderness culture" evident in the results is not reflected in the number of ED clinic referrals, among clinical population. These discrepancies were discussed in light of ethnicity- specific factors that may influence the perceived severity of eating disorders and the receptiveness of primary practitioners to address them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Age differences KW - Arabs KW - Christians KW - dieting behavior KW - Druze KW - eating attitudes KW - Eating Behavior KW - eating behaviors KW - eating disorders KW - Human Females KW - Israeli-Arab adolescent females KW - Moslems KW - MUSLIMS KW - religion KW - religious subgroups KW - weight concerns SP - 189 EP - 199 SN - 0022-4197 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5001 T1 - Studying the specificity of spirituality: lessons from the psychology of religion. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802456606 A1 - Belzen,Jacob A. VL - 12 IS - 3 PY - 2009/04// N2 - Psychological research on spirituality need not start from scratch: the psychology of religion provides substantial knowledge and experience that can be drawn on when psychologists want to do research on spirituality. Spirituality, while certainly not identical with religion or religiosity, is a human phenomenon to which many methodological insights from the study of religion may be applied, although it is also a domain where many mistakes from the history of the psychology of religion are likely to be repeated. After presenting some thoughts on the conceptualization of spirituality, and reflecting on the type of psychology required to do research on spirituality, the paper points out some hidden agenda's in the psychologies of religion and spirituality. Focusing on and keeping in mind the specificity of spiritual conduct, the paper discusses a number of practical aspects of empirical research on spirituality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CONDUCT of life KW - empirical research KW - PSYCHOLOGY -- Research KW - PSYCHOLOGY, Religious KW - RELIGIOUS life KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - spirituality SP - 205 EP - 222 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5003 T1 - Conversion Studies, Pastoral Counseling, and Cultural Studies: Engaging and Embracing a New Paradigm JF - Pastoral Psychology JA - Pastoral Psychol M3 - 10.1007/s11089-009-0202-1 A1 - Rambo,Lewis R. VL - 59 IS - 4 PY - 2010/08//undefined N2 - This paper is an invitation to explore ways in which the study of conversion, pastoral counseling, and cultural studies may be mutually enriching. The author will provide a survey of contemporary conversion studies with the goal of encouraging pastoral counselors and psychotherapists to include the study of conversion as an integral part of their agenda. It will also suggest means by which the field of pastoral counseling may be beneficial to conversion scholars during a time when the study of conversion is not only enjoying a rebirth of interest, but also an astonishing transformation of meanings, methods, and paradigms. Since conversion studies, once the province of evangelical Christians and rather specialized scholars in the psychology and sociology of religion, now involve anthropologists, historians, theologians, religious studies researchers, and new approaches to the phenomenon within psychology and sociology have emerged, this paper will explore some of these developments. It is time for pastoral theologians and pastoral counselors to re-engage both the phenomenon and study of conversion. It will also argue for an interdisciplinary approach inclusive of various perspectives, one that focuses on specific domains of research and theoretical critique and refinement. SP - 433 EP - 445 SN - 0031-2789 UR - http://www.springerlink.com/index/10.1007/s11089-009-0202-1 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5004 T1 - Mindfulness predicts sleep-related self-regulation and well-being JF - Personality and Individual Differences JA - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2009.11.009 A1 - Howell,Andrew J. A1 - Digdon,Nancy L. A1 - Buro,Karen VL - 48 IS - 4 PY - 2010/03// N2 - On data from undergraduate students (n = 334), mindfulness predicted well-being both directly and indirectly through its association with self-regulation of sleep. Results are considered in terms of possible mechanisms underlying these associations and the nature of the self-regulation of sleep. SP - 419 EP - 424 SN - 01918869 UR - http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0191886909004711 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5005 T1 - Relational Spirituality and Dealing With Transgressions: Development of the Relational Engagement of the Sacred for a Transgression (REST) Scale. JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508619.2010.507699 A1 - Davis,Don E. A1 - Hook,Joshua N. A1 - Worthington,Everett L. A1 - Van Tongeren,Daryl R. A1 - Gartner,Aubrey L. A1 - Jennings,David J. A1 - Norton,Lucy VL - 20 IS - 4 PY - 2010/10//Oct-Dec2010 N2 - In the study of spirituality and forgiveness, researchers have begun to look at how dynamic spiritual experiences influence forgiveness. In three studies, we develop the Relational Engagement of the Sacred for a Transgression (REST) Scale, which assesses the extent to which victims actively engage a relationship with the Sacred to deal with a specific transgression. In Study 1, exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the REST. In Study 2, the factor structure was replicated using confirmatory factory analysis. The REST was correlated with religious commitment and negatively related to avoidant attachment to God. In Study 3, evidence supporting the scale's construct validity was adduced. REST scores were correlated with other appraisals of relational spirituality. Structural equation modeling was used to compare theoretical models. REST scores were related to dedication to the Sacred and viewing the transgression as a desecration. In addition, REST scores were positively related to empathy, which was positively related to forgiveness. Furthermore, REST scores predicted forgiveness above and beyond other appraisals of relational spirituality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - FORGIVENESS KW - RELIGIOUS behaviors KW - sacredness KW - SACRILEGE KW - spirituality SP - 288 EP - 302 SN - 10508619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5006 T1 - Religious participation and HIV-disclosure rationales among people living with HIV/AIDS in rural Swaziland JF - AJAR - African Journal of AIDS Research M3 - 10.2989/AJAR.2009.8.3.6.927 A1 - Root,R VL - 8 IS - 3 PY - 2009/10// N2 - Despite the cultural salience of Christianity in many parts of Africa and the expansion of antiretroviral treatment, few studies have examined experiences of religious participation among HIV-positive individuals. Correspondingly, most studies of HIV self-disclosure in sub-Saharan Africa focus primarily on disclosure to sexual partners. Addressing both concerns, the central concern of this article is HIV self-disclosure in church settings, where disclosure rationales functioned as a key heuristic to explore experience of HIV-positivity, religiosity, and church participation. Given 39.2% antenatal HIV prevalence in Swaziland - the highest in the world - and an estimated 6 500 local congregations, this article draws on a medical anthropological project in Swaziland to investigate experiences of church participation among HIV-positive individuals. The data were derived from semi-structured interviews with 28 HIV-positive individuals across three domains: 1) pre- and post-diagnosis religiosity; 2) HIV stigma and support in church settings; and 3) decisions around HIV disclosure. Field research and open-ended interviews with individuals close to people living with HIV, health personnel, and pastors provided important contextual data. A grounded theory analysis showed that HIV disclosure in church settings is a highly reflexive process, mediated by subjective religiosity, the social dynamics of church networks, and broader structural vulnerabilities. Church participation often entailed significant stigma, which negatively affected self-disclosure and help-seeking practices; however, a rhetoric of 'courage' emerged to describe individuals who voluntarily disclosed their HIV-positive status. Pastors and pastors' wives were key protagonists in disclosure strategies. A church-based defense of the meaning of personhood for people living with HIV was among the most important findings. Given that congregations in much of Africa are predominantly female, and because women comprised the majority of the sample, the study productively problematised church settings as sites of analysis where gender, poverty, and religion intersect disease epidemiology in ways that may have untapped programmatic implications. SP - 295 EP - 309 SN - 1608-5906 UR - http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&SID=3CnFfJ9gNElIMe5AOIj&page=2&doc=80&cacheurlFromRightClick=no ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5009 T1 - Gathering information on spirituality: from whose perspective? JF - Nursing Science Quarterly JA - Nurs Sci Q M3 - 10.1177/0894318410371836 A1 - Florczak,Kristine L. VL - 23 IS - 3 PY - 2010/07// N2 - This column is concerned with research about spirituality. A cursory overview of the concept of spirituality will be presented followed by a discussion concerning the issues that arise when gathering information about the concept using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Finally, the use of the Parse research methodology will be offered as an alternative. SP - 201 EP - 205 SN - 1552-7409 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5010 T1 - The association between religious beliefs and mental health amongst medical students JF - JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association JA - J Pak Med Assoc A1 - Tavabi,Amir Ali A1 - Iran-Pour,Elham VL - 61 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between religious beliefs (RB) and mental health (MH) among medical students alongwith assessment of correlations of RB and MH with age, gender, marital status and academic success. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried on 200 randomly selected Muslim medical students of Islamic Azad University-Tehran Medical Branch between June and July 2006. MH and RB were assessed through General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the modified validated questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed by statistical methods such as Independent Sample T-test, Chi-square and one-way ANOVA methods. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Of a total of 200 students, 75 (37.5%) were male and 125 (62.5%) were female with mean age of 18.98 +/- 0.956 years. A statistically significant association was found between RB and MH (P=0.0001). The stronger the RB, the higher the academic success (P=0.017). Similarly a significant association of academic success was also detected with MH (P=0.000). However, there was no association of age, gender and marital status either with RB or MH. CONCLUSION: Stronger RB results in good mental health and academic progress. However, further investigations are required to achieve more reliable results. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Cross-Sectional Studies KW - Educational Status KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Iran KW - ISLAM KW - Male KW - Marital Status KW - mental health KW - PERSONALITY tests KW - Questionnaires KW - religion KW - Students, Medical KW - Young Adult SP - 135 EP - 138 SN - 0030-9982 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5011 T1 - Helping the soul: the relationship between connectivity and well-being within a church community. JF - Journal of Community Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jcop.20299 A1 - Obst,Patricia A1 - Tham,Naomi VL - 37 IS - 3 PY - 2009/04// N2 - Although previous research attests to the importance of psychological sense of community (PSOC) to individuals' well-being, little research has examined this relationship for the four proposed dimensions of PSOC: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection (McMillan & Chavis, 1986). Further, little research has explored multiple aspects of community connectivity in the one study. The current research investigated the relationship between participants' (N=127) religiosity, PSOC, social support, and identification within a church community context and their well-being. Results indicated that the PSOC dimensions of shared emotional connection and influence were particularly important in the prediction of well-being in this context. Further, individuals' perception of social support mediated the relationship between PSOC and well-being and the strength of individuals' identification as a church member enhanced the relationships of both PSOC and religiosity with well-being. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Community Involvement KW - COMMUNITY psychology KW - INFLUENCE (Psychology) KW - Membership KW - NEEDS assessment KW - Religiousness KW - SELF-realization KW - social integration KW - social support SP - 342 EP - 361 SN - 00904392 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5012 T1 - Religiosity, anxiety, and discussions about organ donation: understanding a complex system of associations JF - Health Communication JA - Health Commun M3 - 10.1080/10410230802676755 A1 - Morse,Chris R A1 - Afifi,Walid A A1 - Morgan,Susan E A1 - Stephenson,Michael T A1 - Reichert,Tom A1 - Harrison,Tyler R A1 - Long,Shawn D VL - 24 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - An increasingly large research base on religiosity has shown it to have a buffering effect on anxiety. In a separate vein, scholars interested in organ donation have suggested that both religiosity and anxiety play roles in individuals' willingness to seek information concerning their decisions about organ donations with their family-an event that greatly increases donation rates. This investigation presents 2 studies that examine the associations between religiosity and anxiety (variously measured), on the one hand, and anxiety and individual's information seeking behaviors with family members about organ donation on the other. The first study offers national samples and relies on self-reports, whereas the second study is one of the few organ donation studies to provide observer ratings of interaction between family members on the issue. Results suggest a more complicated role of religiosity with regard to anxiety than previously believed and show a consistent and robust association between anxiety and communication behaviors regarding organ donation. Implications for campaigns are discussed. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Anxiety KW - Attitude to Health KW - Behavior KW - Communication KW - Family KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - Humans KW - Intention KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Middle Aged KW - New England KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Tissue and Organ Procurement KW - Tissue Donors KW - Universities KW - Young Adult SP - 156 EP - 164 SN - 1532-7027 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5013 T1 - Religion, spirituality, social support, and perceived stress in pregnant and postpartum Hispanic women JF - Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing: JOGNN / NAACOG JA - J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs M3 - 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01188.x A1 - Mann,Joshua R A1 - Mannan,Jana A1 - Quiñones,Luis Antonio A1 - Palmer,Allyson A A1 - Torres,Myriam VL - 39 IS - 6 PY - 2010/11// N2 - To examine the association between religion/spirituality and perceived stress in prenatal and postpartum Hispanic women. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: An urban, publicly funded hospital in California. Participants: Two hundred and forty-eight pregnant and postpartum Hispanic women between age 18 and 45 years. Patients presenting for prenatal or postpartum care or for the first infant visit were recruited to participate in the current study. Participants completed surveys consisting of questions about demographic characteristics, religiosity, spirituality, social support, and stress. Most participants were unmarried, low-income women with low educational attainment. Ninety percent of women reported a religious affiliation, with more than one half (57.4%) listing their religious affiliation as "Catholic." Overall religiousness/spirituality was significantly associated with increased negative experiences of stress in women who selected English language instruments (Spearman's r=.341, p=.007); there was no such relationship in women who selected Spanish language instruments. Social support and greater relationship quality with a significant other were significantly associated with reduced perceived stress in Spanish reading and English reading women. In this sample of pregnant and postpartum Latinas, religiousness/spirituality was not associated with reduced perceived stress and was in fact associated with increased perceived stress among women who selected English-language surveys. Additional research is needed to investigate this association. On the other hand, the current study reinforces the importance of social support and relationship quality for pregnant and postpartum women. SP - 645 EP - 657 SN - 1552-6909 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21039849 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5014 T1 - Family violence exposure and health outcomes among older African American women: do spirituality and social support play protective roles? JF - Journal of Women's Health (2002) JA - J Womens Health (Larchmt) M3 - 10.1089/jwh.2009.1845 A1 - Paranjape,Anuradha A1 - Kaslow,Nadine VL - 19 IS - 10 PY - 2010/10// N2 - BACKGROUND: Family violence (FV), spirituality, and social support are salient psychosocial determinants of health. FV is associated with poor health among older African American women. The effect of spirituality and social support levels on the health of older African American women is unknown. METHODS: To assess the role of spirituality and social support as culturally relevant determinants of health status for older African American women independent of FV levels, we used a cross-sectional observational study. Two hundred twelve African American women, aged ? 50, were interviewed in two urban primary care practices. The measures used were (1) Family Violence Against Older Women (FVOW) scale, (2) Physical and Mental Composite Scores of the Short-Form 8 scale, (3) Medical Outcomes of Social Support survey (MOSS), and (4) Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS). Spearman correlation coefficients estimated to test associations among lifetime FV exposure, spirituality, social support, and health status outcomes and multivariate regression models were used to examine the independent effect of spirituality and social support on physical and mental health status, controlling for FV and significant demographic variables. RESULTS: Mean participant age was 63.9 years. Higher spirituality levels were significantly associated with better physical health status after adjusting for FV levels and demographic factors (F = 6.17, p = 0.0001). Similarly, higher levels of spirituality and social support both significantly correlated with better mental health status in the multivariate model (F = 13.45, p < 0.0001) that controlled for lifetime FV levels and demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Spirituality and social support are two potentially modifiable determinants of health for older African American women. Culturally appropriate mechanisms to enhance social support and spirituality levels need to be explored as potential inteventions to improve the health of those African American women who have been exposed to FV. SP - 1899 EP - 1904 SN - 1931-843X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20831432 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5015 T1 - Facets of mindfulness - Results of an online study investigating the Freiburg mindfulness inventory JF - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2008.10.009 A1 - Kohls,Niko A1 - Sauer,Sebastian A1 - Walach,Harald VL - 46 IS - 2 PY - 2009/01// N2 - There is an ongoing discussion about the definition of mindfulness including the question whether mindfulness is a one-dimensional or multidimensional construct. Research on the Freiburg mindfulness inventory (FMI) has also reflected this debate. We have investigated the psychometric properties of the FMI-14-item in an online convenience sample of n = 244 individuals (150 female; mean age 28.7 (SD = 8.76)) with (n = 75) and without (n = 169) regular meditative training). A simplified version of the beck depression inventory (BDI-V) and the trait subscale of the state-trait-anxiety-inventory (STAI-T) were used for determining criterion validity. A one-dimensional ([alpha] = .83) and an alternative two-dimensional solution ([alpha]F1 = .77; [alpha]F2 = .69) of the FMI-14 were tested with a confirmatory factor analysis and yielded suboptimal fit indices. An exploratory analysis resulted in a reduced 8-item version of the two-dimensional solution with better fit indices, but low internal consistency ([alpha]F1 = .71; [alpha]F2 = .64). The factors could be identified as "Presence" (F1) and "Acceptance" (F2). Further investigation revealed that the substantial negative relationship between mindfulness and anxiety and depression is completely due to the "Acceptance" factor of mindfulness. This suggests that there may be heuristic value in the two-factorial solution, although for practical purposes it seems sufficient to assess mindfulness as one-dimensional construct. KW - Anxiety KW - depression KW - Factor-structure KW - Measurement KW - Mindfulness SP - 224 EP - 230 SN - 0191-8869 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V9F-4TYPJ1P-1/2/9b4aeecb7be8a48214b595bfeea752c4 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5017 T1 - The Psychology Of Mindfulness: An Integrated Approach A1 - Eysenck,Michael A1 - Walsh,James A1 - Gera,Jaroslav PB - Routledge PY - 2011/03/15/ SN - 0415414326 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5018 T1 - Effects of low-dose mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR-ld) on working adults JF - Health Education & Behavior: The Official Publication of the Society for Public Health Education JA - Health Educ Behav M3 - 10.1177/1090198108317627 A1 - Klatt,Maryanna D A1 - Buckworth,Janet A1 - Malarkey,William B VL - 36 IS - 3 PY - 2009/06// N2 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has produced behavioral, psychological, and physiological benefits, but these programs typically require a substantial time commitment from the participants. This study assessed the effects of a shortened (low-dose [ld]) work-site MBSR intervention (MBSR-ld) on indicators of stress in healthy working adults to determine if results similar to those obtained in traditional MBSR could be demonstrated. Participants were randomized into MBSR-ld and wait-list control groups. Self-reported perceived stress, sleep quality, and mindfulness were measured at the beginning and end of the 6-week intervention. Salivary cortisol was assessed weekly. Significant reductions in perceived stress (p = .0025) and increases in mindfulness (p = .0149) were obtained for only the MBSR-ld group (n = 22). Scores on the global measure of sleep improved for the MBSR-ld group (p = .0018) as well as for the control group (p = .0072; n = 20). Implications and future research are discussed. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Hydrocortisone KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Occupational Exposure KW - Saliva KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Treatment Outcome KW - Young Adult SP - 601 EP - 614 SN - 1090-1981 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18469160 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5019 T1 - Well-being in a deeply religious society in the shadows of war: results of a household survey of Kuwaitis JF - The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry JA - Am J Orthopsychiatry M3 - 10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01064.x A1 - Figley,Charles R A1 - Chapman,Paula L A1 - Ashkanani,Hadi A1 - Al Naser,Fahad A1 - Donnelly,Elizabeth A VL - 80 IS - 4 PY - 2010/10// N2 - The present study was designed to determine the current level and distribution of well-being among Kuwaiti citizens who have lived either in the middle or in the shadows of war since Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in August 1990. A measure of Kuwaiti well-being, the Kuwaiti Raha Scale, was developed and utilized as the primary indicator in the first National Household Survey (NHS) of well-being in Kuwait. The findings presented are part of an international program of research focusing on national trauma and mental health for which the Kuwaiti NHS was developed. From a population of 935,922 (2004), 830 households were randomly drawn, from which 487 were approached and 416 successfully recruited and surveyed. In contrast to prevailing views in the literature, level of well-being (Raha) was not associated with either educational attainment or wealth. Rather, the results indicate that well-being is more associated with health and religion. Implications of these findings for a new theory of well-being in a deeply religious society are offered along with suggestions for a program of research. The policy implications of the NHS are also discussed. SP - 593 EP - 600 SN - 1939-0025 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20950300 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5021 T1 - The Art of Meditation CY - New York A1 - Ricard,Matthieu PB - Atlantic Books PY - 2010/01/01/ SN - 1848870752 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5022 T1 - Integration of religion into cognitive-behavioral therapy for geriatric anxiety and depression JF - Journal of Psychiatric Practice JA - J Psychiatr Pract M3 - 10.1097/01.pra.0000348363.88676.4d A1 - Paukert,Amber L A1 - Phillips,Laura A1 - Cully,Jeffrey A A1 - Loboprabhu,Sheila M A1 - Lomax,James W A1 - Stanley,Melinda A VL - 15 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Religion is important to most older adults, and research generally finds a positive relationship between religion and mental health. Among psychotherapies used in the treatment of anxiety and depression in older adults, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base. Incorporation of religion into CBT may increase its acceptability and effectiveness in this population. This article reviews studies that have examined the effects of integrating religion into CBT for depression and anxiety. These studies indicate that improvement in depressive and anxiety symptoms occurs earlier in treatment when CBT incorporates religion, although effects are equivalent at follow-up. The authors present recommendations for integrating religious beliefs and behaviors into CBT based on empirical literature concerning which aspects of religion affect mental health. A case example is also included that describes the integration of religion into CBT for an older man with cognitive impairment experiencing comorbid generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. It is recommended that clinicians consider the integration of religion into psychotherapy for older adults with depression or anxiety and that studies be conducted to examine the added benefit of incorporating religion into CBT for the treatment of depression and anxiety in older adults. KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Aging KW - Anxiety KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Comorbidity KW - depression KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Psychotherapy KW - Religion and Psychology SP - 103 EP - 112 SN - 1538-1145 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5023 T1 - Religiosity and HIV risk behaviors in African-American students JF - Psychological Reports JA - Psychol Rep A1 - Boyd-Starke,Kimberly A1 - Hill,Oliver W A1 - Fife,John A1 - Whittington,Marcina VL - 108 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04// N1 -

 The purpose of this study was to see how dimensions of religiosity and spirituality influenced the HIV risk behavior in African-American college students. 256 African-American students between the ages of 18 and 25 were participants. The results from the study confirmed that there was a relationship between religiosity/spirituality and one's tendency to engage in HIV risk behaviors in the population of African-American college students. The portions of religiosity with the greatest impact on these behaviors were the Experiential/Phenomenological, the Existential Well-being, and the Cognitive dimensions.

N2 - The participants were 256 African-American students between the ages of 18 and 25, from two historically Black universities. The purpose of this study was to see how dimensions of religiosity and spirituality influenced the HIV risk behavior in African-American college students. Each participant completed the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory (ESI) and a survey of sexual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. The data were analyzed using a series of ANOVAs, t tests, and correlations. The results from the study confirmed that there was a relationship between religiosity/spirituality and one's tendency to engage in HIV risk behaviors in the population of African-American college students. Interestingly, this study was able to reveal that traditional indicators of religiosity, such as association and church attendance, were not predictors of any of the risky sexual behaviors or attitudes. The portions of religiosity with the greatest impact on these behaviors were the Experiential/Phenomenological, the Existential Well-being, and the Cognitive dimensions, with high scores on each indicative of less likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - African Americans KW - Female KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - Health Surveys KW - HIV Infections KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Personality Inventory KW - Psychometrics KW - Religion and Medicine KW - spirituality KW - Statistics as Topic KW - Students KW - Substance-Related Disorders KW - Unsafe Sex KW - Young Adult SP - 528 EP - 536 SN - 0033-2941 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21675567 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5024 T1 - Financial hardship and psychological distress: exploring the buffering effects of religion JF - Social Science & Medicine JA - Soc Sci Med A1 - Bradshaw,Matt A1 - Ellison,Christopher G VL - 71 IS - 1 PY - 2010/07// N2 - Despite ample precedent in theology and social theory, few studies have systematically examined the role of religion in mitigating the harmful effects of socioeconomic deprivation on mental health. The present study outlines several arguments linking objective and subjective measures of financial hardship, as well as multiple aspects of religious life, with psychological distress. Relevant hypotheses are then tested using data on adults aged 18-59 from the 1998 USNORC General Social Survey. Findings confirm that both types of financial hardship are positively associated with distress, and that several different aspects of religious life buffer against these deleterious influences. Specifically, religious attendance and the belief in an afterlife moderate the deleterious effects of financial hardship on both objective and subjective financial hardship, while meditation serves this function only for objective hardship. No interactive relationships were found between frequency of prayer and financial hardship. A number of implications, study limitations, and directions for future research are identified. SP - 196 EP - 204 SN - 1873-5347 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5026 T1 - Religiosity and its relation to quality of life in Christian Orthodox cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy JF - Psycho-Oncology JA - Psychooncology M3 - 10.1002/pon.1402 A1 - Assimakopoulos,Konstantinos A1 - Karaivazoglou,Katerina A1 - Ifanti,Amalia A A1 - Gerolymos,Miltiadis K A1 - Kalofonos,Haralabos P A1 - Iconomou,Gregoris VL - 18 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N1 -

The first objective of the current observational study was to assess the levels of religiosity in Greek Christian Orthodox cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The second objective was to evaluate the associations between religiosity and quality of life (QoL), an endpoint of considerable importance in clinical cancer research and practice.

N2 - OBJECTIVES The first objective of the current observational study was to assess the levels of religiosity in Greek Christian Orthodox cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The second objective was to evaluate the associations between religiosity and quality of life (QoL), an endpoint of considerable importance in clinical cancer research and practice. METHOD One hundred eighteen adult outpatients with solid tumors, who consented to participate, were administered the Systems of Belief Inventory (SBI-15R) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire. RESULTS The analysis revealed high scores on religiosity, especially among female patients, who reported significantly higher levels of religious beliefs and practices as well as perceived social support provided by the religious community than did their male counterparts. Of all EORTC QOL-C30 subscales, only global QoL was found to be significantly associated with the SBI-15R religious beliefs subscale. The analysis revealed no significant correlations between the SBI-15R social support subscale and all QoL subscales. CONCLUSIONS The current study reported high levels of religiosity among Greek Christian Orthodox cancer patients. However, levels of religiosity were only weakly associated with patients' QoL. The SBI-15R appeared to be a well-accepted and reliable tool, potentially useful for future research in Greek settings. Wide-scale studies from the same and diverse religious and cultural backgrounds are needed to clarify further the connections between religiosity, QoL, coping, and other health outcomes with the aim to devise appropriate multicomponent interventions to enhance patients' QoL. KW - Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols KW - Christianity KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasms KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - religion SP - 284 EP - 289 SN - 1099-1611 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18702046 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5027 T1 - Psychosocial adjustment to multiple sclerosis: exploration of identity redefinition JF - Disability and Rehabilitation JA - Disabil Rehabil M3 - 10.1080/09638280802243286 A1 - Irvine,H A1 - Davidson,C A1 - Hoy,K A1 - Lowe-Strong,A VL - 31 IS - 8 PY - 2009/// N2 - PURPOSE: As multiple sclerosis (MS) often occurs in the prime of life and is unpredictable in nature, there is likely to be a strong psychological effect, with changes in values and beliefs and how the individual sees him or her self. This article presents the findings of a focus group study which aimed to explore the subjective experiences of living with, and adjusting to, MS. METHOD: Seven individuals who had been diagnosed with MS for at least 5 years reflected on their reactions to being diagnosed, how they cope with the day to day challenges of the disease, and the changes that they have experienced. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Diagnosis was met with negative reactions: denial, concealment and diminished confidence. However, the majority reported that, over time, there were positive changes in terms of their values and outlook. It would appear that the functional difficulties and psychological challenges, such as uncertainty and depression, are ameliorated to some extent by an increased appreciation for life and spirituality. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide insight into the psychological process of identity redefinition associated with adjusting to MS. Given this, interventions should target role/identity re-examination to assist individuals with MS in better managing the disease and enjoying life. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Attitude KW - Empathy KW - Female KW - Focus Groups KW - Humans KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Life Change Events KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Multiple Sclerosis KW - Self Concept KW - social support SP - 599 EP - 606 SN - 0963-8288 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5029 T1 - The benefits of prayer on mood and well-being of breast cancer survivors JF - Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer JA - Support Care Cancer M3 - 10.1007/s00520-008-0482-5 A1 - Levine,Ellen G A1 - Aviv,Caryn A1 - Yoo,Grace A1 - Ewing,Cheryl A1 - Au,Alfred VL - 17 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N2 - OBJECTIVES Prayer is becoming more widely acknowledged as a way to cope with cancer. The goal of this study was to compare differences in use of prayer between breast cancer survivors from different ethnic groups and examine how use of prayer is related to mood and quality of life. METHODS This study used a mixed methods design. One hundred and seventy-five breast cancer survivors participated in a longitudinal study of survivorship. Women completed in-depth qualitative interviews and a battery of measures including quality of life, spirituality, social support, and mood. RESULTS Eighty-one percent of the women prayed. There were no significant differences between the groups for any of the psychological, social support, or quality of life variables with the exception of higher benefit finding and spiritual well-being among those who prayed. The data did show that women who prayed were able to find more positive contributions from their cancer experience than women who did not pray. The interviews showed that those who prayed tended to be African American or Asian, Catholic or Protestant. The prayers were for petitioning, comfort, or praise. Some of the women stated that they had difficulty praying for themselves. CONCLUSIONS While there seems to be few differences in terms of standardized measures of quality of life, social support, and mood between those who prayed and those who did not, the interviews showed that certain ethnic minority groups seem to find more comfort in prayer, felt closer to God, and felt more compassion and forgiveness than Caucasian women. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Affect KW - Aged KW - Breast Neoplasms KW - California KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Middle Aged KW - Quality of Life KW - religion KW - social support KW - spirituality KW - Statistics, Nonparametric KW - Survivors SP - 295 EP - 306 SN - 0941-4355 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18633651 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5030 T1 - Is religiosity a protective factor against attempted suicide: a cross-cultural case-control study JF - Archives of Suicide Research: Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research JA - Arch Suicide Res M3 - 10.1080/13811110903479052 A1 - Sisask,Merike A1 - Värnik,Airi A1 - Kõlves,Kairi A1 - Bertolote,José M. A1 - Bolhari,Jafar A1 - Botega,Neury J A1 - Fleischmann,Alexandra A1 - Vijayakumar,Lakshmi A1 - Wasserman,Danuta VL - 14 IS - 1 PY - 2010/// N2 - This cross-cultural study investigates whether religiosity assessed in three dimensions has a protective effect against attempted suicide. Community controls (n = 5484) were more likely than suicide attempters (n = 2819) to report religious denomination in Estonia (OR = 0.5) and subjective religiosity in four countries: Brazil (OR = 0.2), Estonia (OR = 0.5), Islamic Republic of Iran (OR = 0.6), and Sri Lanka (OR = 0.4). In South Africa, the effect was exceptional both for religious denomination (OR = 5.9) and subjective religiosity (OR = 2.7). No effects were found in India and Vietnam. Organizational religiosity gave controversial results. In particular, subjective religiosity (considering him/herself as religious person) may serve as a protective factor against non-fatal suicidal behavior in some cultures. SP - 44 EP - 55 SN - 1543-6136 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5031 T1 - Spirituality and health: an exploratory study of hospital patients' perspectives JF - Australian Health Review: A Publication of the Australian Hospital Association JA - Aust Health Rev M3 - 10.1071/AH09655 A1 - Hilbers,Julieanne A1 - Haynes,Abby S. A1 - Kivikko,Jennifer G. VL - 34 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N2 - The relationship between spirituality/religion and health is receiving increasing academic interest, but few studies have explored the experience of Australians. This paper presents data from an exploratory survey of patients and families in a public teaching hospital in Sydney. The findings show that the majority of hospital service users: SP - 3 EP - 10 SN - 0156-5788 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5032 T1 - Learning for holistic care: addressing practical wisdom (phronesis) and the spiritual sphere JF - Journal of Advanced Nursing JA - J Adv Nurs M3 - 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04949.x A1 - Leathard,Helen L A1 - Cook,Michael J VL - 65 IS - 6 PY - 2009/06// N2 - This paper is a discussion of practical wisdom (phronesis) and spirituality in holistic caring and strategies to facilitate their application in nurse education. Phronesis, with its inherent spiritual qualities, is an established aspect of the persona of excellent clinical leaders. There is a strong case for recognizing the value of this characteristic in all nurses, and a strategy is required for engendering the development of phronesis during nurse education. Electronic searches of Google Scholar and CINAHL were conducted for English language publications in the period 1996-2008. Search terms included combinations of phronesis, spirituality, health, education, pharmacology, medicines and medication education, holistic care and spiritual care. Selection of items for inclusion was based on their pertinence to the arguments being developed and their value as leads to earlier material. The links between the attributes of effective clinical leaders and those required for holistic caring are explicated and related to phronesis, the acquisition of which involves spiritual development. An explanatory account of phronesis and its applicability to nursing leads to an explanation of how its spiritual aspects in particular might be incorporated into learning for holistic care. Reference to research in medicines-related education illustrates how the principles can be applied in nurse education. Nursing quality could be enhanced if adequate opportunities for acquiring phronesis through experiential learning were provided in nursing curricula. Phronesis and spiritual care could be incorporated into existing models of nursing care or new models devised to use these critical concepts. KW - Attitude of Health Personnel KW - Education, Nursing KW - Holistic Nursing KW - Humans KW - Knowledge KW - Nurse-Patient Relations KW - Pharmacology KW - spirituality SP - 1318 EP - 1327 SN - 1365-2648 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5033 T1 - The role of mindfulness in positive reappraisal JF - Explore (New York, N.Y.) JA - Explore (NY) M3 - 10.1016/j.explore.2008.10.001 A1 - Garland,Eric A1 - Gaylord,Susan A1 - Park,Jongbae VL - 5 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02//Jan-undefined N2 - Mindfulness meditation is increasingly well known for therapeutic efficacy in a variety of illnesses and conditions, but its mechanism of action is still under debate in scientific circles. In this paper, we propose a hypothetical causal model that argues for the role of mindfulness in positive reappraisal coping. Positive reappraisal is a critical component of meaning-based coping that enables individuals to adapt successfully to stressful life events. Mindfulness, as a metacognitive form of awareness, involves the process of decentering, a shifting of cognitive sets that enables alternate appraisals of life events. We review the concept of positive reappraisal in transactional stress and coping theory, then describe research and traditional literature related to mindfulness and positive reappraisal, and detail the central role of mindfulness in the reappraisal process. With this understanding, we present a causal model explicating the proposed mechanism. The discussion has implications for clinical practice, suggesting how mindfulness-based integrative medicine interventions can be designed to support adaptive coping processes. KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Humans KW - Internal-External Control KW - Meditation KW - Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical KW - Models, Psychological KW - Psychotherapy, Group KW - Quality of Life SP - 37 EP - 44 SN - 1550-8307 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19114262 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5034 T1 - Creativity, Spirituality, and Mental Health: Exploring Connections T3 - New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies CY - Surrey, England A1 - Mayo,Kelley Raab PB - Ashgate PY - 2009/11/01/ SN - 0754664589 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5035 T1 - Hinduism and Mental Health: engaging British Hindus JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture JA - Mental Hlth., Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674676.2010.488427 A1 - Kang,Chetna VL - 13 IS - 6 PY - 2010/09// N2 - Understanding service users' symptoms in the context of their cultural background can be of great assistance in diagnosing and managing their illness and possibly even more so when trying to engage them in services. It only stands to reason then that with many service users using spirituality or religion as way of making sense of who they are, some understanding of the spiritual principles on which many cultures are based, would be useful. In this paper we will be looking at the teachings of Hinduism and how they may influence Hindus suffering mental health problems, in particular, British Hindus. SP - 587 EP - 593 SN - 1367-4676 UR - http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?genre=article&doi=10.1080/13674676.2010.488427&magic=crossref||D404A21C5BB053405B1A640AFFD44AE3 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5036 T1 - Support from neurobiology for spiritual techniques for anxiety: a brief review JF - Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy JA - J Health Care Chaplain M3 - 10.1080/08854720903451055 A1 - Mayo,Kelley Raab VL - 16 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N2 - Research in neurobiology supports use of spiritual techniques as a beneficial treatment for anxiety. Psychotherapy, including mindfulness CBT and meditation, has been shown to change brain structure. The amygdala-the brain structure responsible for processing emotion and anxiety-demonstrates plasticity, and the purpose of therapy may be to allow the cortex to establish more effective and efficient synaptic links with the amygdala. A main feature of spiritual approaches is changing one's focus of attention. Instead of worry, one focuses on peaceful thoughts, thoughts of helping others, etc. Research demonstrates that thought, meditation, and other manifestations of mind can alter the brain, sometimes in an enduring way. Few studies have addressed the neurobiological underpinnings of meditation. Limited evidence, however, suggests that brain changes occur during prolonged meditation and that meditation activates neural structures involved in attention and control of the autonomic nervous system. SP - 53 EP - 57 SN - 1528-6916 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5037 T1 - Facets of spirituality as predictors of adjustment to cancer: relative contributions of having faith and finding meaning JF - Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology JA - J Consult Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0015820 A1 - Yanez,Betina A1 - Edmondson,Donald A1 - Stanton,Annette L A1 - Park,Crystal L A1 - Kwan,Lorna A1 - Ganz,Patricia A A1 - Blank,Thomas O VL - 77 IS - 4 PY - 2009/08// N1 -

The authors examined 2 components of spiritual well-being (i.e., meaning/peace and faith) and their interaction, as well as change scores on those variables, as predictors of psychological adjustment. In Study 1, higher baseline meaning/peace, as well as an increase in meaning/peace over 6 months, predicted a decline in depressive symptoms and an increase in vitality across 12 months in breast cancer patients. Baseline faith predicted an increase in perceived cancer-related growth. Study 2 revealed that an increase in meaning/peace was related to improved mental health and lower cancer-related distress. An increase in faith was related to increased cancer-related growth. Both studies revealed significant interactions between meaning/peace and faith in predicting adjustment. Findings suggest that the ability to find meaning and peace in life is the more influential contributor to favorable adjustment during cancer survivorship, although faith appears to be uniquely related to perceived cancer-related growth.

N2 - Spirituality is a multidimensional construct, and little is known about how its distinct dimensions jointly affect well-being. In longitudinal studies (Study 1, n = 418 breast cancer patients; Study 2, n = 165 cancer survivors), the authors examined 2 components of spiritual well-being (i.e., meaning/peace and faith) and their interaction, as well as change scores on those variables, as predictors of psychological adjustment. In Study 1, higher baseline meaning/peace, as well as an increase in meaning/peace over 6 months, predicted a decline in depressive symptoms and an increase in vitality across 12 months in breast cancer patients. Baseline faith predicted an increase in perceived cancer-related growth. Study 2 revealed that an increase in meaning/peace was related to improved mental health and lower cancer-related distress. An increase in faith was related to increased cancer-related growth. Both studies revealed significant interactions between meaning/peace and faith in predicting adjustment. Findings suggest that the ability to find meaning and peace in life is the more influential contributor to favorable adjustment during cancer survivorship, although faith appears to be uniquely related to perceived cancer-related growth. KW - cancer KW - faith KW - meaning KW - spirituality SP - 730 EP - 741 SN - 1939-2117 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19634965 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5038 T1 - The benefits of meditation practice in the correctional setting JF - Journal of Correctional Health Care: The Official Journal of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care JA - J Correct Health Care M3 - 10.1177/1078345808326621 A1 - Sumter,Melvina T A1 - Monk-Turner,Elizabeth A1 - Turner,Charlie VL - 15 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N2 - This research examined the impact of a structured meditation program intervention on female detainees, comparing an experimental group and a control group for medical symptoms, emotions, and behaviors before and after the intervention. A 2 1/2-hour meditation session was held once a week for 7 weeks. Study participants completed a medical symptoms checklist before the program began and after it ended. At the posttest period, the experimental group experienced fewer sleeping difficulties, less desire to throw things or hit people, and less nail or cuticle biting; were more hopeful about their future; and felt less guilt. Meditation was beneficial for this population and may be a cost-effective tool for inmates and administrators. Meditation effects, especially among inmates, merit further research attention. KW - Behavior KW - Emotions KW - Family Characteristics KW - Female KW - Health Status KW - Humans KW - Meditation KW - Nail Biting KW - prisons KW - Sleep KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - Violence SP - 47-57; quiz 81 EP - 47-57; quiz 81 SN - 1940-5200 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5039 T1 - What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. JF - Psychotherapy M3 - 10.1037/a0022062 A1 - Davis,Daphne M. A1 - Hayes,Jeffrey A. VL - 48 IS - 2 PY - 2011/06// N1 -

Research suggests that mindfulness practices offer psychotherapists a way to positively affect aspects of therapy that account for successful treatment. This paper provides psychotherapists with a synthesis of the empirically supported advantages of mindfulness. Definitions of mindfulness and evidence-based interpersonal, affective, and intrapersonal benefits of mindfulness are presented. Research on therapists who meditate and client outcomes of therapists who meditate are reviewed. Implications for practice, research, and training are discussed.

N2 - Research suggests that mindfulness practices offer psychotherapists a way to positively affect aspects of therapy that account for successful treatment. This paper provides psychotherapists with a synthesis of the empirically supported advantages of mindfulness. Definitions of mindfulness and evidence-based interpersonal, affective, and intrapersonal benefits of mindfulness are presented. Research on therapists who meditate and client outcomes of therapists who meditate are reviewed. Implications for practice, research, and training are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) KW - literature review KW - Meditation KW - Mindfulness KW - Psychotherapy SP - 198 EP - 208 SN - 0033-3204 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5040 T1 - Psychotherapy with religious and spiritual clients: an introduction JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20561 A1 - Worthington,Everett L, Jr A1 - Aten,Jamie D VL - 65 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - This invited issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session is devoted to psychotherapy with religious and spiritual clients. After offering definitions of religion and spirituality, noting areas of potential convergence and differentiating nuances, the authors highlight the prevalence and types of spirituality among both clients and mental health professionals. They describe the historical and current context for examining approaches to psychotherapy with clients who endorse religion, experience spirituality within their religion, or define themselves as spiritual even if not religious. They then summarize the subsequent articles in this issue, which offer practical guidance for practitioners. KW - Humans KW - Journalism KW - Psychotherapy KW - spirituality SP - 123 EP - 130 SN - 1097-4679 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19090533 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5041 T1 - Latino Women's Spiritual Beliefs Related to Health JF - American Journal of Health Promotion: AJHP JA - Am J Health Promot M3 - 10.4278/ajhp.080923-QUAL-211 A1 - Jurkowski,Janine M A1 - Kurlanska,Courtney A1 - Ramos,Blanca M VL - 25 IS - 1 PY - 2010/10//Sep-undefined N2 - PURPOSE: This study employed qualitative research to describe the relationship between spirituality and overall health among a sample of Latino women. A framework is presented for understanding this complex relationship. DESIGN: Findings are presented from a qualitative analysis of six 1.5-hour focus group sessions. SETTING: The research was conducted among Latino women living in Chicago, Illinois, and Northeastern New York communities. We employed a community-based participatory research approach in which community members were active participants throughout the research process. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 47 Latino women 31 to 81 years, all of whom were Christian and the majority (43%) of whom had less than a high school education. Twenty-seven percent reported having high school diplomas, and the same percentage reported at least some college. Of the women who answered the questions, one did not have health insurance, 69% had public health insurance, and 29% had private health insurance. MEASURES: Grounded theory using selective coding was employed to understand the relationship between spirituality and health and to develop the conceptual framework. RESULTS: Spirituality was expressed as a vital component of health, and the belief in a need for balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health was described. An active and a passive relationship between spirituality and health emerged, with active being most common. Asking God for help or faith as a coping strategy were subdomains of the active relationship, and God responsible for health fell under the passive domain. These relationship types influenced beliefs about participation in one's own health. CONCLUSION: The findings that emerged contribute to an understanding of how spirituality plays a role in health beliefs among Latino women, which has implications for health promotion research and program development for addressing health disparities. SP - 19 EP - 25 SN - 0890-1171 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5042 T1 - Relational spirituality and the development of the Similarity of the Offender’s Spirituality Scale. JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0017581 A1 - Davis,Don E. A1 - Worthington,Everett L. A1 - Hook,Joshua N. A1 - Van Tongeren,Daryl R. A1 - Green,Jeffrey D. A1 - Jennings,David J. II VL - 1 IS - 4 PY - 2009/11// N2 - We present a model of relational spirituality and forgiveness that considers how a victim’s spirituality affects his or her experience of and response to a transgression. In 2 studies, we investigate the psychometric properties of the Similarity of the Offender’s Spirituality Scale (SOS), which assesses the extent to which the victim sees the offender as spiritually similar. Results suggest the SOS has 2 factors that assess the offender’s spiritual and human similarity. The SOS showed initial evidence of construct validity, being related to other measures of spirituality and to measures of the victim’s response to a transgression. The overall model was found to offer incremental validity beyond known predictors of forgiveness. We suggest directions for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) KW - Attitude Similarity KW - forgive KW - Forgiveness KW - religion KW - Religious Beliefs KW - similarity KW - Similarity of the Offender’s Spirituality Scale KW - spirituality KW - Test Construction KW - Test Validity SP - 249 EP - 262 SN - 1941-1022 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=rel-1-4-249&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5043 T1 - The relation between sexual behavior and religiosity subtypes: a test of the secularization hypothesis JF - Archives of Sexual Behavior JA - Arch Sex Behav M3 - 10.1007/s10508-008-9407-0 A1 - Farmer,Melissa A A1 - Trapnell,Paul D A1 - Meston,Cindy M VL - 38 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10// N2 - Previous literature on religion and sexual behavior has focused on narrow definitions of religiosity, including religious affiliation, religious participation, or forms of religiousness (e.g., intrinsic religiosity). Trends toward more permissive premarital sexual activity in the North American Christian-Judeo religion support the secularization hypothesis of religion, which posits an increasing gap between religious doctrine and behavior. However, the recent rise of fundamentalist and new age religious movements calls for a reexamination of the current link between religion and sexual behavior. The use of dual definitions of religiosity, including religious affiliation and dimensional subtypes, may further characterize this link. The present cross-sectional study evaluated patterns of sexual behavior in a young adult sample (N = 1302, M age = 18.77 years) in the context of the secularization hypothesis using religious affiliation and a liberal-conservative continuum of religious subtypes: paranormal belief, spirituality, intrinsic religiosity, and fundamentalism. Results indicated few affiliation differences in sexual behavior in men or women. Sexual behaviors were statistically predicted by spirituality, fundamentalism, and paranormal belief, and the endorsement of fundamentalism in particular was correlated with lower levels of female sexual behavior. The secularization hypothesis was supported by consistent levels of sexual activity across affiliations and is contradicted by the differential impact of religiosity subtypes on sexual behavior. Findings suggested that the use of religious subtypes to evaluate religious differences, rather than solely affiliation, may yield useful insights into the link between religion and sexual behavior. SP - 852 EP - 865 SN - 1573-2800 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18839301 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5044 T1 - Provision of spiritual care to patients with advanced cancer: associations with medical care and quality of life near death JF - Journal of Clinical Oncology: Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology JA - J. Clin. Oncol M3 - 10.1200/JCO.2009.24.8005 A1 - Balboni,Tracy Anne A1 - Paulk,Mary Elizabeth A1 - Balboni,Michael J A1 - Phelps,Andrea C A1 - Loggers,Elizabeth Trice A1 - Wright,Alexi A A1 - Block,Susan D A1 - Lewis,Eldrin F A1 - Peteet,John R A1 - Prigerson,Holly Gwen VL - 28 IS - 3 PY - 2010/01/20/ N1 -

To determine whether spiritual care from the medical team impacts medical care received and quality of life (QoL) at the end of life (EoL) and to examine these relationships according to patient religious coping.

N2 - PURPOSE: To determine whether spiritual care from the medical team impacts medical care received and quality of life (QoL) at the end of life (EoL) and to examine these relationships according to patient religious coping. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, multisite study of patients with advanced cancer from September 2002 through August 2008. We interviewed 343 patients at baseline and observed them (median, 116 days) until death. Spiritual care was defined by patient-rated support of spiritual needs by the medical team and receipt of pastoral care services. The Brief Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) assessed positive religious coping. EoL outcomes included patient QoL and receipt of hospice and any aggressive care (eg, resuscitation). Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and repeated according to median-split religious coping. RESULTS: Patients whose spiritual needs were largely or completely supported by the medical team received more hospice care in comparison with those not supported (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.53; 95% CI, 1.53 to 8.12, P = .003). High religious coping patients whose spiritual needs were largely or completely supported were more likely to receive hospice (AOR = 4.93; 95% CI, 1.64 to 14.80; P = .004) and less likely to receive aggressive care (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.79; P = .02) in comparison with those not supported. Spiritual support from the medical team and pastoral care visits were associated with higher QOL scores near death (20.0 [95% CI, 18.9 to 21.1] v 17.3 [95% CI, 15.9 to 18.8], P = .007; and 20.4 [95% CI, 19.2 to 21.1] v 17.7 [95% CI, 16.5 to 18.9], P = .003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Support of terminally ill patients' spiritual needs by the medical team is associated with greater hospice utilization and, among high religious copers, less aggressive care at EoL. Spiritual care is associated with better patient QoL near death. SP - 445 EP - 452 SN - 1527-7755 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5046 T1 - Body Awareness, Eating Attitudes, and Spiritual Beliefs of Women Practicing Yoga JF - Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention M3 - 10.1080/10640260902991111 A1 - Dittmann,K. A. A1 - Freedman,M. R. VL - 17 IS - 4 PY - 2009/07// N2 - This research evaluated attitudes about body image and eating in women practicing postural yoga. Qualitative data reported improvements in body satisfaction and a reduction in disordered eating due in part to yoga and its associated spirituality. SP - 273 EP - 292 SN - 1064-0266 UR - http://www.informaworld.com/10.1080/10640260902991111 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5047 T1 - A randomized trial of spiritual assessment of outpatients with schizophrenia: patients' and clinicians' experience JF - Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.) JA - Psychiatr Serv M3 - 10.1176/appi.ps.62.1.79 A1 - Huguelet,Philippe A1 - Mohr,Sylvia A1 - Betrisey,Carine A1 - Borras,Laurence A1 - Gillieron,Christiane A1 - Marie,Adham Mancini A1 - Rieben,Isabelle A1 - Perroud,Nader A1 - Brandt,Pierre-Yves VL - 62 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - OBJECTIVE: Recovery-oriented care for patients with schizophrenia involves consideration of cultural issues, such as religion and spirituality. However, there is evidence that psychiatrists rarely address such topics. This study examined acceptance of a spiritual assessment by patients and clinicians, suggestions for treatment that arose from the assessment, and patient outcomes--in terms of treatment compliance and satisfaction with care (as measured by treatment alliance). METHODS: Outpatients with psychosis were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group that received traditional treatment and a religious and spiritual assessment (N=40) and a control group that received only traditional treatment (N=38). Eight psychiatrists were trained to administer the assessment to their established and stable patients. After each administration, the psychiatrist attended a supervision session with a psychiatrist and a psychologist of religion. Baseline and three-month data were collected. RESULTS: The spiritual assessment was well accepted by patients. During supervision, psychiatrists reported potential clinical uses for the assessment information for 67% of patients. No between-group differences in medication adherence and satisfaction with care were found at three months, although patients in the intervention group had significantly better appointment attendance during the follow-up period. Their interest in discussing religion and spirituality with their psychiatrists remained high. The process was not as well accepted by psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: Spiritual assessment can raise important clinical issues in the treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Cultural factors, such as religion and spirituality, should be considered early in clinical training, because many clinicians are not at ease addressing such topics with patients. SP - 79 EP - 86 SN - 1557-9700 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5048 T1 - Hatha yoga for depression: critical review of the evidence for efficacy, plausible mechanisms of action, and directions for future research JF - Journal of Psychiatric Practice JA - J Psychiatr Pract M3 - 10.1097/01.pra.0000367775.88388.96 A1 - Uebelacker,Lisa A A1 - Epstein-Lubow,Gary A1 - Gaudiano,Brandon A A1 - Tremont,Geoffrey A1 - Battle,Cynthia L A1 - Miller,Ivan W VL - 16 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N2 - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to review the evidence for the efficacy of hatha yoga for depression and possible mechanisms by which yoga may have an impact on depression, and to outline directions for future research. METHODS: Literature review and synthesis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A literature search for clinical trials examining yoga for depression uncovered eight trials: 5 including individuals with clinical depression, and 3 for individuals with elevated depression symptoms. Although results from these trials are encouraging, they should be viewed as very preliminary because the trials, as a group, suffered from substantial methodological limitations. We would argue, however, that there are several reasons to consider constructing careful research on yoga for depression. First, current strategies for treating depression are not sufficient for many individuals, and patients have several concerns about existing treatments. Yoga may be an attractive alternative to or a good way to augment current depression treatment strategies. Second, aspects of yoga-including mindfulness promotion and exercise-are thought to be "active ingredients" of other successful treatments for depression. Third, there are plausible biological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms by which yoga may have an impact on depression. We provide suggestions for the next steps in the study of yoga as a treatment for depression. SP - 22 EP - 33 SN - 1538-1145 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5049 T1 - The meaning of spirituality and spiritual care among the Hong Kong Chinese terminally ill JF - Journal of Advanced Nursing JA - J Adv Nurs M3 - 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05193.x A1 - Mok,Esther A1 - Wong,Frances A1 - Wong,Daniel VL - 66 IS - 2 PY - 2010/02// N2 - AIM: This paper is a report of a study conducted to explore the phenomenon of spirituality and spiritual care among terminally ill Chinese patients. BACKGROUND: Meeting a patient's spiritual needs is a fundamental part of holistic nursing care. In the Western literature, spirituality is related to connectedness, faith, and hope. Contemporary scholars in the West suggest that spirituality is a broader term than religion. METHOD: Phenomenological interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 15 terminally ill Chinese patients in 2007. FINDINGS: Participants found the term spirituality an abstract concept and described it as a unique personal belief which gives strength and relates to meaning of life. Spirituality is integrated with the body and mind and is a multidimensional concept. The acceptance of death as a process in life and 'letting go' leads to serenity and peace of mind. Other important themes include how the meaning of life is derived through relationships and connectedness, self-reflection of responsibilities, and obligations fulfilled. Inner spiritual well-being is attained from having faith and knowing possibilities in life and after death. Participants did not expect nurses to provide spiritual care, but when quality interpersonal care was given it gave them strength and spiritually supportive. CONCLUSION: If healthcare professionals can provide a compassionate and loving environment that facilitates acceptance and hope, the spiritual life of patients is enhanced. For dying individuals to experience love and for them to be understood as valuable even when no longer economically productive are both experiences of healing. SP - 360 EP - 370 SN - 1365-2648 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5050 T1 - Coming to peace with psychology: what Christians can learn from psychological science CY - Downers Grove Ill. A1 - Worthington,Everett PB - IVP Academic PY - 2010/// SN - 9780830838820 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5051 T1 - Heart rate dynamics in different levels of Zen meditation JF - International Journal of Cardiology M3 - 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.06.058 A1 - Peressutti,Caroline A1 - Martín-González,Juan M. A1 - García-Manso,Juan A1 - Mesa,Denkô VL - 145 IS - 1 PY - 2010/11/05/ N2 - The dynamic interactions among physiological rhythms imbedded in the heart rate signal can give valuable insights into autonomic modulation in conditions of reduced outward attention. Therefore, in this study we analyzed the heart rate variability (HRV) in different levels of practice in Zen meditation (Zazen). Nineteen subjects with variable experience took part in this study. In four special cases we collected both HRV and respiration data. The time series were analyzed in frequency domain and also using the Continuous Wavelet Transform, which detects changes in the time domain and in the frequency domain simultaneously. The shifts in the respiratory modulation of heart rate, or respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), reflect the different levels of practice among practitioners with variable experience in Zazen; in turn the modulation of the RSA may reflect changes in the breathing pattern as in the parasympathetic outflow related to the quality and focus of attention in each stage. KW - Heart rate variability KW - Low frequency oscillations KW - Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia KW - Wavelet analysis KW - Zen meditation SP - 142 EP - 146 SN - 0167-5273 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T16-4WV5BC4-4/2/ffd196b6a045356405d9333b82d524d3 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5052 T1 - The impact of mental health problems and religiosity on African-American girls' HIV-risk JF - Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology JA - Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0023243 A1 - Udell,Wadiya A1 - Donenberg,Geri A1 - Emerson,Erin VL - 17 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04// N1 -

This study investigated the relationship between religiosity, mental health problems, and two sexual risk behaviors-condom use and number of partners. Participants were 80 sexually active African American girls in psychiatric care and their caregivers.

N2 - We investigated the relationship between religiosity, mental health problems, and two sexual risk behaviors-condom use and number of partners. Participants were 80 sexually active African American girls in psychiatric care and their caregivers. Results indicated differential relationships, depending on parent versus youth report. Mother's religiosity was positively related to girls' condom use and not to girls' number of partners. Controlling for other predictors in the models, mother's religiosity explained as much as 15% of the variance in girls' condom use. Whereas parent and adolescent reports of girls' depression/anxiety and rule-breaking were positively associated with number of partners, reports of aggression were associated with having fewer partners. Neither parent nor youth reports of girls' mental health problems were associated with condom use. Controlling for other predictors in the models, girls' mental health problems accounted for as much as 31% of the variance in number of partners. Findings underscore the importance of adopting an ecological framework to understand both the risk and promotive factors for sexual risk taking among troubled girls. The roles of specific aspects of psychopathology and religiosity in relation to sexual risk behavior among African American girls in psychiatric care are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). SP - 217 EP - 224 SN - 1099-9809 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21604846 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5053 T1 - The Scale Properties of the Adolescent Form of the Francis Psychological Type Scales (FPTSA) Among Canadian Baptist Youth JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-010-0324-5 A1 - Fawcett,Bruce A1 - Francis,Leslie A1 - Robbins,Mandy VL - 60 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04// N2 - sample of 755 religiously committed young people between the ages of 12 and 18 attending Tidal Impact (a weeklong youth mission and service event sponsored by the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches in Eastern Canada) completed a trial 80-item form of the Francis Psychological Type Scales designed for use among adolescents. These data were employed to refine four ten-item forced-choice scales to distinguish between preferences for the two orientations (extraversion and introversion), the two perceiving processes (sensing and intuition), the two judging processes (thinking and feeling) and the two attitudes (judging and perceiving). The scale properties of the new instrument commend the 40-item Adolescent form of the Francis Psychological Type Scales (FPTSA) for future use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - adolescence KW - BAPTISTS KW - Canada KW - EXTRAVERSION -- Testing KW - INTROVERSION KW - Intuition KW - YOUTH -- Psychology SP - 201 EP - 216 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5054 T1 - The effectiveness of a trauma focused spiritually integrated intervention for veterans exposed to trauma. JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20777 A1 - Harris,J. Irene A1 - Erbes,Christopher R. A1 - Engdahl,Brian E. A1 - Thuras,Paul A1 - Murray-Swank,Nichole A1 - Grace,Dixie A1 - Ogden,Henry A1 - Olson,Raymond H. A. A1 - Winskowski,Ann Marie A1 - Bacon,Russ A1 - Malec,Catherine A1 - Campion,Kelsey A1 - TuVan Le VL - 67 IS - 4 PY - 2011/04// N2 - Building Spiritual Strength (BSS) is an 8-session, spiritually integrated group intervention designed to address religious strain and enhance religious meaning making for military trauma survivors. It is based upon empirical research on the relationship between spirituality and adjustment to trauma. To assess the intervention's effectiveness, veterans with histories of trauma who volunteered for the study were randomly assigned to a BSS group ( n = 26) or a wait-list control group ( n = 28). BSS participants showed statistically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms based on self-report measures as compared with those in a wait-list control condition. Further research on spiritually integrated interventions for trauma survivors is warranted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1-14, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CLINICAL psychology KW - Post-traumatic stress disorder KW - Spiritual healing KW - spirituality KW - TRAUMATIC neuroses KW - Veterans SP - 425 EP - 438 SN - 00219762 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5055 T1 - The relationship between religion and religious coping: religious coping as a moderator between religion and adjustment JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-008-9199-5 A1 - Ross,Keisha A1 - Handal,Paul J A1 - Clark,Eddie M A1 - Vander Wal,Jillon S VL - 48 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - This study examined the relationship between and among religion, religious coping, and positive/negative psychological adjustment and investigated whether the four religious coping styles of Self-Directing, Deferring, Collaborative, and Turning to Religion would significantly moderate the relationship between religion and psychological adjustment. Each of the four religious coping measures were significant moderators between religion and positive and negative adjustment. However, the high self-directing and high religion group showed opposite results from the other three coping styles, in that they were the most maladjusted and least satisfied with life compared to the other three integration and religious coping groups. The participants high on religion and high deferring, high collaborative, and high turning to religion groups were less maladjusted and more satisfied than the other three groups in each of these religious coping styles. SP - 454 EP - 467 SN - 1573-6571 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19890721 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5057 T1 - Relationship between religion and obsessive phenomena JF - Australian Journal of Psychology M3 - 10.1080/00049530902887859 A1 - Gonsalvez,C. J, A1 - Hains,A. R. A1 - Stoyles,G. VL - 62 IS - 2 PY - 2010/// N2 - The study examined the relationship between religion and symptoms of psychopathology, particularly obsessive-compulsive (OC) and scrupulosity symptoms. Religious affiliation, religiosity variables (strength of faith, religious application, the beliefs about God's nature), and cognitive factors (e.g., obsessive beliefs) were studied as predictors of OC and scrupulosity symptoms in 179 non-clinical participants. The main groups (Catholic, Protestant, and no religion) were not different with regard to measures of wellbeing or symptoms of general psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and stress), but were different with regard to OC symptoms. Consistent with cognitive theory, OC beliefs strongly predicted both OC and scrupulosity symptoms, even when general levels of psychopathology were controlled. Religion bore a less major but significant association with OC phenomena. Religious affiliation (being Catholic) was associated with higher levels of OC symptoms, and higher levels of personal religiosity (strength of faith) were associated with higher levels of scrupulosity. SP - 93 EP - 102 SN - 0004-9530 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5058 T1 - Religion and spirituality JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20760 A1 - Worthington,Everett L A1 - Hook,Joshua N A1 - Davis,Don E A1 - McDaniel,Michael A VL - 67 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Many clients highly value religious and spiritual (R/S) commitments, and many psychotherapists have accommodated secular treatments to R/S perspectives. We meta-analyzed 51 samples from 46 studies (N = 3,290) that examined the outcomes of religious accommodative therapies and nonreligious spirituality therapies. Comparisons on psychological and spiritual outcomes were made to a control condition, an alternate treatment, or a subset of those studies that used a dismantling design (similar in theory and duration of treatment, but including religious contents). Patients in R/S psychotherapies showed greater improvement than those in alternate secular psychotherapies both on psychological (d =.26) and on spiritual (d = .41) outcomes. Religiously accommodated treatments outperformed dismantling-design alternative treatments on spiritual (d = .33) but not on psychological outcomes. Clinical examples are provided and therapeutic practices are recommended. SP - 204 EP - 214 SN - 1097-4679 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5059 T1 - Religious and ethnic differences in health: evidence from the Health Surveys for England 1999 and 2004. JF - Ethnicity & Health M3 - 10.1080/13557858.2010.497204 A1 - Karlsen,Saffron A1 - Nazroo,James Y. VL - 15 IS - 6 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Objectives. To examine the role of religion in the patterning of health inequities, and how this is related to ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Design. Multivariate analyses using nationally representative data on self-assessed fair or poor health, longstanding limiting illness, diagnosed diabetes, diagnosed hypertension, waist-hip ratio, body mass index, current tobacco use and participating in no regular physical activity from 14,924 Christians, 4337 Muslims, 656 Sikhs, 1197 Hindus and 2682 people reporting not identifying with any religion with different ethnic backgrounds, who were interviewed as part of the Health Survey for England in either 1999 or 2004, adjusted for age, gender and socioeconomic status and periodicity. Results. Odds ratios for general health, hypertension, diabetes, waist-hip ratio, tobacco use and physical activity speak to the importance of ethnicity in the patterning of health inequalities. But there is also evidence of an important, independent role for religion, with risks for the different health indicators varying between people with the same ethnic, but different religious, identifications. Adjusting for socioeconomic status attenuated the ethnic/religious patterning of, particularly, self-assessed health, longstanding activity-limiting illness, waist-hip ratio, body mass index and tobacco use. Conclusions. This evidence enables greater understanding of the complexities of the relationship between ethnicity, religion and health, recognising the need to understand the heterogeneity underlying both ethnic and religious group membership and the processes producing the structural disadvantage facing certain religious and ethnic groups in the mediation of the relationship between health and ethnicity/religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - DIABETES KW - ETHNIC groups -- Health KW - HEALTH -- Religious aspects -- Christianity KW - HEALTH -- Religious aspects -- Hinduism KW - HEALTH -- Religious aspects -- Islam KW - HEALTH behavior -- Research KW - Health Status Indicators KW - Hypertension KW - Multivariate Analysis KW - Obesity KW - SIKHS KW - Socioeconomic Factors SP - 549 EP - 568 SN - 13557858 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5060 T1 - Religious Commitment, Skepticism, and Struggle Among U.S. College Students: The Impact of Majority/Minority Religious Affiliation and Institutional Type. JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01557.x A1 - Small,Jenny L. A1 - Bowman,Nicholas A. VL - 50 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Using a longitudinal sample of over 14,000 undergraduate students, this study explores whether and how students' religious transformations during the college years are associated with their religious affiliation, religious experiences, and the institutional characteristics of their college or university. Hierarchical linear modeling reveals that students from religious majority groups (i.e., mainline and evangelical Protestants) generally experience increased religious commitment and decreased religious skepticism as compared with students from religious minority groups. Interestingly, though, students from these majority groups also report greater levels of religious struggle compared to minority group students. Moreover, institutional religious affiliation and an inclusive campus religious climate often attenuate the relationship between students' religious affiliation and their religious transformation. Environments at both the macro (campus) and micro (friendship groups) levels contribute critically to young adults' religious commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - BELIEF & doubt KW - COLLEGE students -- Religious life KW - EVANGELICALISM KW - Experience (Religion) KW - RELIGIOUS behaviors KW - religious minorities SP - 154 EP - 174 SN - 00218294 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5061 T1 - The integration of healing into conventional cancer care in the UK JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.03.001 A1 - Lorenc,Ava A1 - Peace,Brenda A1 - Vaghela,Chandrika A1 - Robinson,Nicola VL - 16 IS - 4 PY - 2010/11// N1 -

Healing encompasses Reiki, therapeutic touch and healing touch, and is often used by cancer patients to supplement their health care, but the extent of healing provision in conventional cancer care is unknown. This study used snowball sampling to map the healing provision in UK conventional cancer care settings.

N2 - Healing encompasses Reiki, therapeutic touch and healing touch, and is often used by cancer patients to supplement their health care, but the extent of healing provision in conventional cancer care is unknown. This study used snowball sampling to map the healing provision in UK conventional cancer care settings. Sixty-seven individuals at 38 centres were identified who provided healing within conventional care, 16 NHS-based. Less than half were paid or had specialist cancer training. Self-referral was the usual route to healing, followed by hospital nurse referral. Healing was perceived as well accepted and useful by healers. Providing healing in conventional cancer care may improve patient empowerment and choice. Despite the value to patients, staff and healers, many services receive little financial support. Exchange of information and communication on referral possibilities between healers and conventional staff needs to be improved. Voluntary healer self-regulation will facilitate the safe incorporation of healing into conventional care. KW - cancer KW - Integrative care KW - Spiritual healing SP - 222 EP - 228 SN - 1744-3881 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7MFN-4YVP1DH-1/2/0f9e3598f7bbbde6d0aff5fdf1014296 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5062 T1 - Integrative cognitive-behavioral and spiritual counseling for rural dementia caregivers with depression JF - Rehabilitation Psychology JA - Rehabil Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0017855 A1 - Glueckauf,Robert L A1 - Davis,W Shuford A1 - Allen,Kay A1 - Chipi,Patty A1 - Schettini,Gabriel A1 - Tegen,Lance A1 - Jian,Xu A1 - Gustafson,David J A1 - Maze,Janet A1 - Mosser,Barbara A1 - Prescott,Susie A1 - Robinson,Fay A1 - Short,Cindy A1 - Tickel,Sandra A1 - Vanmatre,Joyce A1 - Digeronimo,Thomas A1 - Ramirez,Carmen VL - 54 IS - 4 PY - 2009/11// N2 - Objective: Discuss initial evaluation of a program for training faith community nurses (FCNs) to conduct cognitive-behavioral and spiritual counseling (CBSC) for rural dementia caregivers (CGs), and present 2 case studies on the use of CBSC for treating depression in this population. Study Design: Pre-post evaluation of the effectiveness of CBSC training and a case study analysis of the effectiveness of CBSC on CG problem improvement and depression. Outcome Measures: For FCN training, we used the FCN Counseling Comfort Scale, FCN Counseling Efficacy Scale, and the FCN Counseling Workshop Satisfaction Survey. The Problem Severity Scale and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used in the case studies. Results: Significant post-training increases in FCN counseling comfort and perceived counseling efficacy were obtained. Case study findings provided evidence of substantial improvement in caregiving problems and reductions in depression. Conclusions: Preliminary outcomes of FCN training and CBSC for dementia CGs were promising. However, replication across the sample is required to evaluate the overall effectiveness of CBSC for reducing CG depression. Specific competencies and ethical considerations in supervising this form of intervention are also addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). SP - 449 EP - 461 SN - 1939-1544 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19929127 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5063 T1 - Disciplining Freud on religion: perspectives from the humanities and social sciences CY - Lanham, MD A1 - Kaplan,Gregory PB - Lexington Books PY - 2010/// SN - 9780739142127 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5064 T1 - Measuring mindfulness: pilot studies with the Swedish versions of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills JF - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy JA - Cogn Behav Ther M3 - 10.1080/16506070802383230 A1 - Hansen,Erling A1 - Lundh,Lars-Gunnar A1 - Homman,Anders A1 - Wångby-Lundh,Margit VL - 38 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - The present article describes data from pilot studies with the Swedish versions of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS). The MAAS and two of the KIMS scales, Act with Awareness and Accept without Judgment, were found to correlate in the predicted direction with measures of well-being and emotional distress. The KIMS scales Observe and Describe showed more ambiguous results, possibly because these two scales measure a mixture of two opposite kinds of processes: healthy self-observation ("experiential self-focus") and unhealthy rumination ("analytical self-focus"). The KIMS was also used in an uncontrolled study with participants in an educational programme for close relatives of persons with borderline personality disorder, Family Connections (FC), which includes components of mindfulness training. The FC participants were found to (a) score lower than a comparison group on Act with Awareness and Accept without Judgment before treatment and (b) show significantly increased scores on Accept without Judgment after treatment. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Anorexia Nervosa KW - Anxiety Disorders KW - Attention KW - Attitude to Health KW - Awareness KW - Borderline Personality Disorder KW - Burnout, Professional KW - Caregivers KW - Cross-Cultural Comparison KW - Emotions KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Individuality KW - Judgment KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Military Personnel KW - Personality Inventory KW - Pilot Projects KW - Psychometrics KW - Quality of Life KW - Reference Values KW - Reproducibility of Results KW - Self Concept KW - Self-Injurious Behavior KW - Sweden KW - Translating KW - Young Adult SP - 2 EP - 15 SN - 1651-2316 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19125361 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5065 T1 - Thinking through the body: The conceptualization of yoga as therapy for individuals with eating disorders. T3 - Eating disorders and mindfulness JF - Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention M3 - 10.1080/10640266.2011.533607 A1 - Douglass,Laura VL - 19 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - Yoga has historically been viewed as a discipline that increases self-awareness through body based practices, meditation, self-study, and the reading of philosophical texts. In the 21st century the mindfulness techniques of yoga have been adapted as an adjunct to the treatment of individuals with eating disorders. In an effort to understand the conceptualization of yoga as therapy for individuals with eating disorders, this article juxtaposes how mindfulness based yoga is regarded in three disciplines: sociology, neuroscience, and the "spiritual texts" of yoga. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Concept formation KW - conceptualization KW - eating disorders KW - Mindfulness KW - neuroscience KW - Neurosciences KW - Sociology KW - yoga KW - yoga therapy SP - 83 EP - 96 SN - 1064-0266 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5066 T1 - The benefits of meditation vis-à-vis emotional intelligence, perceived stress and negative mental health JF - Stress and Health JA - Stress and Health M3 - 10.1002/smi.1289 A1 - Chu,Li-Chuan VL - 26 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - First, researchers studied 351 adults and found that those with greater meditation experience exhibited higher Emotional Intelligence, and less perceived stress and negative mental health, than those who had less or no experience. Second, researchers randomly divided students into a mindfulness meditation group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10), and found that those who completed the 8-week mindfulness meditation training demonstrated significant improvements in relation to emotional intelligence compared to the control group. SP - 169 EP - 180 SN - 15323005 UR - http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/smi.1289 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5067 T1 - The role of religion in the well-being of older adults with schizophrenia JF - Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.) JA - Psychiatr Serv M3 - 10.1176/appi.ps.61.9.917 A1 - Cohen,Carl I A1 - Jimenez,Carolina A1 - Mittal,Sukriti VL - 61 IS - 9 PY - 2010/09// N2 - OBJECTIVES: This study examined a community sample of older adults with schizophrenia to determine whether there were differences in religiousness with their age peers, to examine the relationship between religiousness and psychotic symptoms, and to see whether religiousness has direct or stress-buffering effects on quality of life. METHODS: The schizophrenia group consisted of 198 community-dwelling persons aged 55 and older who developed schizophrenia before age 45.A community comparison group (N=113) was recruited using randomly selected block groups. A seven-item religiousness scale was developed that consisted of three dimensions (salience, coping, and attendance). An adaptation of Pearlin and colleagues' Stress Process Model was used to examine the direct and buffering effects of religiousness on quality of life. RESULTS: Persons with schizophrenia had significantly lower levels of religiousness than their age peers, although this was due to less frequent religious attendance (four times a year versus once a month). Religiousness was not significantly associated with psychotic symptoms, nor did it have any buffering effects on the relationship between psychosis and quality of life. Religiousness had a significant, albeit modest, independent additive effect on quality of life, and it did not have any buffering effects on the four stressors that were significantly associated with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Religiousness may have a favorable impact on the quality of life of older adults with schizophrenia, and it must be considered along with other therapeutically important agents. SP - 917 EP - 922 SN - 1557-9700 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5070 T1 - Practicing the awareness of embodiment in qualitative health research: methodological reflections JF - Qualitative Health Research JA - Qual Health Res M3 - 10.1177/1049732309350684 A1 - Sharma,Sonya A1 - Reimer-Kirkham,Sheryl A1 - Cochrane,Marie VL - 19 IS - 11 PY - 2009/11// N2 - Although the importance of the researcher's embodiment has been noted in health and social sciences research, in many instances, more attention has been paid to the embodiment of the researched. Thus, more in-depth analysis of the embodied researcher can illuminate qualitative inquiry. The influence of the embodied researcher became visible in a recent critical ethnographic study examining the negotiation of religious, spiritual, and cultural plurality in health care. In this article, we do not present research findings per se, but rather methodological reflections. As researchers, we highlight emotional and bodily ways of knowing and experiences of difference such as culture, race, and religion as embodied and a part of researcher-participant encounters. We aim to elucidate the awareness of being embodied researchers, and with this elucidation, we consider implications for knowledge generation for health and social sciences. SP - 1642 EP - 1650 SN - 1049-7323 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19843972 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5071 T1 - Religiosity, coping, and psychological well-being among Latter-Day Saint Polynesians in the U.S. JF - Asian American Journal of Psychology M3 - 10.1037/a0023266 A1 - Allen,G. E. Kawika A1 - Heppner,P. Paul VL - 2 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - There is limited knowledge about coping and psychological adjustment in Latter-Day Saint (LDS) Polynesians. This study examined religiosity, collectivistic coping, and psychological well-being among 94 LDS Polynesians residing in the Midwest. As hypothesized, religiously committed LDS Polynesians were more likely to have a healthy psychological well-being and were also likely to use collectivistic coping styles, such that high helpfulness ratings on family support and religion-spirituality coping styles were significantly correlated with a positive psychological well-being. Family support also moderated the relationship between LDS Polynesians' religious commitment and psychological well-being. Implications are discussed in terms of religiosity, culture, coping, and psychological well-being. KW - Coping KW - Coping Behavior KW - Distress KW - Latter-Day Saint Polynesians KW - MORMONS KW - Pacific Islanders KW - Psychological well-being KW - religiosity KW - well being SP - 13 EP - 24 SN - 1948-1985 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5072 T1 - Utilization of religious coping strategies among African American women at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer JF - Family & Community Health JA - Fam Community Health M3 - 10.1097/FCH.0b013e3181ab3b53 A1 - Weathers,Benita A1 - Kessler,Lisa A1 - Collier,Aliya A1 - Stopfer,Jill E. A1 - Domchek,Susan A1 - Halbert,Chanita Hughes VL - 32 IS - 3 PY - 2009/09//Jul-undefined N2 - This observational study evaluated utilization of religious coping strategies among 95 African American women who were at increased risk for having a BRCA1/BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutation. Overall, women reported high levels of collaborative coping; however, women with fewer than 2 affected relatives (beta = -1.97, P = 0.04) and those who had a lower perceived risk of having a BRCA1/2 mutation (beta = -2.72, P = 0.01) reported significantly greater collaborative coping. These results suggest that African American women may be likely to use collaborative strategies to cope with cancer-related stressors. It may be important to discuss utilization of religious coping efforts during genetic counseling with African American women. SP - 218 EP - 227 SN - 1550-5057 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5074 T1 - Effect of integrated yoga on stress and heart rate variability in pregnant women JF - International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: The Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics JA - Int J Gynaecol Obstet M3 - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.11.013 A1 - Satyapriya,Maharana A1 - Nagendra,Hongasanda R A1 - Nagarathna,Raghuram A1 - Padmalatha,Venkatram VL - 104 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N1 -

This study finds that "Yoga reduces perceived stress and improves adaptive autonomic response to stress in healthy pregnant women."  One significant problem with this study is that only 45 out of the 122 women who were recruited for the study saw it through to completion.

N2 - OBJECTIVE To study the effect of integrated yoga practice and guided yogic relaxation on both perceived stress and measured autonomic response in healthy pregnant women. METHOD The 122 healthy women recruited between the 18th and 20th week of pregnancy at prenatal clinics in Bangalore, India, were randomized to practicing yoga and deep relaxation or standard prenatal exercises 1-hour daily. The results for the 45 participants per group who completed the study were evaluated by repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Perceived stress decreased by 31.57% in the yoga group and increased by 6.60% in the control group (P=0.001). During a guided relaxation period in the yoga group, compared with values obtained before a practice session, the high-frequency band of the heart rate variability spectrum (parasympathetic) increased by 64% in the 20th week and by 150% in the 36th week, and both the low-frequency band (sympathetic), and the low-frequency to high-frequency ratio were concomitantly reduced (P<0.001 between the 2 groups). Moreover, the low-frequency band remained decreased after deep relaxation in the 36th week in the yoga group. CONCLUSION Yoga reduces perceived stress and improves adaptive autonomic response to stress in healthy pregnant women. KW - Adult KW - Autonomic Nervous System KW - Electrocardiography KW - Female KW - Galvanic Skin Response KW - Heart Rate KW - Humans KW - India KW - Intervention Studies KW - Pregnancy KW - Prospective Studies KW - Relaxation KW - Relaxation Therapy KW - Stress, Physiological KW - Stress, Psychological KW - yoga KW - Young Adult SP - 218 EP - 222 SN - 1879-3479 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19110245 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5075 T1 - Support of Cancer Patients' Spiritual Needs and Associations with Medical Care Costs at the End of Life (419-C) JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.10.131 A1 - Balboni,Tracy A1 - Balboni,Michael A1 - Paulk,M. Elizabeth A1 - Phelps,Andrea A1 - Wright,Alexi A1 - Peteet,John A1 - Block,Susan A1 - Lathan,Chris A1 - VanderWeele,Tyler A1 - Prigerson,Holly VL - 41 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N1 -

Determine the relationship of spiritual care to end of life costs.

N2 - Objectives 1. Recognize spiritual care as a key domain of palliative care with known implications for patient well-being and medical care intensity at the end of life. 2. Recognize the association of spiritual care with medical care costs at the end of life. 3. Discuss the study design and limitations, and future study directions implicated by the study findings. Background. Spiritual care is associated with better patient well-being and less intensive end-of-life (EOL) medical care. It remains unclear if spiritual care is associated with lower EOL costs, particularly among groups predisposed to receive aggressive care. Research objectives. Determine the relationship of spiritual care to EOL costs. Methods. Prospective, multi-site study of 339 terminal cancer patients accrued September 2002–August 2008 and followed until death. Spiritual care was measured by patients’ reports that the healthcare team supported their religious/spiritual needs. EOL care and costs in the last week were compared among patients whose spiritual needs were well-supported versus those not. Analyses were adjusted for confounders and repeated among racial/ethnic minority and high religious coping patients. Results. In comparison to patients receiving less spiritual care, patients whose religious/spiritual needs were well-supported by clinic staff were more likely to receive a week or more of hospice (54% versus 72.8%; p = 0.01) and less likely to die in an ICU (5.1% versus 1.0%, p = 0.03). Among racial/ethnic minorities and high religious coping patients, those with well-supported R/S needs received less ICU care (11.3% versus 1.2%, p = 0.03 and 13.1% versus 1.6%, p = 0.02), more hospice care (43% versus 75.3%, p = 0.01 and 45.3% versus 73.1%, p = 0.007) and had fewer ICU deaths (11.2% versus 1.2%, p = .03 and 7.7% versus 0.6%, p = .009). EOL costs were lower when clinicians supported patients’ spiritual needs ($4,947 versus $2,833, p = 0.03), particularly among racial/ethnic minorities ($6,533 versus $2,276, p = 0.02) and high religious coping patients ($6,344 versus $,2431, p = 0.005). Conclusion. Cancer patients whose spiritual needs are well-supported by the healthcare team have lower EOL costs, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and high religious coping patients. Implications for research, policy, or practice. Further research to define spiritual care and spiritual care education are required. SP - 243 EP - 244 SN - 0885-3924 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5076 T1 - The effects of distant healing performed by a spiritual healer on chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial JF - Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine JA - Altern Ther Health Med A1 - Tsubono,Kenjiro A1 - Thomlinson,Paul A1 - Shealy,C Norman VL - 15 IS - 3 PY - 2009/06//May-undefined N2 - CONTEXT: Many individuals suffer from various kinds of chronic pain. Some controlled studies on distant healing for chronic pain exist, but no definitive conclusion has been established. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of distant healing performed by a professional Japanese healer on chronic pain. DESIGN: A double-blind randomized controlled study. SETTING: Holos University, Fair Grove, Missouri. SUBJECTS: People suffering from chronic pain (not caused by clear organic diseases or that persists long after a reasonable period of healing following injuries or surgery) were recruited through local radio and newspaper advertising. Subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment group or control group using a double-blind procedure. INTERVENTIONS: All subjects met the healer at the initial session at Holos University. At the session, a 20-minute group meditation was performed. The healer went back to Japan after the session and started distant healing only to the treatment group for a 2-month period. All participants were asked to meditate for 20 minutes every day during this 2-month period. OUTCOME MEASURES: The visual analog scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 17 subjects were recruited, and 16 subjects completed the study. Comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment visual analog scale indicated a slightly significant effect of distant healing (P=.056). The Present Pain Intensity Scale showed significant improvement in the treatment group compared to the control group (P=.0016). The Pain Rating Index showed improvement in the treatment group, but the difference between both groups was not statistically significant (P=.12). KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Chronic Disease KW - Double-Blind Method KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Pain KW - Pain Measurement KW - Spiritual Therapies SP - 30 EP - 34 SN - 1078-6791 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5077 T1 - Efficacy of short-term life-review interviews on the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management JA - J Pain Symptom Manage M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.11.320 A1 - Ando,Michiyo A1 - Morita,Tatsuya A1 - Akechi,Tatsuo A1 - Okamoto,Takuya VL - 39 IS - 6 PY - 2010/06// N1 -

The primary aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of a one-week Short-Term Life Review for the enhancement of spiritual well-being, using a randomized controlled trial. The secondary aim was to assess the effect of this therapy on anxiety and depression, suffering, and elements of a good death.

N2 - CONTEXT: There is a little information about effective psychotherapies to enhance the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of a one-week Short-Term Life Review for the enhancement of spiritual well-being, using a randomized controlled trial. The secondary aim was to assess the effect of this therapy on anxiety and depression, suffering, and elements of a good death. METHODS: The subjects were 68 terminally ill cancer patients randomly allocated to a Short-Term Life-Review interview group or a control group. The patients completed questionnaires pre- and post-treatment, including the meaning of life domain from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual (FACIT-Sp) scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a numeric scale for psychological suffering, and items from the Good Death Inventory (Hope, Burden, Life Completion, and Preparation). RESULTS: The FACIT-Sp, Hope, Life Completion, and Preparation scores in the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement compared with those of the control group (FACIT-Sp, P<0.001; Hope, P<0.001; Life Completion, P<0.001; and Preparation, P<0.001). HADS, Burden, and Suffering scores in the intervention group also had suggested greater alleviation of suffering compared with the control group (HADS, P<0.001; Burden, P<0.007; Suffering, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the Short-Term Life Review is effective in improving the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients, and alleviating psychosocial distress and promoting a good death. SP - 993 EP - 1002 SN - 1873-6513 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5078 T1 - Bypass surgery with psychological and spiritual support (the By.pass study): Study design and research methods JF - American Heart Journal M3 - 10.1016/j.ahj.2009.04.017 A1 - Rosendahl,Jenny A1 - Tigges-Limmer,Katharina A1 - Gummert,Jan A1 - Dziewas,Ralf A1 - Albes,Johannes Maximilian A1 - Strauss,Bernhard VL - 158 IS - 1 PY - 2009/07// N1 -

The By.pass study is the first controlled trial systematically examining the effects of either psychological or spiritual support considering patient's preference and preoperative psychosocial risk on recovery after coronary bypass surgery.

N2 - Effects of psychological as well as spiritual interventions on outcome in cardiac surgery have mostly been studied with a focus on presurgical interventions. Systematically controlled analyses of the effects of psychological and spiritual interventions depending on the patients' preference have not been performed so far, although these studies would help to assign patients to an adequate support. The By.pass study is a bicenter, controlled trial of patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and coronary bypass surgery combined with valve replacement surgery in 2 different German hospitals. Patients are assigned to 1 of 5 conditions, mainly according to their personal therapeutic preference: preference for psychological interventions (group 1), preference for spiritual interventions (group 2), or preference for no intervention (group 5). Patients who are open for any kind of intervention are randomly assigned either to psychological (group 3) or spiritual interventions (group 4). Six months before the start and 6 months after the end of the treatment phase, patients were assigned to the control groups. These were asked about their subjective preference (psychological, spiritual, no intervention, or no specific preference) as well but received no interventions. Patients will be enrolled from October 2006 to December 2009. The 6-month follow-up will be completed in July 2010. SP - 8-14.e1 EP - 8-14.e1 SN - 0002-8703 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6W9H-4WJH0Y8-5/2/c236f195f4a345cfcce97863e473f509 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5079 T1 - I am happy in my faith: the influence of religious affiliation, saliency, and practice on depressive symptoms and treatment preference. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902725108 A1 - Baker,Paul A1 - Cruickshank,James VL - 12 IS - 4 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Religion is thought to significantly impact numerous areas of mental health, including depression. Using a 63-item questionnaire, the influence of religious affiliation, saliency, and practice on levels of depressive symptoms and treatment preference in a non-clinical sample of Christians, Muslims, Atheists, and Agnostics (N = 471) was investigated. No significant differences in depressive symptoms were found between affiliations. Saliency and frequency of practice had a weak negative correlation with depressive symptoms for Christians, but were not significant for Muslim participants. No significant differences of preference were found between affiliations for social, cognitive, and medical treatments. Treatment preference of religious-based treatments differed significantly between affiliations. Findings suggest that affiliation is not significantly related to depressive symptoms or treatment preference, and the influence of saliency and practice differs between religions. Limitations and implications of the current study are discussed, and directions for further research are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - AGNOSTICS KW - ATHEISTS KW - Christians KW - DEPRESSED persons KW - DEPRESSION, Mental KW - FAITH (Christianity) KW - MEDICINE -- Religious aspects KW - mental health KW - MUSLIMS KW - Religiousness SP - 339 EP - 357 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5080 T1 - Religiosity and death anxiety: no association in Kuwait JF - Psychological Reports JA - Psychol Rep A1 - Abdel-Khalek,Ahmed A1 - Lester,David VL - 104 IS - 3 PY - 2009/06// N2 - In a sample of 162 Kuwaiti college students (33 men, 129 women; M age = 20.1 yr., SD = 1.9), the mean scores on the death anxiety scales by Templer, Abdel-Khalek, and the Collett-Lester were higher than that in an American sample, except for one subscale of the Collett-Lester Scale, i.e., Dying of Self. Based on the relatively collectivistic culture, it seems that the present participants did not differentiate between the "self" and the "other" in death anxiety, in which all scales were rated high in general. The scores on these scales were not significantly correlated with those on the Hoge Intrinsic Religious Motivation Scale, or single-item self-rating measures of religiosity and strength of religious belief. KW - Adult KW - Anxiety KW - Attitude to Death KW - Cross-Cultural Comparison KW - Culture KW - Ethnic Groups KW - Female KW - Humans KW - ISLAM KW - Kuwait KW - Male KW - Personality Inventory KW - Psychometrics KW - religion KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Students KW - United States SP - 770 EP - 772 SN - 0033-2941 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5083 T1 - The relationship of religious coping and spirituality to adjustment and psychological distress in urban early adolescents. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902737723 A1 - Van Dyke,Cydney J. A1 - Glenwick,David S. A1 - Cecero,John J. A1 - Se-Kang Kim VL - 12 IS - 4 PY - 2009/05// N2 - The present study explored the relation of religious coping and spirituality to adjustment and psychological distress in urban early adolescents. The participants were 76 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students attending Catholic day schools in the New York City area. They completed a set of self-report measures assessing religious coping, daily spiritual experiences, positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, and psychological distress. Correlational and regression analyses found positive religious coping and daily spiritual experiences to be associated with positive affect and life satisfaction, while negative religious coping was associated with negative affect and psychological distress. The relations generally were more robust among males, and their overall robustness decreased with age. Implications of the findings for research and clinical practice are offered to address the gap (compared to adults) in the literature on youth religious coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ADJUSTMENT (Psychology) KW - CORRELATION (Statistics) KW - DISTRESS (Psychology) KW - Multivariate Analysis KW - NEW York (N.Y.) KW - religion KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - spirituality KW - TEENAGERS SP - 369 EP - 383 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5084 T1 - Effects of yoga on psychological health, quality of life, and physical health of patients with cancer: a meta-analysis JF - Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM JA - Evid Based Complement Alternat Med M3 - 10.1155/2011/659876 A1 - Lin,Kuan-Yin A1 - Hu,Yu-Ting A1 - Chang,King-Jen A1 - Lin,Heui-Fen A1 - Tsauo,Jau-Yih VL - 2011 PY - 2011/// N1 -

Yoga is one of the most widely used complementary and alternative medicine therapies to manage illness. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of yoga on psychological health, quality of life, and physical health of patients with cancer. Studies were identified through a systematic search of seven electronic databases and were selected if they used a randomized controlled trial design to examine the effects of yoga in patients with cancer. The quality of each article was rated by two of the authors using the PEDro Scale. Ten articles were selected; their PEDro scores ranged from 4 to 7. The yoga groups compared to waitlist control groups or supportive therapy groups showed significantly greater improvements in psychological health: anxiety (P = .009), depression (P = .002), distress (P = .003), and stress (P = .006). However, due to the mixed and low to fair quality and small number of studies conducted, the findings are preliminary and limited and should be confirmed through higher-quality, randomized controlled trials.

N2 - Yoga is one of the most widely used complementary and alternative medicine therapies to manage illness. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of yoga on psychological health, quality of life, and physical health of patients with cancer. Studies were identified through a systematic search of seven electronic databases and were selected if they used a randomized controlled trial design to examine the effects of yoga in patients with cancer. The quality of each article was rated by two of the authors using the PEDro Scale. Ten articles were selected; their PEDro scores ranged from 4 to 7. The yoga groups compared to waitlist control groups or supportive therapy groups showed significantly greater improvements in psychological health: anxiety (P = .009), depression (P = .002), distress (P = .003), and stress (P = .006). However, due to the mixed and low to fair quality and small number of studies conducted, the findings are preliminary and limited and should be confirmed through higher-quality, randomized controlled trials. SP - 659876 EP - 659876 SN - 1741-4288 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21437197 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5085 T1 - Prayer and Subjective Well-Being: An Examination of Six Different Types of Prayer JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508610903146316 A1 - Whittington,Brandon L. A1 - Scher,Steven J. VL - 20 IS - 1 PY - 2010/// N2 - Participants (N = 430) were recruited online and completed a measure of 6 prayer types (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, reception, and obligatory prayer). Measures of subjective well-being (self-esteem, optimism, meaning in life, satisfaction with life) were also administered. Three forms of prayer (adoration, thanksgiving, reception) had consistently positive relations with well-being measures, whereas the other three forms of prayer had negative or null relations with the well-being measures. The prayer types having positive effects appear to be less ego-focused, and more focused on God, whereas the negative types have an opposite nature. SP - 59 EP - 59 SN - 1050-8619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5086 T1 - Spiritual transformation, psychological well-being, health, and survival in people with HIV JF - International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine JA - Int J Psychiatry Med A1 - Ironson,Gail A1 - Kremer,Heidemarie VL - 39 IS - 3 PY - 2009/// N2 - OBJECTIVES: Although Spiritual Transformation (ST) occurs in a sizable proportion of people with HIV (about 39%), there is little research on the potential benefits of ST with respect to psychological well-being, health, and survival in this population. Our study attempts to fill this gap. METHOD: Using a mixed method approach, we related interviews of 147 people with HIV (identifying the presence/absence of ST) to questionnaires measuring demographics, medical history, treatment adherence, physical symptoms, and psychological well-being (i.e., stress, coping, life attitude, and spirituality), and assessments of CD4-counts and viral load and survival 3 to 5 years later. RESULTS: At comparable times since HIV-diagnosis and antiretroviral medications prescribed, the presence of ST was significantly associated with better treatment success (undetectable viral loads, higher CD4 counts), better medication adherence, fewer symptoms, less distress, more positive coping, different life attitudes (i.e., existential transcendence, meaning/purpose in life, optimism, death acceptance), more spiritual practices, and increased spirituality. ST was also associated with substance-use recovery and with being African American. Survival up to 5 years was 5.35 times more likely among participants with ST (p(f) = .044). According to a Cox-regression adjusted for baseline CD4-counts, age, race-ethnicity, gender, education, years since HIV-diagnosis, and a history of substance-use problems, ST still reduced the risk of death (HR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.53, p = .010). CONCLUSIONS: ST has associated benefits for psychological well-being, health, and survival. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Case-Control Studies KW - CD4 Lymphocyte Count KW - depression KW - Female KW - Health Status KW - HIV Infections KW - Humans KW - Life Change Events KW - Longitudinal Studies KW - Male KW - Proportional Hazards Models KW - spirituality KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Survival Rate KW - United States KW - Viral Load SP - 263 EP - 281 SN - 0091-2174 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5087 T1 - Post-Involvement Difficulties Experienced by Former Members of Charismatic Groups JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9251-0 A1 - Coates,Dominiek D. VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Limited qualitative studies have been conducted with former members of charismatic groups, especially in Australia. The majority of studies with former members have been conducted by psychologists through quantitative methodologies and clinical case studies. Qualitative studies that explore the phenomenon of charismatic group involvement have predominantly been carried out by sociologists, and these focus on current members of such groups. Sociologists and psychologists have drawn seemingly contradictory conclusions from their study. This study aims to narrow the gap by investigating adjustment to life after involvement with a charismatic group as experienced by former members of such groups through the use of qualitative methods. Seven participants from four different groups were recruited via purposive sampling and modified snowball sampling. A qualitative methodology informed by phenomenology was chosen. In-depth interviews were used to explore the participants’ accounts of adjusting to life after involvement. The findings of this study suggest that the experiences of former members of charismatic groups may be comparable to others who have experienced extreme transitions and adjustments or relationships where significant power differentials exist. SP - 296 EP - 310 SN - 0022-4197 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5088 T1 - Rumination, distraction and mindful self-focus: effects on mood, dysfunctional attitudes and cortisol stress response JF - Psychological Medicine JA - Psychol Med M3 - 10.1017/S0033291708003553 A1 - Kuehner,C A1 - Huffziger,S A1 - Liebsch,K VL - 39 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - BACKGROUND Although aggravating effects of rumination on dysfunctional cognitions and endocrine stress responses have been proposed, experimental studies testing these assumptions are lacking. In parallel, mindfulness theory suggests beneficial effects of mindfulness on dysfunctional cognitions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of induced rumination, distraction and mindful self-focus on mood and dysfunctional attitudes and to assess the possible impact of induced rumination on participants' cortisol responses. METHOD Sixty university students were subjected to negative mood induction and subsequently randomly assigned to a rumination, distraction or mindful self-focus condition. The latter included statements focusing on self-acceptance and awareness of the breath. Four saliva cortisol samples were selected during the session. RESULTS Compared to induced rumination, distraction showed a clear beneficial effect on the course of dysphoric mood, whereas a mindful self-focus did not. In contrast to distraction and mindful self-focus, participants induced to ruminate showed significant increases in dysfunctional attitudes from baseline to post-induction. Although rumination was not itself linked to higher cortisol responses, participants scoring high on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II who were induced to ruminate showed a smaller decrease in cortisol levels than those scoring low on the BDI-II. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that rumination as a dysfunctional mode of cognitive processing is able to maintain depression-linked dysfunctional thought content. Furthermore, our study revealed preliminary indications for a link between induced rumination and the cortisol stress response in vulnerable individuals. KW - Adult KW - Affect KW - Attention KW - Attitude KW - Cognition KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Hydrocortisone KW - Male KW - Mental Recall KW - Saliva KW - Self Concept KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Young Adult SP - 219 EP - 228 SN - 0033-2917 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18485265 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5089 T1 - “The Lord is my Shepherd”: examining spirituality as a protection against mental health problems in youth exposed to violence in Brazil. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903406096 A1 - Huculak,Susan A1 - McLennan,John D. VL - 13 IS - 5 PY - 2010/07// N1 -

Examines the role of spirituality in maintaining mental health in the face of violence; case study is a demographic of incarcerated Brazilian youth. Discusses results of a "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire" and recommends implementation of multi-dimensional (intrinsic and institutional) spirituality programming for at-risk populations.

N2 - Intrinsic and institutional spirituality or religiosity may each provide unique protective effects against the negative impacts of stress on mental health. Whether this extends to adolescents exposed to high levels of community violence is unknown. Three hundred twenty-five incarcerated adolescents from Sao Paulo City, Brazil responded to questions about spirituality and violence exposure drawn from the Social and Health Assessment, and mental health problems drawn from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. There was some evidence that intrinsic and institutional spirituality/religiosity may buffer the relation between violence exposure and certain mental health problems, and that intrinsic spirituality may mediate the relationship between institutional activities and certain mental well-being outcomes. These findings extend a degree of support to the multi-dimensional nature of spirituality to high-risk youth populations, suggesting a small differential and interactive role that intrinsic and institutional spirituality may play in protecting against some mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - mental health KW - Religiousness KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - spirituality KW - TEENAGERS SP - 467 EP - 484 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5090 T1 - Examination of the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Religiosity as Mediated by Psychological Inflexibility. JF - Current Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s12144-011-9104-3 A1 - Crosby,Jesse A1 - Bates,Scott A1 - Twohig,Michael VL - 30 IS - 2 PY - 2011/06// N2 - relationship between perfectionism and religiosity has been suggested in the literature, and this relationship is clarified further when the adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of both constructs are compared. Literature in both areas implicates the idea of a rigid and inflexible personality style that may explain why well meaning high standards can be associated with negative outcomes such as perfectionism. This investigation examined the relationship of perfectionism and religiosity, using adaptive and maladaptive dimensions, as mediated by psychological inflexibility. Validated measures of perfectionism, religiosity, and psychological inflexibility were given to 376 undergraduate college students in an anonymous online survey. Adaptive perfectionism (high standards) was found to be significantly correlated ( r = .26, p < .01, two-tailed) with adaptive religiosity (intrinsic orientation). Maladaptive perfectionism (discrepancy) was found to be significantly correlated ( r = .13, p < .05, two-tailed) with maladaptive religiosity (extrinsic orientation). Psychological inflexibility was found to be significantly correlated with the maladaptive dimensions of both perfectionism and religiosity. It was also shown to mediate the relationship between maladaptive (extrinsic) religiosity and maladaptive (discrepancy) perfectionism. Implications and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CORRELATION (Statistics) KW - INTERNET surveys KW - mediation KW - PERFECTIONISM (Personality trait) KW - Religiousness KW - RIGIDITY (Psychology) KW - UNDERGRADUATES SP - 117 EP - 129 SN - 10461310 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5091 T1 - "Keepin' my mind right": identity maintenance and religious social support in the prison context JF - International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology JA - Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol M3 - 10.1177/0306624X08315019 A1 - Kerley,Kent R A1 - Copes,Heith VL - 53 IS - 2 PY - 2009/04// N2 - It is not uncommon for inmates to experience religious conversions in prison. These conversions allow inmates to portray themselves in a prosocial light and help them to establish a sense of control in their current lives, regardless of their past. Despite the value of these conversions, maintaining a new outlook of one's self is remarkably difficult. Using semistructured interviews with 63 inmates who had undergone a religious conversion, the authors examine the process that they engaged in to keep these new senses of self. The narratives suggest that they relied on various social support mechanisms to keep themselves focused and inspired. Specifically, they stressed the importance of connecting with positive others in formal and informal settings, sharing their stories with those in need, and reflecting on their daily choices. It is through these strategies that inmates keep the inspiration and focus to "keep their minds right." KW - Adult KW - Humans KW - Male KW - prisoners KW - religion KW - Social Identification KW - social support SP - 228 EP - 244 SN - 0306-624X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18332177 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5092 T1 - Interactions Among Sex, Ethnicity, Religion, and Gender Role Expectations of Pain JF - Gender Medicine M3 - 16/j.genm.2011.04.001 A1 - Defrin,Ruth A1 - Eli,Ilana A1 - Pud,Dorit VL - 8 IS - 3 PY - 2011/06// N1 -

This study examined the interaction among gender role expectations of pain, sex, and ethno-religious belonging. The study surveyed 548 healthy men and women of three different religious groups, 341 Jews, 105, Muslim-Arabs and 102 Christian-Arabs. The study concluded that individual's perception of pain regarding one's self compared with the same opposite sex were similar regardless of ethno-linguistic belonging and were related to sex.  

N2 -

Background
Sex, gender, ethnicity, and religion are powerful factors that may affect pain experience. Recently, gender role expectations of pain (GREP) were suggested to account for some of the differences in pain perception between men and women. However, the interaction between GREP and ethnicity and religion was not examined. This interaction was studied with regard to pain sensitivity, pain endurance, and willingness to report pain.Objective
Our objective was to study the interaction among GREP, sex, and ethno-religious belonging.Method
Participants (548 healthy men and women) of 3 different ethno-religious groups (341 Jews, 105 Muslim-Arabs, 102 Christian-Arabs) completed the GREP questionnaire; pain sensitivity, pain endurance, and willingness to report pain were analyzed.Results
Men of all 3 ethno-religious groups perceived themselves and other men as less sensitive and less willing to report pain than typical women. Women of all 3 ethno-religious groups perceived themselves and other women as more sensitive and more willing to report pain than men. Ethno-religious differences were observed in the attitudes towards typical men and women, with Christian men and women exhibiting stronger stereotypical views regarding pain sensitivity and pain endurance.Conclusions
Individual's perceptions of pain regarding one's self compared with the same or opposite sex were similar regardless of ethno-religious belonging and were related to sex. However, attitudes on pain of typical men and women seemed to be influenced by ethno-religious belonging. This differential effect of ethno-religion on GREP with relation to sex suggests that these factors should be considered when pain perception is evaluated.

KW - ETHNICITY KW - gender role expectations KW - pain perception KW - religion KW - sex SP - 172 EP - 183 SN - 1550-8579 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155085791100060X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5093 T1 - Anxiolytic effects of a yoga program in early breast cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment: a randomized controlled trial JF - Complementary Therapies in Medicine JA - Complement Ther Med M3 - 10.1016/j.ctim.2008.05.005 A1 - Rao,M Raghavendra A1 - Raghuram,Nagarathna A1 - Nagendra,H R A1 - Gopinath,K S A1 - Srinath,B S A1 - Diwakar,Ravi B A1 - Patil,Shekar A1 - Bilimagga,S Ramesh A1 - Rao,Nalini A1 - Varambally,S VL - 17 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N1 -

This study compares the anxiolytic effects of a yoga program and supportive therapy in breast cancer outpatients undergoing conventional treatment at a cancer centre.

N2 - OBJECTIVES This study compares the anxiolytic effects of a yoga program and supportive therapy in breast cancer outpatients undergoing conventional treatment at a cancer centre. METHODS Ninety-eight stage II and III breast cancer outpatients were randomly assigned to receive yoga (n=45) or brief supportive therapy (n=53) prior to their primary treatment i.e., surgery. Only those subjects who received surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and six cycles of chemotherapy were chosen for analysis following intervention (yoga, n=18, control, n=20). Intervention consisted of yoga sessions lasting 60min daily while the control group was imparted supportive therapy during their hospital visits as a part of routine care. Assessments included Speilberger's State Trait Anxiety Inventory and symptom checklist. Assessments were done at baseline, after surgery, before, during, and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. RESULTS A GLM-repeated measures ANOVA showed overall decrease in both self-reported state anxiety (p<0.001) and trait anxiety (p=0.005) in yoga group as compared to controls. There was a positive correlation between anxiety states and traits with symptom severity and distress during conventional treatment intervals. CONCLUSION The results suggest that yoga can be used for managing treatment-related symptoms and anxiety in breast cancer outpatients. KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Anti-Anxiety Agents KW - Anxiety KW - Breast Neoplasms KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - COMBINED modality therapy KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Middle Aged KW - yoga SP - 1 EP - 8 SN - 1873-6963 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19114222 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5094 T1 - Just another club? The distinctiveness of the relation between religious service attendance and adolescent psychosocial adjustment JF - Journal of Youth and Adolescence JA - J Youth Adolesc M3 - 10.1007/s10964-008-9320-9 A1 - Good,Marie A1 - Willoughby,Teena A1 - Fritjers,Jan VL - 38 IS - 9 PY - 2009/10// N2 - This study used hierarchical linear modeling to compare longitudinal patterns of adolescent religious service attendance and club attendance, and to contrast the longitudinal relations between adolescent adjustment and religious service versus club attendance. Participants included 1050 students (47% girls) encompassing a school district in Canada, who completed the survey first in grade nine and again in grades 11 and 12. Results demonstrated that patterns of religious service attendance over time were quite different from other clubs. Religious attendance was uniquely associated with several indicators of positive as well as negative adjustment. Club involvement, conversely, was only associated with positive adjustment--particularly for individuals who reported sustained involvement over time. Findings suggest that religious services may provide some unique experiences--both positive and negative--over and above what may be provided in other clubs, and that sustained, rather than sporadic participation in clubs, may be especially important for adolescent adjustment. SP - 1153 EP - 1171 SN - 1573-6601 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19669897 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5096 T1 - The Couple That Prays Together: Race and Ethnicity, Religion, and Relationship Quality Among Working-Age Adults JF - Journal of Marriage and Family M3 - 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00742.x A1 - Ellison,Christopher G. A1 - Burdette,Amy M. A1 - Bradford Wilcox,W. VL - 72 IS - 4 PY - 2010/07// N2 - A substantial body of research has shown that relationship quality tends to be (a) lower among racial and ethnic minorities and (b) higher among more religious persons and among couples in which partners share common religious affiliations, practices, and beliefs. However, few studies have examined the interplay of race or ethnicity and religion in shaping relationship quality. Our study addresses this gap in the literature using data from the National Survey of Religion and Family Life (NSRFL), a 2006 telephone survey of 2,400 working-age adults (ages 18–59), which contains oversamples of African Americans and Latinos. Results underscore the complex nature of the effects of race and ethnicity, as well as religious variables. In particular, we found that couples' in-home family devotional activities and shared religious beliefs are positively linked with reports of relationship quality. SP - 963 EP - 975 SN - 00222445 UR - http://blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00742.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5097 T1 - Relationships Among Stress, Infectious Illness, and Religiousness/Spirituality in Community-Dwelling Older Adults JF - Research in Gerontological Nursing JA - Res Gerontol Nurs M3 - 10.3928/19404921-20101001-99 A1 - Callen,Bonnie L A1 - Mefford,Linda A1 - Groër,Maureen A1 - Thomas,Sandra P PY - 2010/10/29/ N2 - The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among stress, infectious illness, and religiousness/spirituality in community-dwelling older adults in the southeastern United States. Four assessment tools were completed by 82 older adults (mean age = 74, age range = 65 to 91): the Perceived Stress Scale, the Carr Infection Symptom Checklist (SCL), the Brief Multidimensional Measurement of Religiousness/Spirituality, and a demographic form. A significant correlation was found between stress and SCL scores; however, four dimensions of religiousness/spirituality moderated the relationship between stress and infection. Older adults who were unable to forgive themselves or forgive others, or feel forgiven by God, were more likely to have had an infection in the previous month. Increased infections also occurred when older participants did not feel they had religious support from their congregations. Using these findings, gerontological nurses are well positioned to deliver tailored stress management and forgiveness interventions when older adults report increased stress. SP - 1 EP - 12 SN - 1940-4921 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21053840 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5098 T1 - Spiritual Coping in American Buddhists: An Exploratory Study JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508610903143263 A1 - Phillips,Russell E. A1 - Cheng,Clara Michelle A1 - Pargament,Kenneth I. A1 - Oemig,Carmen A1 - Colvin,Sonya D. A1 - Abarr,Ashley N. A1 - Dunn,Michael W. A1 - Reed,Ashlee S. VL - 19 IS - 4 PY - 2009/10// N2 - Researchers in the United States have examined spiritual coping in Christians, Jews, Hindus, and Muslims, but rarely Buddhists. Using qualitative methodology, the present study represents an initial investigation into Buddhist forms of coping. Twenty-four Buddhists from across the United States were interviewed by phone, examining how their spirituality is used to cope with stress. Thematic analyses revealed six forms of Buddhist coping—right understanding, meditation, mindfulness, spiritual struggles, morality, and finding support in one's sangha. Implications of the study are discussed, including possibilities for future research on Buddhist coping. SP - 231 EP - 243 SN - 1050-8619 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/10508610903143263 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5099 T1 - Effect of yogic practices on lipid profile and body fat composition in patients of coronary artery disease JF - Complementary Therapies in Medicine JA - Complementary Therapies in Medicine M3 - 10.1016/j.ctim.2011.05.001 A1 - Pal,Ajay A1 - Srivastava,Neena A1 - Tiwari,Sunita A1 - Verma,N.S. A1 - Narain,V.S. A1 - Agrawal,G.G. A1 - Natu,S.M. A1 - Kumar,Kamakhya VL - 19 IS - 3 PY - 2011/06// N1 -

To observe the effect of regular yogic practices and self-discipline in reducing body fat and elevated lipids in CAD patients.

N2 - Objectives To observe the effect of regular yogic practices and self-discipline in reducing body fat and elevated lipids in CAD patients. Method In this study one hundred seventy (170) subjects, of both sexes having coronary artery disease were randomly selected form Department of Cardiology. Subjects were divided in to two groups randomly in yoganext term group and in non-previous termyoganext term group, eighty five (85) in each group. Out of these (170 subjects), one hundred fifty four (154) completed the study protocol. Time line The yogic intervention consisted of 35–40 min/day, five days in a week till six months in the Department of Physiology CSMMU UP Lucknow. Body fat testing and estimation of lipid profile were done of the both groups at zero time and after six months of yogic intervention in previous termyoganext term group and without yogic intervention in non previous termyoganext term group. Results In present study, BMI (p < 0.04), fat % (p < 0.0002), fat free mass (p < 0.04), SBP (p < 0.002), DBP (p < 0.009), heart rate (p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (p < 0.0001), triglycerides (p < 0.0001), HDL (p < 0.0001) and low density lipoprotein (p < 0.04) were changed significantly. Conclusion Reduction of SBP, DBP, heart rate, body fat%, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL after regular yogic practices is beneficial for cardiac and hypertensive patients. Therefore yogic practices included in this study are helpful for the patients of coronary artery disease. SP - 122 EP - 127 SN - 09652299 UR - http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0965229911000550 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5100 T1 - Evaluating the Interplay Between Spirituality, Personality and Stress JF - Applied psychophysiology and Biofeedback M3 - 10.1007/s10484-009-9119-9 A1 - Labbé,E. E. A1 - Fobes,A. VL - 35 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Spirituality and the big five personality traits may be risk or protective factors for coping with stress. We hypothesized young adults who reported higher spirituality ratings would demonstrate lower sympathetic nervous system arousal and better emotional coping when exposed to a laboratory stressor compared to those who rated themselves lower in spirituality. We also compared spirituality groups on trait anger, neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and openness to experience. Eighty participants completed trait-state anger, personality and spirituality questionnaires and were grouped into low, average and high spirituality. Participants' physiological responses were monitored before and during a stressful event. Significant differences were found between low, average and high spirituality groups' respiration rate and emotional response to the stressor. Significant differences were also found between spirituality groups in extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, trait anger and neuroticism. Females reported higher levels of spirituality and conscientiousness than males. SP - 141 EP - 146 SN - 1090-0586 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5101 T1 - Heavenly Bodies: Religious Issues in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Eating Disorders JF - Cognitive and Behavioral Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.05.004 A1 - Spangler,Diane L. VL - 17 IS - 4 PY - 2010/11// N2 - Minimal attention has been given to the role that religion may play in the development, maintenance, and treatment of eating disorders. Many religions espouse specific doctrines about the nature and purpose of the body as well as prescribe particular body grooming and eating practices. These doctrines and practices influence individuals' schemas and experiences of the body and eating, which can either contribute to or provide protection from eating disorders. This paper describes pathways through which religious beliefs and practices may impact risk for and maintenance of eating disorders. Methods for integrating religious concepts, practices, and resources into standard cognitive-behavioral treatment for eating disorders are discussed, including interventions that address purported religiously oriented contributory and protective factors. Treatment of a religious client with an eating disorder is described to illustrate the incorporation of religiously oriented interventions in practice. SP - 358 EP - 370 SN - 1077-7229 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7XMX-4YCS08C-1/2/9073e2654176b9e75ccafd8c932d7e4b ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5103 T1 - Relationships between psychosocial-spiritual well-being and end-of-life preferences and values in African American dialysis patients JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management JA - J Pain Symptom Manage M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.11.007 A1 - Song,Mi-Kyung A1 - Hanson,Laura C VL - 38 IS - 3 PY - 2009/09// N2 - The objective of the study was to examine whether psychosocial and spiritual well-being is associated with African American dialysis patients' end-of-life treatment preferences and acceptance of potential outcomes of life-sustaining treatment. Fifty-one African Americans with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and interview with measures of symptom distress, health-related quality of life, psychosocial and spiritual well-being, and preferences and values related to life-sustaining treatment choices. The subjects were stratified by end-of-life treatment preferences and by acceptance of life-sustaining treatment outcomes, and compared for psychosocial and spiritual well-being, as well as sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Individuals who desired continued use of life-sustaining treatment in terminal illness or advanced dementia had significantly lower spiritual well-being (P=0.012). Individuals who valued four potential outcomes of life-sustaining treatment as unacceptable showed a more positive, adaptive well-being score in the spiritual dimension compared with the group that valued at least one outcome as acceptable (P=0.028). Religious involvement and importance of spirituality were not associated with end-of-life treatment preferences and acceptance of treatment outcomes. African Americans with ESRD expressed varied levels of psychosocial and spiritual well-being, and this characteristic was associated with life-sustaining treatment preferences. In future research, the assessment of spirituality should not be limited to its intensity or degree but extended to other dimensions. KW - African Americans KW - Aged KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - religion KW - Renal Dialysis KW - social support KW - Socioeconomic Factors KW - Spiritual Therapies KW - Terminal Care KW - Treatment Outcome SP - 372 EP - 380 SN - 1873-6513 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5107 T1 - A Comparison of Two Spirituality Instruments and Their Relationship With Depression and Quality of Life in Chronic Heart Failure JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.08.005 A1 - Bekelman,David B. A1 - Parry,Carla A1 - Curlin,Farr A. A1 - Yamashita,Traci E. A1 - Fairclough,Diane L. A1 - Wamboldt,Frederick S. VL - 39 IS - 3 PY - 2010/03// N2 - Spirituality is a multifaceted construct related to health outcomes that remains ill defined and difficult to measure. Spirituality in patients with advanced chronic illnesses, such as chronic heart failure, has received limited attention. We compared two widely used spirituality instruments, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy--Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) and the Ironson-Woods Spirituality/Religiousness Index (IW), to better understand what they measure in 60 outpatients with chronic heart failure. We examined how these instruments related to each other and to measures of depression and quality of life using correlations and principal component analyses. The FACIT-Sp measured aspects of spirituality related to feelings of peace and coping, whereas the IW measured beliefs, coping, and relational aspects of spirituality. Only the FACIT-Sp Meaning/Peace subscale consistently correlated with depression (r = -0.50, P < 0.0001) and quality of life (r = 0.41, P = 0.001). Three items from the depression measure loaded onto the same factor as the FACIT-Sp Meaning/Peace subscale (r = 0.43, -0.43, and 0.71), whereas the remaining 12 items formed a separate factor (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82) when combined with the spirituality instruments in a principal component analysis. The results demonstrate several clinically useful constructs of spirituality in patients with heart failure and suggest that psychological and spiritual well-being, despite some overlap, remain distinct phenomena. KW - depression KW - Heart Failure KW - Measurement KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - spirituality SP - 515 EP - 526 SN - 0885-3924 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5109 T1 - Theistic Existential Psychotherapy JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0014895 A1 - Bartz,Jeremy D. VL - 1 IS - 2 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Recently, the dichotomy between psychotherapy and spirituality has weakened as scholars and practitioners have begun to acknowledge the value of spiritual factors in clients' lives. This article integrates I. D. Yalom's (1980) existential psychotherapy with the theistic worldview and with the assumptions and ideas of theistic scholars such as Kierkegaard. The philosophical foundations of Yalom's existential psychotherapy are contrasted with those of theism. A theistic reconceptualization of existential personality theory is presented, and the existential approach to treatment is reconsidered in light of theism. Finally, a case vignette involving fear of love loss is presented to illustrate how a theistic perspective can enhance the practice of existential psychotherapy KW - existential therapy KW - existentialism KW - Psychotherapy KW - spirituality KW - theistic SP - 69 EP - 80 SN - 1941-1022 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B9846-4WKH6C3-1/2/7799566366032a43d78c1c9d42501ab6 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5110 T1 - Yoga and mindfulness: Clinical aspects of an ancient mind/body practice. JF - Cognitive and Behavioral Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.cbpra.2008.07.002 A1 - Salmon,Paul A1 - Lush,Elizabeth A1 - Jablonski,Megan A1 - Sephton,Sandra E. VL - 16 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N2 - The use of Yoga and other complementary healthcare interventions for both clinical and non-clinical populations has increased substantially in recent years. In this context, we describe the implementation of Hatha Yoga in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program of Kabat-Zinn and colleagues. This is embedded in a more general consideration of Yoga’s place in complementary healthcare. In providing this overview, we comment on the nature and quality of current research on Yoga, summarize current physiological and psychological explanations of its effects, and discuss practical issues related to teacher training and experience. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - clinical aspects KW - colleagues KW - Dualism KW - healthcare interventions KW - intervention KW - mind body practice KW - Mindfulness KW - mindfulness based stress reduction KW - Personnel Training KW - Primary Health Care KW - Stress KW - teacher training KW - teachers KW - Teaching KW - teaching experience KW - yoga SP - 59 EP - 72 SN - 1077-7229 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5111 T1 - Counseling clients with chronic pain: A religiously oriented cognitive behavior framework. JF - Journal of Counseling & Development A1 - Robertson,Linda A. A1 - Smith,Heather L. A1 - Ray,Shannon L. A1 - Jones,K. Dayle VL - 87 IS - 3 PY - 2009/// N2 - The experience of chronic pain is largely influenced by core schemas and cognitive processes, including those that are religious in nature. When these schemas are negative, they contribute to the exacerbation of pain and related problems. A framework is presented for the identification of problematic religious schemas and their modification through cognitive behavior strategies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Chronic pain KW - Cognitive Assessment KW - cognitive behavior framework KW - cognitive behavior strategies KW - Cognitive Processes KW - core schemas KW - Counseling KW - counseling clients KW - religion KW - Religious Practices KW - Schema KW - strategies SP - 373 EP - 379 SN - 0748-9633 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5112 T1 - Moral thought–action fusion and OCD symptoms: The moderating role of religious affiliation. JF - Journal of Anxiety Disorders M3 - 10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.01.002 A1 - Siev,Jedidiah A1 - Chambless,Dianne L. A1 - Huppert,Jonathan D. VL - 24 IS - 3 PY - 2010/04// N2 - The empirical literature on the relationship between moral thought–action fusion (TAF) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by mixed findings. Previous studies have reported religious group differences in moral TAF and the relationship between moral TAF and religiosity. In light of those studies and considering the apparent role of moral TAF in scrupulosity, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the possible role of religion as a moderator of the relationship between moral TAF and OCD symptoms. The results revealed that (a) Christians endorsed higher levels of moral TAF than did Jews independent of OCD symptoms; (b) religiosity was correlated with moral TAF in Christians but not in Jews, suggesting that Christian religious adherence is related to beliefs about the moral import of thoughts; and (c)moral TAF was related to OCD symptoms only in Jews. That is, for Christians,moral TAF was related to religiosity but not OCD symptoms, and for Jews, moral TAF was related to OCD symptoms but not religiosity. These results imply that moral TAF is only a marker of pathology when such beliefs are not culturally normative (e.g., as a function of religious teaching or doctrine). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Christianity KW - Christians KW - Cognitions KW - Jews KW - Judaism KW - moral thought-action fusion KW - Morality KW - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder KW - OBSESSIVE-compulsive disorder KW - religiosity KW - religious affiliation KW - religious group differences KW - SYMPTOMS SP - 309 EP - 312 SN - 0887-6185 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5113 T1 - Happiness and financial satisfaction in Israel: Effects of religiosity, ethnicity, and war JF - Journal of Economic Psychology M3 - 10.1016/j.joep.2010.08.008 A1 - Van Praag,Bernard M.S. A1 - Romanov,Dmitri A1 - Ferrer-i-Carbonell,Ada VL - 31 IS - 6 PY - 2010/12// N2 - We analyze individual satisfaction with life as a whole and satisfaction with the personal financial situation for Israeli citizens of Jewish and Arab descent. Our data set is the Israeli Social Survey (2006). We are especially interested in the impact of the religions Judaism, Islam and Christianity, where we are able to differentiate between individuals who vary in religiosity between secular and ultra-orthodox. We find a significant effect of religiosity on happiness. With respect to Jewish families it is most striking that the impact of family size on both life and financial satisfaction seems to vary with religiosity. This might be a reason for differentiation in family equivalence scales. For Arab families we did not find this effect. First-generation immigrants are less happy than second-generation immigrants, while there is no significant difference between second-generation families and native families. The effect of the Lebanon war is much less than expected. KW - Financial satisfaction KW - Happiness KW - Immigration KW - Israel KW - religion KW - Subjective well-being KW - Terrorism SP - 1008 EP - 1020 SN - 0167-4870 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6V8H-50YF6CV-1/2/582f9e0f178c7dc4854010a61f4be0b0 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5115 T1 - Support for religio-political aggression among teenaged boys in Gaza: part II: neuroendocrinological findings JF - Aggressive Behavior JA - Aggress Behav M3 - 10.1002/ab.20376 A1 - Victoroff,Jeff A1 - Quota,Samir A1 - Adelman,Janice R A1 - Celinska,Barbara A1 - Stern,Naftali A1 - Wilcox,Rand A1 - Sapolsky,Robert M VL - 37 IS - 2 PY - 2011/04//Mar-undefined N2 - Hormones seem to play important roles in the regulation of human aggression. Multiple studies have confirmed that testosterone (T) levels exhibit complex relationships with aggression, dominance, and/or risk-taking behavior. Some evidence suggests that cortisol (CORT) interacts with T and may also be associated with aspects of mood and aggression. However, almost no research to date has investigated the possibility that these neuroendocrine factors are associated with variations in political attitudes or with political aggression. During the second intifada, we tested the hypothesis that morning salivary T and/or salivary CORT levels might be associated with self-rated aggression or with support for religio-political aggression (RPA) among 14-year-old Palestinian boys living in Gaza. We obtained and averaged weekly 09:00 hr salivary measures of T and CORT for more than 1 month. Averaged morning T levels did not correlate with self-rated aggression, but were positively associated with agreement with the statement "religious ends justify any means," (r = .355, P = .014) and marginally associated with a composite measure of support for RPA (r = .247, P = .094). Average CORT levels were inversely correlated with self-rated aggression (r = -.328, P = .037) and with anger (r = -.373, P = .016), but CORT levels were not associated with support for RPA or with the statement "religious ends justify any means." Acknowledging that a modest sample size and methodological issues necessarily limit confidence in our conclusions, these results may represent the first findings regarding neurobiological correlates of support for political aggression. SP - 121 EP - 132 SN - 1098-2337 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21274850 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5117 T1 - The mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) reduces stress-related psychological distress in healthcare professionals. JF - The Spanish Journal of Psychology A1 - Martín-Asuero,A A1 - García-Banda,Gloria VL - 13 IS - 2 PY - 2010/11// N2 - This semi-experimental study examines how Mindfulness facilitates a distress reduction in a group of health professionals. The sample comprises 29 professionals seeking stress reduction who undertook an 8 weeks psico-educative intervention, involving 28 hours of class, based on a program called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction or MBSR. Results show a 35% reduction of distress, from percentile 75 to 45, combined with a 30% reduction in rumination and a 20% decrease in negative affect. These benefits lasted during the 3 months of the follow up period. The correlation analysis indicates that the decrease in distress is significantly related to the other two variables. These results confirm the effectiveness of MBSR to decrease distress and its applicability in training programs for health professionals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Distress KW - health care professionals KW - Health Personnel KW - Mindfulness KW - mindfulness based stress reduction program KW - Psychological Stress KW - stress management KW - stress related psychological distress SP - 897 EP - 905 SN - 1138-7416 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5119 T1 - Systematic review of the effects of religion-accommodative psychotherapy for depression and anxiety. JF - Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy M3 - 10.1007/s10879-010-9154-0 A1 - Paukert,Amber L. A1 - Phillips,Laura L. A1 - Cully,Jeffrey A. A1 - Romero,Catherine A1 - Stanley,Melinda A. VL - 41 IS - 2 PY - 2011/06// N2 - Integrating religion into psychotherapy may improve treatment for depression and anxiety. This review systematically examines clinical trials of religion-accommodative psychotherapy for depression or anxiety. Results indicate that integrating religion into psychotherapy does not lead to significantly more improvements in depression or anxiety than equivalent therapy without religious components. However, when compared with less stringent control groups, such as supportive psychotherapy, religion-accommodative therapy may be more effective, at least immediately post-treatment. Results from the 11 studies reviewed indicate that psychotherapy integrating religion is at least as effective for treating depression and anxiety as other forms of psychotherapy. Conclusions were limited by lack of power, comparable control groups, focus on anxiety, and treatment manuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Anxiety KW - depression KW - Major Depression KW - religion KW - religion-accommodative psychotherapy KW - Supportive Psychotherapy SP - 99 EP - 108 SN - 0022-0116 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5120 T1 - On "spirituality," "religion," and "religions": a concept analysis JF - Palliative & Supportive Care JA - Palliat Support Care M3 - 10.1017/S1478951510000374 A1 - Lazenby,J Mark VL - 8 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - OBJECTIVE: With increasing research on the role of religion and spirituality in the well-being of cancer patients, it is important to define distinctly the concepts that researchers use in these studies. METHOD: Using the philosophies of Frege and James, this essay argues that the terms "religion" and "spirituality" denote the same concept, a concept that is identified with the Peace/Meaning subscale of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy--Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp). RESULTS: The term "Religions" denotes the concept under which specific religious systems are categorized. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This article shows how muddling these concepts causes researchers to make claims that their findings do not support, and it ends in suggesting that future research must include universal measures of the concept of religion/spirituality in order to investigate further the role of interventions in the spiritual care of people living with cancer. SP - 469 EP - 476 SN - 1478-9523 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/20875214 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5121 T1 - Development, refinement, and psychometric properties of the Attitudes Toward God Scale (ATGS-9). JF - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality JA - Psychology of Religion and Spirituality M3 - 10.1037/a0018753 A1 - Wood,Benjamin T. A1 - Worthington,Everett L. A1 - Exline,Julie Juola A1 - Yali,Ann Marie A1 - Aten,Jamie D. A1 - McMinn,Mark R. VL - 2 IS - 3 PY - 2010/// N2 - Perceived relationships with God can be a source of comfort or struggle. To advance the study of spiritual comfort and struggle, we develop the nine-item Attitudes toward God Scale (ATGS-9), and we describe six studies (2,992 total participants) reporting its development and psychometrics. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified two factors: (1) Positive Attitudes toward God and (2) Disappointment and Anger with God. Subscale scores showed good estimated internal consistency, 2-week temporal stability, and evidence for construct and discriminant validity. Positive Attitudes toward God correlated with measures of religiosity and conscientiousness. Disappointment and Anger with God correlated with negative religious coping, lower religious participation, more distress, higher neuroticism, and entitlement. These results support the ATGS-9 as a brief measure of attitudes toward God. SP - 148 EP - 167 SN - 1943-1562 UR - http://doi.apa.org/getdoi.cfm?doi=10.1037/a0018753 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5122 T1 - Yoga as an intervention in the treatment of eating disorders: does it help? JF - Eating Disorders JA - Eat Disord M3 - 10.1080/10640260802714555 A1 - Douglass,Laura VL - 17 IS - 2 PY - 2009/04//Mar-undefined N2 - This article explores the uses of yoga as an experiential adjunct to other forms of therapy in the treatment of eating disorders in residential and outpatient settings. Supported by other treatment modalities, yoga can be an effective method for increasing self-awareness, reflection and the ability to self-soothe. Like other interventions, yoga has potential misuses. These misuses are uncovered with suggestions made as to how therapists can support the practice of yoga in residential and outpatient settings. KW - Ambulatory Care KW - Anorexia Nervosa KW - Arousal KW - Awareness KW - BODY image KW - Bulimia Nervosa KW - COMBINED modality therapy KW - Defense Mechanisms KW - Hospitalization KW - Humans KW - Meditation KW - Patient Care Team KW - Self Concept KW - Treatment Outcome KW - yoga SP - 126 EP - 139 SN - 1532-530X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5123 T1 - Protection throughout the life span: the psychoneuroimmunologic impact of Indo-Tibetan meditative and yogic practices JF - Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences JA - Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci M3 - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04415.x A1 - Olivo,Erin L VL - 1172 PY - 2009/08// N2 - The Indo-Tibetan tradition claims that proficiency in the suggested longevity practices of meditation, diet, and physical exercise (yoga), will result in profound anti-aging, stress-mediating and health enhancing effects. Western biomedical research has begun to demonstrate that the psychobiological states induced and cultivated by cognitive behavioral practices which are emblematic of those contained within the Indo-Tibetan tradition (hypnosis, meditation, visualization, systematic relaxation), indeed do have a profound impact on the body's protective and regulatory systems. Although continued study is necessary, much of the early research illuminating the mechanisms responsible for the life-span extending and health-enhancing effects of these cognitive behavioral practices points to the importance of their anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects as well as their impact in enhancing the production of endogenous substances that possess general longevity-enhancing, regenerative properties. KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Exercise KW - Health promotion KW - Humans KW - Immune System KW - India KW - Inflammation KW - Longevity KW - Medicine, Tibetan Traditional KW - Medicine, Traditional KW - Meditation KW - Neurosecretory Systems KW - yoga SP - 163 EP - 171 SN - 1749-6632 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19735248 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5124 T1 - Attachment to God, Images of God, and Psychological Distress in a Nationwide Sample of Presbyterians. JF - International Journal for the Psychology of Religion M3 - 10.1080/10508611003608049 A1 - Bradshaw,Matt A1 - Ellison,Christopher G. A1 - Marcum,Jack P. VL - 20 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - Drawing broadly on insights from attachment theory, the present study outlines a series of theoretical arguments linking styles of attachment to God, perceptions of the nature of God (i.e., God imagery), and stressful life events with psychological distress. Main effects and potential stress-moderator effects are then evaluated using data from a nationwide sample of elders and rank-and-file members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Key findings indicate that secure attachment to God is inversely associated with distress, whereas both anxious attachment to God and stressful life events are positively related to distress. Once variations in patterns of attachment to God are controlled, there are no net effects of God imagery on levels of distress. There is only modest support for the hypothesis that God images moderate the effects of stressful life events on psychological distress, but no stress-moderator effects were found for attachment to God. Study limitations are identified, and findings are discussed in terms of their implications for religion-health research, as well as recent extensions of attachment theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CHRISTIAN sects KW - DISTRESS (Psychology) KW - God KW - Life Change Events KW - PRESBYTERIAN Church SP - 130 EP - 147 SN - 10508619 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5125 T1 - Capturing presence moments: the art of mindful practice in occupational therapy JF - Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. Revue Canadienne D'ergothérapie JA - Can J Occup Ther A1 - Reid,Denise VL - 76 IS - 3 PY - 2009/06// N2 - BACKGROUND: This paper explores theoretical and practical views of mindfulness and phenomena of presence moments. The potential for altering life and enabling change through lived experience of mindful presence moments has relevance for occupational therapy practice. PURPOSE: To suggest ways for occupational therapists to become mindfully present during practice. Based on theoretical perspectives drawn from the fields of psychology, philosophy, psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and education, a four-fold approach will be outlined for occupational therapists to practice mindfully and experience presence moments. KEY ISSUES: This approach emphasizes key concepts of awareness, non-judgment, reflection, curiosity, and commitment to practice. A clinical scenario is used to illustrate the approach. IMPLICATIONS: The ideas raised in this paper need to be incorporated into daily practice by occupational therapists so that a culture of mindful practice can be cultivated. Suggestions are provided throughout the paper for an agenda of potential research studies to address aspects of mindfulness and presence moments more fully. KW - Awareness KW - Humans KW - Occupational Therapy SP - 180 EP - 188 SN - 0008-4174 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5127 T1 - The benefits of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis: results of a preliminary, structured 8-week program JF - Rheumatology International JA - Rheumatol. Int M3 - 10.1007/s00296-009-0871-1 A1 - Badsha,Humeira A1 - Chhabra,Vishwas A1 - Leibman,Cathy A1 - Mofti,Ayman A1 - Kong,Kok Ooi VL - 29 IS - 12 PY - 2009/10// N2 - The aim of this study was to measure the effects of a bi-weekly Raj yoga program on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. Subjects were recruited from among RA patients in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by email invitations of the RA database. Demographic data, disease activity indices, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), and quality of life (QOL) by SF-36 were documented at enrollment and after completion of 12 sessions of Raj yoga. A total of 47 patients were enrolled: 26 yoga and 21 controls. Baseline demographics were similar in both groups. Patients who underwent yoga had statistically significant improvements in DAS28 and HAQ, but not QOL. Our pilot study of 12 sessions of yoga for RA was able to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in RA disease parameters. We believe that a longer duration of treatment could result in more significant improvements. SP - 1417 EP - 1421 SN - 1437-160X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19184028 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5128 T1 - When nurses grieve: spirituality's role in coping JF - Journal of Christian Nursing: A Quarterly Publication of Nurses Christian Fellowship JA - J Christ Nurs A1 - Shinbara,Christina G A1 - Olson,Lynn VL - 27 IS - 1 PY - 2010/03//Jan-undefined N2 - This study explored spirituality as an aspect of support for nurses grieving the loss of patients. Previous research has sought to understand the grief support needs of nurses; spirituality is one support nurses describe. Fifty-eight nurses responded to questions related to spirituality from a Needs Assessment Questionnaire (NAQ) designed to study grief support for nurses. Nurses reported spirituality as important in their daily lives (75%) and in helping them cope with patient-related grief (70%), and cited spiritual-based resources as beneficial in coping. Spirituality can play an important role in coping with grief and should be included in nurses' support. SP - 32 EP - 37 SN - 0743-2550 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5129 T1 - Spirituality within the family and the prevention of health risk behavior among adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand JF - Social Science & Medicine M3 - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.08.020 A1 - Chamratrithirong,Aphichat A1 - Miller,Brenda A. A1 - Byrnes,Hilary F. A1 - Rhucharoenpornpanich,Orratai A1 - Cupp,Pamela K. A1 - Rosati,Michael J. A1 - Fongkaew,Warunee A1 - Atwood,Katharine A. A1 - Chookhare,Warunee VL - 71 IS - 10 PY - 2010/11// N2 - This study investigates the influences of a family's spiritual beliefs and practices on substance use and sexual risk behaviors among young adolescents 13-14 years old in Bangkok, Thailand. Independent predictor variables are the parents' and teens' spiritual beliefs and practices in Buddhism and parental monitoring behaviors. The study uses data from the 2007 Baseline Survey of the Thai Family Matters Project, which adapted a U.S. based family prevention program for Thai culture. A representative sample of 420 pairs of parents and teens from the Bangkok metropolitan area was recruited to participate in the study. Structural equation models indicate that positive direct and indirect associations of the spirituality of parents and teens within a family and the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors are significant and consistent. KW - adolescents KW - ALCOHOL KW - Buddhism KW - Family KW - Health Behavior KW - Risk behavior KW - Sexual behavior KW - spirituality KW - Thailand KW - Tobacco SP - 1855 EP - 1863 SN - 0277-9536 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VBF-512MHFV-3/2/b26fc2a1629732e04c939e3003bdde5d ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5130 T1 - Do religious coping styles moderate or mediate the external and internalized racism-distress links? JF - The Counseling Psychologist M3 - 10.1177/0011000010378895 A1 - Szymanski,Dawn M. A1 - Obiri,Oluwafunmilayo VL - 39 IS - 3 PY - 2011/04// N2 - The purpose of this study was to examine the potential moderating and mediating roles of positive and negative religious coping styles in the relationship between external and internalized racism and African American persons’ psychological distress. Participants included 269 African Americans who completed a web-based Internet survey. Results revealed that negative religious coping styles partially mediated the relationships between racist events and internalized racism and psychological distress. No support was found for the mediating role of positive religious coping or for the moderating roles of positive and negative religious coping in the links between racist events and internalized racism and psychological distress. Research and practice implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - African Americans KW - Blacks KW - Coping Behavior KW - Distress KW - Experiences (Events) KW - externalized & internalized racism KW - Internalization KW - Psychological distress KW - RACISM KW - racist events KW - religiosity KW - religious coping styles SP - 438 EP - 462 SN - 0011-0000 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5131 T1 - Variations in pastors' perceptions of the etiology of depression by race and religious affiliation JF - Community Mental Health Journal JA - Community Ment Health J M3 - 10.1007/s10597-009-9210-y A1 - Payne,Jennifer Shepard VL - 45 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10// N2 - Depression is a major, preventable problem in the United States, yet relatively few individuals seek care in traditional mental health settings. Instead, many choose to confide in friends, family, or clergy. Thus, it is important to discover how clergy perceive the definition of and etiology of depression. The author conducted a survey with 204 Protestant pastors in California. Multinomial logistic regression revealed a statistically significant difference in how depression is perceived based on race. Caucasian American pastors more readily agreed with the statement that depression was a biological mood disorder, while African American pastors more readily agreed that depression was a moment of weakness when dealing with trials and tribulations. Also, mainline Protestants more frequently disagreed with statements about spiritual causes of depression than Pentecostals and non-denominational pastors. The findings suggest that racial and religious affiliational influences shape how pastors view, and ultimately intervene, in the area of depression. SP - 355 EP - 365 SN - 1573-2789 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19533347 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5133 T1 - The roles of parenting, church attendance, and depression in adolescent smoking JF - Journal of Community Health JA - J Community Health M3 - 10.1007/s10900-008-9118-4 A1 - Berg,Carla A1 - Choi,Won S A1 - Kaur,Harsohena A1 - Nollen,Nicole A1 - Ahluwalia,Jasjit S VL - 34 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N2 - The aim of the present study was to identify contextual factors related to smoking among urban African-American and White adolescents. We administered a survey assessing demographic and psychosocial variables to 299 adolescents in an urban pediatric clinic in the Midwest. Results indicated that being female, older age, lower academic performance, depressive symptoms, less frequent church attendance, parental smoking, and parental attitudes toward smoking were related to adolescent smoking. After controlling for demographics, the multivariate model predicting adolescent smoking included depressive symptoms, less frequent church attendance, and parental disapproval of smoking. Given these findings, efforts to decrease adolescent smoking may be enhanced by attending to depressive symptoms demonstrated by adolescents as well as contextual factors including parental attitudes and church attendance. KW - Adolescent KW - Adolescent Behavior KW - African Americans KW - Attitude to Health KW - Culture KW - depression KW - Educational Status KW - European Continental Ancestry Group KW - Female KW - Health Behavior KW - Humans KW - Kansas KW - Male KW - PARENTING KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Risk Factors KW - Risk-Taking KW - Sex Factors KW - Smoking SP - 56 EP - 63 SN - 0094-5145 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18830691 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5134 T1 - The Mindfulness Revolution: Leading Psychologists, Scientists, Artists, and Meditatiion Teachers on the Power of Mindfulness in Daily Life A1 - Boyce,Barry A1 - Kabat-Zinn,Jon A1 - Siegel,Daniel A1 - Hanh,Thich Nhat A1 - Kornfield,Jack PB - Shambhala PY - 2011/03/08/ SN - 1590308891 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5135 T1 - Mindfulness intervention for child abuse survivors JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20624 A1 - Kimbrough,Elizabeth A1 - Magyari,Trish A1 - Langenberg,Patricia A1 - Chesney,Margaret A1 - Berman,Brian VL - 66 IS - 1 PY - 2010/// N2 - Twenty-seven adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse participated in a pilot study comprising an 8-week mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction (MBSR) program and daily home practice of mindfulness skills. Three refresher classes were provided through final follow-up at 24 weeks. Assessments of depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and mindfulness, were conducted at baseline, 4, 8, and 24 weeks. At 8 weeks, depressive symptoms were reduced by 65%. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all outcomes post-MBSR, with effect sizes above 1.0. Improvements were largely sustained until 24 weeks. Of three PTSD symptom criteria, symptoms of avoidance/numbing were most greatly reduced. Compliance to class attendance and home practice was high, with the intervention proving safe and acceptable to participants. These results warrant further investigation of the MBSR approach in a randomized, controlled trial in this patient population. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 1-18, 2010. SP - 17 EP - 33 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5136 T1 - The long-term effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as a relapse prevention treatment for major depressive disorder JF - Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy JA - Behav Cogn Psychother M3 - 10.1017/S135246581000010X A1 - Mathew,Kate L A1 - Whitford,Hayley S A1 - Kenny,Maura A A1 - Denson,Linley A VL - 38 IS - 5 PY - 2010/10// N2 - BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse prevention treatment for major depressive disorder. METHOD: An observational clinical audit of 39 participants explored the long-term effects of MBCT using standardized measures of depression (BDI-II), rumination (RSS), and mindfulness (MAAS). RESULTS: MBCT was associated with statistically significant reductions in depression from pre to post treatment. Gains were maintained over time (Group 1, 1-12 months, p = .002; Group 2, 13-24 months, p = .001; Group 3, 25-34 months, p = .04). Depression scores in Group 3 did begin to worsen, yet were still within the mild range of the BDI-II. Treatment variables such as attendance at "booster" sessions and ongoing mindfulness practice correlated with better depression outcomes (p = .003 and p = .03 respectively). There was a strong negative correlation between rumination and mindful attention (p < .001), consistent with a proposed mechanism of metacognition in the efficacy of MBCT. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that ongoing MBCT skills and practice may be important for relapse prevention over the longer term. Larger randomized studies of the mechanisms of MBCT with longer follow-up periods are recommended. SP - 561 EP - 576 SN - 1469-1833 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374671 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5137 T1 - Religion and Cancer: Examining the Possible Connections JF - Journal of Psychosocial Oncology M3 - 10.1080/07347330903182010 A1 - Crane,Jacquelyn N. VL - 27 IS - 4 PY - 2009/10// N1 -

Numerous sound scientific studies (cross-sectional and longitudinal) have found a positive correlation between religion and physical and mental health. In particular, there is evidence that demonstrates that religion helps cancer patients better adjust to and cope with their disease, at least psychologically. However, some research suggests that mediating factors associated with religion may explain the positive effects of religion on health. This article argues that even if this is the case, there is still intrinsic value to religion in that the mediators themselves are strongly connected to religion, and therefore religion is important to the patient in terms of coping, support, hope, and meaning. This has possible important implications for clinical practice.

N2 - Numerous sound scientific studies (cross-sectional and longitudinal) have found a positive correlation between religion and physical and mental health. In particular, there is evidence that demonstrates that religion helps cancer patients better adjust to and cope with their disease, at least psychologically. However, some research suggests that mediating factors associated with religion may explain the positive effects of religion on health. This article argues that even if this is the case, there is still intrinsic value to religion in that the mediators themselves are strongly connected to religion, and therefore religion is important to the patient in terms of coping, support, hope, and meaning. This has possible important implications for clinical practice. SP - 469 EP - 486 SN - 0734-7332 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/07347330903182010 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5138 T1 - Divergent Logics of Spiritual Care: End of Life and the Role of the Church of Sweden JF - Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging M3 - 10.1080/15528030903158192 A1 - Grassman,Eva Jeppsson A1 - Whitaker,Anna VL - 21 IS - 4 PY - 2009/10//undefined N2 - This article addresses the role of the Church of Sweden in spiritual care for parishioners in their end-of-life phase. The frame of reference is a new geography of dying that implies that a majority of Swedes today, particularly older people, die in their local neighborhood of belonging, in fact in their parishes. Findings from a study of all parishes in two Swedish communities are presented that indicate support for dying parishioners is surprisingly uncommon, although most parishes offer support for the bereaved. A possible interpretation of these contrasting patterns is discussed. The findings indicate that divergent forms of care logic motivated the different types of support offered by the Church. Long-standing relationships with aging parishioners seemed to be at the heart of the matte SP - 344 EP - 360 SN - 1552-8030 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/15528030903158192 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5139 T1 - Ethnicity, religion and clinical practice: a qualitative study of beliefs and attitudes of psychiatrists in the United Kingdom. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674676.2010.495111 A1 - Durà-Vilà,Glòria A1 - Hagger,Matthew A1 - Dein,Simon A1 - Leavey,Gerard VL - 14 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - There is growing interest in the relationship between religion and mental health and the need for compassion, empathy and 'spiritual competencies' within health services including psychiatry. The nature and the extent of such a relationship are highly vexed and polarising within the psychiatric profession. While the United Kingdom is ostensibly a secular society, a high percentage of NHS clinicians hail from religiously oriented societies; we know little on how the religious beliefs of such professionals are resolved in a secular practice. This is a qualitative study exploring psychiatrists' attitudes to religion and spirituality within their practice and which attempts to examine how these are resolved in the therapeutic relationship with, and management of, religious patients. Twenty interviews were conducted with psychiatrists working in London. The main finding was the strong degree of dissonance amongst the migrant psychiatrists between their practice in their home countries (incorporating patients' religious beliefs) and in the United Kingdom (excluding them). The need for more training in this area and the relevance of the results are discussed and placed in the context of previous literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 53 EP - 64 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5140 T1 - Being Hopeful and Continuing to Move Ahead: Religious Coping in Iranian Chemical Warfare Poisoned Veterans, a Qualitative Study JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9252-z A1 - Hassankhani,Hadi A1 - Taleghani,Fariba A1 - Mills,Jane A1 - Birks,Melanie A1 - Francis,Karen A1 - Ahmadi,Fazlolah VL - 49 IS - 3 PY - 2010/04// N2 - There is a substantial number of Iranian war veterans, exposed to sulfur mustard, who suffer from serious long term progressive health problems involving their respiratory organs, eyes, and skin. Little is known, however, about these casualties’ experiences of living with the consequences of sulfur mustard poisoning. This qualitative study aims to provide greater insight into how war veterans live with the consequences of the poisoning and involved 17 Iranian war veterans who had been poisoned by sulfur mustard during the Iran–Iraq conflict. Each participant was interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule and the data generated through this process was analyzed using constant comparative data analysis technique. Data analysis resulted in “religious beliefs and practices” as a main category, which included two sub-categories: religious value centered life and religious support. Findings suggest that religious belief assists veterans to accept the impact of poisoning on their lives and adapt their lifestyles accordingly, to participate in religious social activities and feel socially supported, and to be hopeful about the future and live their lives as fully as possible. SP - 311 EP - 321 SN - 0022-4197 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5141 T1 - Introduction to the Forum on Mourning Religion. JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-009-0272-0 A1 - Carlin,Nathan VL - 59 IS - 3 PY - 2010/06// N2 - The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one on friendship as a form of sublimation, another on the mourning religion thesis and another on psychology of religion and pastoral theology. KW - BEREAVEMENT -- Psychological aspects KW - PSYCHOLOGY & religion SP - 345 EP - 345 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5142 T1 - Mindfulness meditation research: issues of participant screening, safety procedures, and researcher training JF - Advances in Mind-Body Medicine JA - Adv Mind Body Med A1 - Lustyk,M Kathleen B A1 - Chawla,Neharika A1 - Nolan,Roger S A1 - Marlatt,G Alan VL - 24 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - Increasing interest in mindfulness meditation (MM) warrants discussion of research safety. Side effects of meditation with possible adverse reactions are reported in the literature. Yet participant screening procedures, research safety guidelines, and standards for researcher training have not been developed and disseminated in the MM field of study. The goal of this paper is to summarize safety concerns of MM practice and offer scholars some practical tools to use in their research. For example, we offer screener schematics aimed at determining the contraindication status of potential research participants. Moreover, we provide information on numerous MM training options. Ours is the first presentation of this type aimed at helping researchers think through the safety and training issues presented herein. Support for our recommendations comes from consulting 17 primary publications and 5 secondary reports/literature reviews of meditation side effects. Mental health consequences were the most frequently reported side effects, followed by physical health then spiritual health consequences. For each of these categories of potential adverse effects, we offer MM researchers methods to assess the relative risks of each as it pertains to their particular research programs. KW - Attention KW - Biomedical Research KW - Humans KW - Meditation KW - Mental Disorders KW - mental health KW - Mind-Body Therapies KW - Patient Selection KW - Research Personnel KW - spirituality SP - 20 EP - 30 SN - 1532-1843 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5143 T1 - Acupuncture and relaxation response for substance use disorder recovery. JF - Journal of Substance Use M3 - 10.3109/14659890903580466 A1 - Chang,Bei-Hung A1 - Sommers,Elizabeth A1 - Herz,Lawrence VL - 15 IS - 6 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Background & Aims: Substance abuse is a major health problem in the US population, particularly among veterans. Current treatments for substance abuse in the form of pharmacologic, behavioural, or psychosocial therapy can be effective in limited instances. We investigated the effect of using two complementary and alternative approaches, acupuncture and the relaxation response, to treat veterans who are recovering from substance use disorders. Methods: We conducted a controlled trial at a US Veterans Administration homeless residential rehabilitation programme. Study participants were randomly assigned to acupuncture, relaxation response or usual care groups. Results: Both acupuncture and the relaxation response interventions were well received by the veterans with high intervention attendance rates (75% and 80%, respectively). The acupuncture group had significantly greater reductions in craving and anxiety levels and greater improvements in the spirituality dimension of quality of life, while the relaxation response group had significantly greater reductions in anxiety level and greater improvements in mental health and spirituality dimensions of quality of life than usual care. The two intervention groups had no significant difference in any outcome measures. Conclusions: This trial provided promising pilot data for larger studies to validate the effects of acupuncture and the relaxation response for relapse prevention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Acupuncture KW - DRUG abuse KW - Drug Rehabilitation KW - Recovery KW - Recovery (Disorders) KW - Relaxation KW - relaxation responses KW - Responses KW - substance use disorder SP - 390 EP - 401 SN - 1465-9891 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5144 T1 - A prospective study of church attendance and health over the lifespan JF - Health Psychology: Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association JA - Health Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0012984 A1 - Koenig,Laura B A1 - Vaillant,George E VL - 28 IS - 1 PY - 2009/01// N1 -

The objective of the current study was to help clarify the previously ambiguous results concerning the relationship between church attendance and later physical health.

N2 - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to help clarify the previously ambiguous results concerning the relationship between church attendance and later physical health. DESIGN: The current study examined the effect of church attendance on 4 different indicators of later health in a sample of inner city men followed throughout their lifecourse. Measures of previous health status, mood, substance abuse, smoking, education, and social class were used as covariates in regression analyses predicting health at age 70 from church attendance at age 47. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Health at age 70 was assessed by 4 indicators: mortality, objective physical health, subjective physical health, and subjective well-being. RESULTS: Though church attendance was related to later physical health, this was only through indirect means, as both physical health and church attendance were associated with substance use and mood. However, findings do suggest a more direct link between church attendance and well-being. CONCLUSION: Indirect effects of church attendance on health were clearly observed, with alcohol use/dependence, smoking, and mood being possible mediators of the church attendance-health relationship. The effects of church attendance on more subjective ratings of health, however, may be more direct. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Health Status Indicators KW - Humans KW - Life Style KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Prospective Studies KW - religion KW - Urban Population KW - Young Adult SP - 117 EP - 124 SN - 0278-6133 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5145 T1 - Helping Others Shows Differential Benefits on Health and Well-being for Male and Female Teens. JF - Journal of Happiness Studies M3 - 10.1007/s10902-008-9098-1 A1 - Schwartz,Carolyn E. A1 - Keyl,Penelope M. A1 - Marcum,John P. A1 - Bode,Rita VL - 10 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - From data collected from 457 teens (mean age = 15.6, recruited through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)), researchers found that altruism is positively associated with health for females and with well-being for both males and females. No association was found between providing emotional support and psychosocial health. Family helping was the most salient aspect of altruism for males, showing associations with positive social relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. For females, self-reported General Helping Behavior was associated with positive social relations, and Helping Orientation was associated with better purpose in life. Family Helping was associated with better physical health in females, but not for males. The only correlates of altruism were higher age, more physical activity, and engaging in positive religious coping. KW - Altruism KW - Health KW - Quality of Life KW - TEENAGERS KW - Well-Being SP - 431 EP - 448 SN - 13894978 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=43169020&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5146 T1 - Longitudinal analyses of religious and spiritual development among seminary students. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670902956604 A1 - Williamson,Ian Todd A1 - Sandage,Steven J. VL - 12 IS - 8 PY - 2009/12// N2 - We conducted a longitudinal study of spiritual development among a sample of graduate-level seminary students (N = 119) at a religiously affiliated university in the Midwest. Seven longitudinal hypotheses were tested based on a relational model of spirituality (Shults & Sandage, 2006). Over time, we expected that the seminary context would facilitate increases in students' questing, intrinsic religiosity, spiritual well-being, spiritual openness, and spiritual activity. Furthermore, increases in intrinsic religiosity were hypothesised to lead to improvements in spiritual well-being, spiritual openness, realistic acceptance, and spiritual activity. Finally, we proposed that increases in spiritual questing would lead to greater spiritual openness and activity but decreased spiritual well-being. The results provide general support for these hypotheses and an empirical picture that differentiates intrinsic religiosity from questing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - LONGITUDINAL method KW - Reasoning KW - Religiousness KW - SPIRITUAL life KW - spirituality SP - 787 EP - 801 SN - 13674676 UR - http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pbh&AN=45427287&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5148 T1 - Therapeutic Enterprise: A Psychological Exploration of Healing Elements in a Local African-American Spiritualist Church. JF - Pastoral Psychology M3 - 10.1007/s11089-009-0215-9 A1 - Guillory,Margarita S. VL - 59 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N2 - African-American Spiritualist churches are dynamic and diverse ecclesiastical bodies in their exhibition of rich doctrinal material, elaborate public and private altars, and their multifarious ritualistic activities. This article employs analytical psychology to argue that these Spiritualist groups, as seen in the Redeeming Spiritualist Christian Church of Nashville, represent a viable therapeutic enterprise addressing certain psychological disruptions. KW - AFRICAN American churches KW - ALTARS KW - CHURCH decoration & ornament KW - CHURCH furniture KW - JUNGIAN psychology KW - SPIRITUALISTS SP - 65 EP - 77 SN - 00312789 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5149 T1 - A Belief-Behavior Gap? Exploring Religiosity and Sexual Activity Among High School Seniors JF - Journal of Adolescent Research M3 - 10.1177/0743558409357732 A1 - Leonard,KC A1 - Scott-Jones,D VL - 25 IS - 4 PY - 2010/07// N2 - Religiosity, sexual activity, and contraception were examined via questionnaires and interviews in a diverse sample of 118 high school seniors. The majority reported religion to be important; importance and frequency ratings declined from private (e.g., prayer) to public (e.g., group activities) components of religion. Most were sexually active and used contraception. Nearly half acknowledged religious teachings on sexual activity, and one third believed premarital sex is proscribed. Religiosity items were negatively correlated with approval of sexual activity in hypothetical relationship scenarios, but religiosity was not related to self-reported sexual activity or contraceptive use. Participants emphasized relationships and physical health, not religious proscriptions, in their standards for sexual activity. Older adolescents may believe sexual activity is acceptable in committed romantic relationships. SP - 578 EP - 600 SN - 0743-5584 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5150 T1 - Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for addictive behaviors: A clinician's guide CY - New York A1 - Bowen,Sarah PB - Guilford Press SN - 9781606239872 ER - TY - BOOK ID - 5152 T1 - Depression and the soul : a guide to spiritually integrated treatment CY - New York A1 - Peteet,John PB - Routledge PY - 2010/// SN - 9780415878951 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5153 T1 - Spirituality and its relationships with the health and illness of Appalachian people JF - Journal of Transcultural Nursing: Official Journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society / Transcultural Nursing Society JA - J Transcult Nurs M3 - 10.1177/1043659609357640 A1 - Diddle,Gina A1 - Denham,Sharon A VL - 21 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - This article explores the ways spirituality intertwines with the health and culture of those living in the Appalachian region. Nursing has long considered the value of spirituality and faith, noting its complex connections with health and illness. Literature pertaining to spirituality, health, and the culture of those residing in the Appalachian region was reviewed. Although the review suggests that connections between spirituality and health exist, empirical evidence is limited, somewhat dated, and lacks viable conclusions relative to the diverse needs of the Appalachian population. Focused research that addresses strongly linked operationally defined variables is needed to strengthen the evidence for clarity about distinct applications to practice. SP - 175 EP - 182 SN - 1552-7832 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5154 T1 - The potential impact of mindfulness on exposure and extinction learning in anxiety disorders JF - Clinical Psychology Review M3 - 16/j.cpr.2011.02.003 A1 - Treanor,Michael VL - 31 IS - 4 PY - 2011/06// N2 -


Mindfulness based approaches have shown promise in the treatment of various anxiety disorders. However, further research is needed to more precisely elucidate mechanisms of action through which mindfulness practice may enhance treatment for anxiety. Given centrality of exposure-based procedures in the treatment of anxiety, it is important to consider ways in which mindfulness may affect exposure and extinction processes. In fact, numerous findings in the basic science of extinction point to the possible ways in which mindfulness may facilitate extinction learning. The present paper aims to critically review the literature surrounding mindfulness and extinction learning in order to more fully explore the ways in which mindfulness-based treatments may positively impact exposure and extinction processes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. This will provide a unique synthesis of newer, acceptance-based behavior therapies with established principles of effective behavioral treatments.

KW - Anxiety KW - Exposure KW - Extinction KW - Mindfulness SP - 617 EP - 625 SN - 0272-7358 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735811000286 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5155 T1 - Self-reparation in religious experience and countertransference JF - The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry JA - J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.45 A1 - Fauteux,Kevin VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - This work examines the regressive nature of religious experience and suggests that some people's experience repairs the underlying wounds that in part motivated the regression while others remained fixated in the blissful absence of those wounds. It also investigates what takes place in those experiences that become reparative as opposed to what might happen in those that lead to permanent escape. Finally it examines how the author's clinical intervention-including the pertinent countertransference issues-affected the potential of three people's religious experiences to be reparative/transformative or escapist. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Buddhism KW - Christianity KW - Countertransference (Psychology) KW - Defense Mechanisms KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Life Change Events KW - Male KW - Psychoanalytic Therapy KW - Regression (Psychology) KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Self Care KW - spirituality KW - Transference (Psychology) SP - 45 EP - 57 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5157 T1 - Religious Participation, Gender Differences, and Cognitive Impairment among the Oldest-Old in China JF - Journal of Aging Research JA - J Aging Res M3 - 10.4061/2010/160294 A1 - Zhang,Wei VL - 2010 PY - 2010/// N2 - This study examines if religious participation in China is associated with cognitive functioning among the oldest-old and whether positive psychological feelings and leisure activity engagement explain the association, and gender moderates the association. Logistic regressions were used to analyze the Chinese Healthy Longevity Survey. A significant negative association between religious participation and cognitive impairment was found among the oldest-old and much of the association was mediated by positive psychological feelings and leisure activities. Women reported higher proportion of religious participation, but the cognitive benefits of religious participation were stronger for men. Findings indicate that (a) religious participation is significantly correlated with cognitive functioning in part because the religious oldest-old are more likely to be optimistic and happy and engage in more cognitively stimulating activities; (b) there might be gender differences in religious participation such that the oldest-old men may engage in religious activities that are particularly relevant to cognitive functioning. SP - 160294 EP - 160294 SN - 2090-2212 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5158 T1 - Innocent intentions: a correlation between forgiveness for accidental harm and neural activity JF - Neuropsychologia JA - Neuropsychologia M3 - 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2009.03.020 A1 - Young,Liane A1 - Saxe,Rebecca VL - 47 IS - 10 PY - 2009/08// N2 - Contemporary moral psychology often emphasizes the universality of moral judgments. Across age, gender, religion and ethnicity, people's judgments on classic dilemmas are sensitive to the same moral principles. In many cases, moral judgments depend not only on the outcome of the action, but on the agent's beliefs and intentions at the time of action. For example, we blame agents who attempt but fail to harm others, while generally forgiving agents who harm others accidentally and unknowingly. Nevertheless, as we report here, there are individual differences in the extent to which observers exculpate agents for accidental harms. Furthermore, we find that the extent to which innocent intentions are taken to mitigate blame for accidental harms is correlated with activation in a specific brain region during moral judgment. This brain region, the right temporo-parietal junction, has been previously implicated in reasoning about other people's thoughts, beliefs, and intentions in moral and non-moral contexts. KW - Accidents KW - Adolescent KW - Brain KW - Brain Mapping KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Imaging, Three-Dimensional KW - Intention KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Judgment KW - Magnetic Resonance Imaging KW - Male KW - Morals KW - Oxygen KW - Reaction Time KW - Statistics as Topic KW - Young Adult SP - 2065 EP - 2072 SN - 1873-3514 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5159 T1 - Is there a role for complementary therapy in the management of leukemia? JF - Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy JA - Expert Rev Anticancer Ther M3 - 10.1586/era.09.100 A1 - Wesa,Kathleen M A1 - Cassileth,Barrie R VL - 9 IS - 9 PY - 2009/09// N2 - Paper lists complementary therapies appropriate for use by patients with leukemia, along with some treatments that may be risky. SP - 1241 EP - 1249 SN - 1473-7140 UR - http://www.expert-reviews.com/doi/abs/10.1586/era.09.100 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5160 T1 - Religiousness and mood in the last week of life: an explorative approach based on after-death proxy interviews JF - Journal of Palliative Medicine JA - J Palliat Med M3 - 10.1089/jpm.2010.0262 A1 - Braam,Arjan W A1 - Klinkenberg,Marianne A1 - Deeg,Dorly J H VL - 14 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - Although religiousness may, to a certain extent, be expected to alleviate emotional suffering in the last week of life, some religious beliefs might also provoke emotional distress. For the current study, after-death interviews with proxy respondents of deceased sample members of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam provided information on depressive mood and anxiety in the last week of life, as well as on the presence of a sense of peace at the approaching end of life. Proxy respondents also were asked about serious physical symptoms in the last week of life of the respondent, the respondent's cognitive decline, and their estimate of the salience of religion for the sample member. Other characteristics were derived from the last interviews with the sample members when still alive: depressive symptoms, chronic diseases, religious affiliation, church attendance, belief in Heaven, belief in Hell, and salience of religion. None of the characteristics of religiousness was significantly associated with depressive mood or anxiety, as estimated by the proxy respondent. A sense of peace, however, was predicted by higher church attendance, belief in Hell (among church-members), and the proxy's estimate of the salience of religion. It can be concluded that religiousness did not affect depressive mood or anxiety in the last week of life in the current sample. It is possible that religiousness supports a sense of peace, which may be a more-existential facet of mood and is discussed as relevant in the last phase of life and in palliative care. KW - End of Life KW - Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam KW - Mood KW - religiosity SP - 31 EP - 37 SN - 1557-7740 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5161 T1 - A profile of the belief system and attitudes to end-of-life decisions of senior clinicians working in a National Health Service Hospital in the United Kingdom JF - Palliative Medicine JA - Palliat Med M3 - 10.1177/0269216308100248 A1 - Pugh,E J A1 - Song,R A1 - Whittaker,V A1 - Blenkinsopp,J VL - 23 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - There is evidence from outside the United Kingdom to show that physicians' religious beliefs influence their decision making at the end of life. This UK study explores the belief system of consultants, nurse key workers and specialist registrars and their attitudes to decisions which commonly must be taken when caring for individuals who are dying. All consultants (N = 119), nurse key workers (N = 36) and specialist registrars (N = 44) working in an acute hospital in the north-east of England were asked to complete a postal questionnaire. In all, 65% of consultants, 67% of nurse key workers and 41% of specialist registrars responded. Results showed that consultants' religion and belief systems differed from those of nurses and the population they served. Consultants and nurses had statistically significant differences in their attitudes to common end of life decisions with consultants more likely to continue hydration and not withdraw treatment. Nurses were more sympathetic to the idea of physician-assisted suicide for unbearable suffering. This study shows the variability in belief system and attitudes to end of life decision making both within and between clinical groups. This may have practical implications for the clinical care given and the place of care. The personal belief system of consultants was not shown to affect their overall attitudes to withdrawing life-sustaining treatment or physician-assisted suicide. KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Attitude of Health Personnel KW - Attitude to Death KW - Communication KW - Decision Making KW - Female KW - Great Britain KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Medical Staff, Hospital KW - Middle Aged KW - National Health Programs KW - Nursing Staff, Hospital KW - Palliative Care KW - Religion and Medicine KW - spirituality KW - Suicide, Assisted KW - Terminal Care KW - Withholding Treatment KW - Young Adult SP - 158 EP - 164 SN - 1477-030X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19073784 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5162 T1 - The trajectory of religious coping across time in response to the diagnosis of breast cancer JF - Psycho-Oncology JA - Psychooncology M3 - 10.1002/pon.1495 A1 - Gall,Terry Lynn A1 - Guirguis-Younger,Manal A1 - Charbonneau,Claire A1 - Florack,Peggy VL - 18 IS - 11 PY - 2009/11// N1 -

This study investigates the mobilization of religious coping in women's response to breast cancer. Ninety-three breast cancer patients and 160 women with a benign diagnosis participated. Breast cancer patients were assessed on their use of religious coping strategies and their level of emotional distress and well-being at pre-diagnosis, 1 week pre-surgery, and 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery.

N2 - OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the mobilization of religious coping in women's response to breast cancer. METHODS: Ninety-three breast cancer patients and 160 women with a benign diagnosis participated. Breast cancer patients were assessed on their use of religious coping strategies and their level of emotional distress and well-being at pre-diagnosis, 1 week pre-surgery, and 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery. RESULTS: In general, breast cancer patients used religious strategies more frequently than women with a benign diagnosis; however, the patterns of use were similar across time for the majority of strategies. Results showed that religious coping strategies are mobilized early on in the process of adjustment to breast cancer. Breast cancer patients' use of support or comfort-related strategies peaked around surgery and then declined, while the use of strategies that reflected more a process of meaning-making remained elevated or increased into the long-term. Positive and negative forms of religious coping were predictive of concurrent distress and emotional well-being. As well, there was evidence that the mobilization of religious coping was predictive of changes in distress and well-being across time. For example, women's increased use of active surrender coping from 1 to 6 months post-surgery was related to a concomitant decrease in emotional distress and increase in emotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Notably the nature of the relationship between religious coping and emotional adjustment depended on the type of religious coping strategy as well as the specific time of assessment. Specificity of information in the use of religious coping can allow health-care professionals to better identify resources and address potential points of difficulty during the process of women's adjustment to breast cancer. SP - 1165 EP - 1178 SN - 1099-1611 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19214984 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5163 T1 - A mindfulness-based approach to the treatment of insomnia. JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20736 A1 - Ong,Jason A1 - Sholtes,David VL - 66 IS - 11 PY - 2010/11// N2 - Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a novel approach to emotion regulation and stress reduction that has several health benefits. Preliminary work has been conducted on mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBT-I), a meditation-based program for individuals suffering from chronic sleep disturbance. This treatment integrates behavioral treatments for insomnia with the principles and practices of mindfulness meditation. A case illustration of a chronic insomnia sufferer demonstrates the application of mindfulness principles for developing adaptive ways of working with the nocturnal symptoms and waking consequences of chronic insomnia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - insomnia KW - Meditation KW - Mindfulness KW - mindfulness meditation therapy KW - treatment SP - 1175 EP - 1184 SN - 0021-9762 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5164 T1 - Learning from losing: ethical, psychoanalytic, and spiritual perspectives on managing the incremental losses of the distributed self in dementia JF - Journal of Psychiatric Practice JA - J Psychiatr Pract M3 - 10.1097/01.pra.0000393843.71464.dc A1 - Lomax,James W VL - 17 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - The author describes his experiences making decisions about the care of his mother, who was suffering from dementia, and the profound effect this process had on him as a psychotherapist. As background, he first presents an overview of writings from Jerry M. Lewis, George Pollock, and George Vaillant on issues related to attachment, death, loss, and mourning. The author equates his experiences caring for his mother with a type of involuntary "continuing education" and describes the lessons he learned as he was faced with decisions about his mother's level of care and as he mourned the slow, piecemeal loss of her distributed self. A case vignette is presented to illustrate how the author applied the lessons he had learned in psychotherapy with a distressed patient caring for her aging mother. The article concludes with a summary of the clinical and ethical questions raised by this case and the author's experience with his mother and a discussion of principles that can help psychotherapists provide treatment for patients who are caring for family members with dementia. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice. 2011;17:41-48). SP - 41 EP - 48 SN - 1538-1145 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5165 T1 - Big Five Personality Traits and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Iranian Muslim University Students. JF - Journal of Happiness Studies M3 - 10.1007/s10902-009-9177-y A1 - Joshanloo,Mohsen A1 - Afshari,Samaneh VL - 12 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N2 - This study presents the first examination of the relation between the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and life satisfaction in Iran, which is an understudied country in the well-being literature. Participants were 235 university students at the University of Tehran, all reporting their religious affiliation as Muslim. Findings revealed that the Big Five personality traits explained about 25% of the variance in life satisfaction scores. Among the Big Five traits, extraversion and neuroticism were found to be the strongest predictors of life satisfaction. In addition, it was found that self-esteem significantly predicted life satisfaction over and above the Big Five personality traits. Findings also showed that self-esteem completely mediated the influence of conscientiousness and agreeableness on life satisfaction, while the influence of extraversion and neuroticism on life satisfaction was partially mediated by self-esteem. Furthermore, findings revealed that female students scored significantly higher than male students on life satisfaction. Sex also could moderate the relation between conscientiousness and life satisfaction. This relation was found to be significantly stronger for female students. Implications of the results are discussed with reference to prior studies on the relation between personality traits and different aspects of well-being in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - COLLEGE students KW - DANISHGAH-i Tihran KW - Iran KW - personality KW - Quality of Life KW - Satisfaction KW - SELF-esteem KW - TEHRAN (Iran) SP - 105 EP - 113 SN - 13894978 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5167 T1 - Role of religion in cancer coping among African Americans: A qualitative examination. JF - Journal of Psychosocial Oncology M3 - 10.1080/07347330902776028 A1 - Holt,Cheryl L. A1 - Caplan,Lee A1 - Schulz,Emily A1 - Blake,Victor A1 - Southward,Penny A1 - Buckner,Ayanna A1 - Lawrence,Hope VL - 27 IS - 2 PY - 2009/04// N1 -

The present study used qualitative methods to examine if and how African Americans with cancer use religiosity in coping. Patients (N = 23) were recruited from physician offices and completed 1–1½ hour interviews. Themes that emerged included but were not limited to control over one's illness, emotional response, importance of social support, role of God as a healer, relying on God, importance of faith for recovery, prayer and scripture study, and making sense of the illness. Participants had a great deal to say about the role of religion in coping. These themes may have utility for development of support interventions if they can be operationalized and intervened upon.

N2 - The present study used qualitative methods to examine if and how African Americans with cancer use religiosity in coping. Patients (N = 23) were recruited from physician offices and completed 1-1½ hour interviews. Themes that emerged included but were not limited to control over one's illness, emotional response, importance of social support, role of God as a healer, relying on God, importance of faith for recovery, prayer and scripture study, and making sense of the illness. Participants had a great deal to say about the role of religion in coping. These themes may have utility for development of support interventions if they can be operationalized and intervened upon. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - African Americans KW - Blacks KW - cancer coping KW - Coping Behavior KW - faith role KW - God as healer KW - illness control KW - Neoplasms KW - Recovery KW - Recovery (Disorders) KW - religion KW - religion role KW - Religious Beliefs KW - social support SP - 248 EP - 273 SN - 0734-7332 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5168 T1 - Spirituality and support for family presence during invasive procedures and resuscitations in adults JF - American Journal of Critical Care: An Official Publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses JA - Am. J. Crit. Care M3 - 10.4037/ajcc2009759 A1 - Baumhover,Nancy A1 - Hughes,Linda VL - 18 IS - 4 PY - 2009/07// N2 - BACKGROUND: Many health care professionals believe that they provide holistic care. The role of spirituality, a known variable of holism, has not been explored in relation to the support among health care professionals for family presence during invasive procedures and resuscitative efforts in adults. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between spirituality of health care professionals and their support for family presence during invasive procedures and resuscitative efforts in adults. METHODS: In this descriptive correlational study, 108 participants (physicians, physician assistants, and nurses) completed the Howden Spirituality Assessment Scale and a survey to measure their support for family presence. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship was found between spirituality and support for family presence during resuscitative efforts in adults (r = 0.24, P = .05) and a significant negative correlation was found between support for family presence and the age of the health care professional (r = - 0.27, P = .01). No significant correlations were found between any of the study variables and invasive procedures in adults. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting a more holistic perspective may support family presence, especially during resuscitative efforts in adults. Allowing the option for patients' families to remain present promotes holistic family-centered care. SP - 357 EP - 366 SN - 1062-3264 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19556414 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5169 T1 - Delusions with religious content in patients with psychosis: how they interact with spiritual coping JF - Psychiatry JA - Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/psyc.2010.73.2.158 A1 - Mohr,Sylvia A1 - Borras,Laurence A1 - Betrisey,Carine A1 - Pierre-Yves,Brandt A1 - Gilliéron,Christiane A1 - Huguelet,Philippe VL - 73 IS - 2 PY - 2010/// N2 - Delusions with religious content have been associated with a poorer prognosis in schizophrenia. Nevertheless, positive religious coping is frequent among this population and is associated with a better outcome. The aim of this study was to compared patients with delusions with religious content (n = 38), patients with other sorts of delusions (n = 85) and patients without persistent positive symptoms (n = 113) clinically and spiritually. Outpatients (n = 236) were randomly selected for a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of religious coping. Patients presenting delusions with religious content were not associated with a more severe clinical status compared to other deluded patients, but they were less likely to adhere to psychiatric treatment. For almost half of the group (45%), spirituality and religiousness helped patients cope with their illness. Delusional themes consisted of: persecution (by malevolent spiritual entities), influence (being controlled by spiritual entities), and self-significance (delusions of sin/guilt or grandiose delusions). Both groups of deluded patients valued religion more than other patients, but patients presenting delusions with religious content received less support from religious communities. In treating patients with such symptoms, clinicians should go beyond the label of "religious delusion," likely to involve stigmatization, by considering how delusions interact with patients' clinical and psychosocial context. SP - 158 EP - 172 SN - 1943-281X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5170 T1 - Making space for God: Religious experience in male Anglican priests who have sought psychotherapy and/or spiritual direction. JF - British Journal of Psychotherapy M3 - 10.1111/j.1752-0118.2008.01101.x A1 - Bingham,Jane VL - 25 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N2 - [Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 25(3) of British Journal of Psychotherapy (see record 2009-10680-019). In the original article, the following error was published on page 56. Introduction 213 loosely structured interviews were held with each participant. The text was incorrect and should have read: Introduction 2/3 loosely structured interviews were held with each participant.] In qualitative psychoanalytically-informed research the author explores how the internal object-representational world of six stipendiary male Anglican priests might illuminate the psychological significance of their relationship with God. Viewing personality development as a lifelong process permits a more synthetic view of existing theories of God as maternal object, transitional object or oedipal father. A relationship with God may reinforce a good relationship with primary objects, but when failures in maternal containment have resulted in disturbances of the spatiotemporal organization of the infant’s mind, new experience—including religious experience—will be superimposed on this distorted psychic substrate. When space centred thinking dominates, religious objects may offer exogenous structural support to the personality, but in the absence of transformative object relationships they will remain unassimilated. The priestly quest may sometimes be an attempt to establish or repair a triadic internal relationship with a maternal containing object and the symbolic father. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - God KW - God Concepts KW - male Anglican priests KW - object relations KW - oedipal father KW - Personality Development KW - priests KW - PSYCHOANALYSIS KW - Psychotherapy KW - religion KW - Religious Experience KW - SPIRITUAL direction KW - spirituality KW - Thinking KW - transformative object relationships SP - 56 EP - 76 SN - 0265-9883 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5171 T1 - Religious/Spiritual coping in adolescents with sickle cell disease: a pilot study JF - Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology: Official Journal of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology JA - J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol M3 - 10.1097/MPH.0b013e31819e40e3 A1 - Cotton,Sian A1 - Grossoehme,Daniel A1 - Rosenthal,Susan L A1 - McGrady,Meghan E A1 - Roberts,Yvonne Humenay A1 - Hines,Janelle A1 - Yi,Michael S A1 - Tsevat,Joel VL - 31 IS - 5 PY - 2009/05// N2 - Religious/spiritual (R/S) coping has been associated with health outcomes in chronically ill adults; however, little is known about how adolescents use R/S to cope with a chronic illness such as sickle cell disease (SCD). Using a mixed method approach (quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews), we examined R/S coping, spirituality, and health-related quality of life in 48 adolescents with SCD and 42 parents of adolescents with SCD. Adolescents reported high rates of religious attendance and belief in God, prayed often, and had high levels of spirituality (eg, finding meaning/peace in their lives and deriving comfort from faith). Thirty-five percent of adolescents reported praying once or more a day for symptom management. The most common positive R/S coping strategies used by adolescents were: "Asked forgiveness for my sins" (73% of surveys) and "Sought God's love and care" (73% of surveys). Most parents used R/S coping strategies to cope with their child's illness. R/S coping was not significantly associated with HRQOL (P=NS). R/S coping, particularly prayer, was relevant for adolescents with SCD and their parents. Future studies should assess adolescents' preferences for discussing R/S in the medical setting and whether R/S coping is related to HRQOL in larger samples. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adolescent KW - Adolescent Psychology KW - Anemia, Sickle Cell KW - Child KW - Chronic Disease KW - Data Collection KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Pilot Projects KW - Religion and Medicine KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality KW - Young Adult SP - 313 EP - 318 SN - 1536-3678 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5174 T1 - Long-term meditation is associated with increased gray matter density in the brain stem JF - Neuroreport JA - Neuroreport M3 - 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328320012a A1 - Vestergaard-Poulsen,Peter A1 - van Beek,Martijn A1 - Skewes,Joshua A1 - Bjarkam,Carsten R A1 - Stubberup,Michael A1 - Bertelsen,Jes A1 - Roepstorff,Andreas VL - 20 IS - 2 PY - 2009/01/28/ N2 - Extensive practice involving sustained attention can lead to changes in brain structure. Here, we report evidence of structural differences in the lower brainstem of participants engaged in the long-term practice of meditation. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we observed higher gray matter density in lower brain stem regions of experienced meditators compared with age-matched nonmeditators. Our findings show that long-term practitioners of meditation have structural differences in brainstem regions concerned with cardiorespiratory control. This could account for some of the cardiorespiratory parasympathetic effects and traits, as well as the cognitive, emotional, and immunoreactive impact reported in several studies of different meditation practices. KW - Brain Stem KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Linear Models KW - Magnetic Resonance Imaging KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Neuronal Plasticity SP - 170 EP - 174 SN - 1473-558X UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19104459 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5175 T1 - Spirituality in tobacco dependence: a mayo clinic survey JF - Explore (New York, N.Y.) JA - Explore (NY) M3 - 10.1016/j.explore.2011.02.003 A1 - McFadden,David A1 - Croghan,Ivana T A1 - Piderman,Kathryn M A1 - Lundstrom,Carl A1 - Schroeder,Darrell R A1 - Hays,J Taylor VL - 7 IS - 3 PY - 2011/06//May-undefined N2 - CONTEXT With widespread interest in natural remedies and "wholistic" treatments, there has been a renewed focus on the impact of spirituality related alternative therapy for many current chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE To assess the potential impact of spiritual beliefs on lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, we conducted a patient survey. DESIGN/SETTING This cross-section study was conducted using a 27-question survey of patients seen at the Mayo Clinic over a 14-week period. PATIENTS We invited all patients (smokers and nonsmokers) seen in several Mayo Clinic divisions to participate in this voluntary survey. INTERVENTIONS The survey included demographic information, history of tobacco use or nonuse, and assessment of spirituality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Among the 501 patients who participated, 370 were nonsmokers and 131 were smokers. Compared with smokers, nonsmokers more often participated in religious activities such as regular weekly church attendance (48% vs. 24%), daily prayer, and Bible study (49% vs. 24%; P < .001). Current smoking was negatively correlated with religious activities. However, after adjustment for demographic facdtors, there was no significant difference in intrinsic spirituality (importance of religion) between the two groups (P < .130). RESULT Nonsmokers are more likely to engage in religious activities such as prayer, Bible study, and regular church attendance. Further studies may be helpful to clearly define the potential impact of spirituality on smoking cessation. SP - 162 EP - 167 SN - 1878-7541 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21571235 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5176 T1 - Religion, spirituality, and genetics: mapping the terrain for research purposes JF - American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part C, Seminars in Medical Genetics JA - Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet M3 - 10.1002/ajmg.c.30195 A1 - Churchill,Larry R VL - 151C IS - 1 PY - 2009/02/15/ N2 - Genetic diseases often raise issues of profound importance for human self-understanding, such as one's identity, the family or community to which one belongs, and one's future or destiny. These deeper questions have commonly been seen as the purview of religion and spirituality. This essay explores how religion and spirituality are understood in the current US context and defined in the scholarly literature over the past 100 years. It is argued that a pragmatic, functional approach to religion and spirituality is important to understanding how patients respond to genetic diagnoses and participate in genetic therapies. A pragmatic, functional approach requires broadening the inquiry to include anything that provides a framework of transcendent meaning for the fundamental existential questions of human life. This approach also entails suspending questions about the truth claims of any particular religious/spiritual belief or practice. Three implications of adopting this broad working definition will be presented. KW - Genetics KW - Humans KW - religion KW - Research SP - 6 EP - 12 SN - 1552-4876 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5177 T1 - Next steps for clinicians in religious and spiritual therapy: an endpiece JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology JA - J Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1002/jclp.20562 A1 - Aten,Jamie D A1 - Worthington,Everett L, Jr VL - 65 IS - 2 PY - 2009/02// N2 - To conclude this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, the authors identify several next steps for clinicians interested in religious and spiritual therapy. They call for more clinically useful definitions of religion and spirituality and suggest that new methods of clinical practice that employ both Western and Eastern religion and spirituality need to be developed and tested. The need for more clinically focused religious and spiritual assessments is highlighted. They recommend greater clergy-psychotherapist collaboration and propose that clinicians lead and collaborate with researchers to further meaningful research on religion and spirituality. Finally, the authors identify areas of graduate training that require strengthening and provide corresponding guidelines. KW - Clergy KW - Cooperative Behavior KW - Humans KW - Psychotherapy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality SP - 224 EP - 229 SN - 1097-4679 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19132640 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5179 T1 - Positive family relationships and religious affiliation as mediators between negative environment and illicit drug symptoms in American Indian adolescents JF - Addictive Behaviors JA - Addict Behav M3 - 10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.03.005 A1 - Yu,Mansoo A1 - Stiffman,Arlene R VL - 35 IS - 7 PY - 2010/07// N2 - The present study tests how positive family relationships and religious affiliation mediate between negative familial and social environments, and adolescent illicit drug abuse/dependence symptoms. The theoretical framework is based on an integration of two theories: the ecological model of human development (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) and the social development model (Hawkins & Weis, 1985). We used a stratified random sample of 401 American Indian adolescents. A path analysis tested the integrative theoretical model. Findings showed that positive family relationships mediated the negative impact of addicted family members, violence victimization, and negative school environment on illicit drug abuse/dependence symptoms. Religious affiliation mediated the negative effect of deviant peers on positive family relationships. Intervention and prevention efforts may benefit from promoting positive family relationships and religious affiliation to reduce the impact of complex familial and social problems on illicit drug symptoms. SP - 694 EP - 699 SN - 1873-6327 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5180 T1 - The interactions between religion, religiosity, religious delusion/hallucination, and treatment-seeking behavior among schizophrenic patients in Taiwan JF - Psychiatry Research JA - Psychiatry Res M3 - 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.07.014 A1 - Huang,Charles Lung-Cheng A1 - Shang,Chi-Yung A1 - Shieh,Ming-Shien A1 - Lin,Hsin-Nan A1 - Su,Jin Chung-Jen VL - 187 IS - 3 PY - 2011/05/30/ N2 - Religion could influence the psychopathology, treatment-seeking behavior, and treatment outcome in schizophrenia, but the associations between these factors have never been explored thoroughly, and the data in Han-Chinese society are scarcer still. The current study recruited 55 schizophrenic patients to explore the relationship between religion, psychopathology with religious content, treatment-seeking behavior, and outcome. Subjects with religious delusions/hallucinations had lower scores on functioning and higher scores on religiosity. The higher religiosity scores were correlated with older age, longer duration of illness, religious affiliation, lower preference of psychiatric treatment, lower functioning score, and delusion/hallucination. As to treatment-seeking behavior, patients with religious affiliation showed less preference toward psychiatric treatment. Individuals with religious delusion/hallucination were more likely to receive magico-religious healing and not to be satisfied with psychiatric treatment. A more positive view of psychiatric treatment was predicted by lower religiosity score, higher satisfaction with psychiatric treatment, and lower years of education. The religiosity level seems not directly related to clinical severity, but it seems to be a better predictor of religious delusions/hallucinations than religious affiliation status. Patients with religious delusions/hallucinations did not necessarily have more severe psychopathology. There are different profiles associated with religious affiliation/religiosity and religious delusions/hallucinations in relation to treatment-seeking behavior among schizophrenia patients in Han-Chinese society. KW - Adult KW - delusions KW - Female KW - Hallucinations KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Patient Satisfaction KW - Predictive Value of Tests KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales KW - Questionnaires KW - religion KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Schizophrenia KW - Schizophrenic Psychology KW - Taiwan KW - Young Adult SP - 347 EP - 353 SN - 0165-1781 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20691483 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5181 T1 - Mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: a naturalistic 12-month follow-up JF - Explore (New York, N.Y.) JA - Explore (NY) M3 - 10.1016/j.explore.2008.10.004 A1 - Ong,Jason C A1 - Shapiro,Shauna L A1 - Manber,Rachel VL - 5 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02//Jan-undefined N2 - A unique intervention combining mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to have acute benefits at posttreatment in an open label study. The aim of the present study was to examine the long-term effects of this integrated intervention on measures of sleep and sleep-related distress in an attempt to characterize the natural course of insomnia following this treatment and to identify predictors of poor long-term outcome. Analyses were conducted on 21 participants, who provided follow-up data at six and 12 months posttreatment. At each time point, participants completed one week of sleep and meditation diaries and questionnaires related to mindfulness, sleep, and sleep-related distress, including the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale, the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale, the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, and the Insomnia Episode Questionnaire. Analyses examining the pattern of change across time (baseline, end of treatment, six months, and 12 months) revealed that several sleep-related benefits were maintained during the 12-month follow-up period. Participants who reported at least one insomnia episode (>or=1 month) during the follow-up period had higher scores on the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (P < .05) and the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (P < .05) at end of treatment compared with those with no insomnia episodes. Correlations between mindfulness skills and insomnia symptoms revealed significant negative correlations (P < .05) between mindfulness skills and daytime sleepiness at each of the three time points but not with nocturnal symptoms of insomnia. These results suggest that most sleep-related benefits of an intervention combining CBT-I and mindfulness meditation were maintained during the 12-month follow-up period, with indications that higher presleep arousal and sleep effort at end of treatment constitute a risk for occurrence of insomnia during the 12 months following treatment. KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Cognitive Therapy KW - Female KW - Follow-Up Studies KW - Humans KW - Male KW - Meditation KW - Middle Aged KW - Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical KW - Psychotherapy, Group KW - Questionnaires KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - Sleep KW - Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders KW - Treatment Outcome KW - Young Adult SP - 30 EP - 36 SN - 1550-8307 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19114261 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5182 T1 - The Buddhist Health Study: Meditation on Love and Compassion as Features of Religious Practice JF - CrossCurrents M3 - 10.1111/j.1939-3881.2010.00119.x A1 - Sullivan,Bruce M. A1 - Wiist,Bill A1 - Wayment,Heidi VL - 60 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - In an effort to contribute to the understanding of contemporary Western Buddhism, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Northern Arizona University wrote a set of questions to elicit data from Buddhist practitioners. In addition to demographic questions, we included questions on health and health-related practices, and psychological characteristics, drawing from previously used measures (see Wiist et al. 2010). For the Buddhist practices segment of the survey, all the questions were written by the researchers. With the religious practices segment of the survey, we sought (among other things) to test four hypotheses concerning contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners: * 1  Contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners are more likely to identify themselves as Buddhist than as members of other religious traditions and to have marked that identity in a formal way such as pronouncing the Three Refuges formula. * 2  Contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners are more likely to engage in meditation than to attend Buddhist religious services supervised by clergy. * 3  Contemporary Western Buddhist practitioners who engage in meditation are more likely to engage in a variety of meditative practices, practices that they regard as identifiably distinct, than to engage in a single meditative technique. * 4  Buddhist practitioners today engage in conscious efforts to increase loving-kindness and compassion through meditation practices. SP - 185 EP - 207 SN - 00111953 UR - http://blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1939-3881.2010.00119.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5183 T1 - Correlates of spirituality in older women. JF - Aging & Mental Health M3 - 10.1080/13607863.2010.501069 A1 - Vahia,Ipsit V. A1 - Depp,Colin A. A1 - Palmer,Barton W. A1 - Fellows,Ian A1 - Golshan,Shahrokh A1 - Thompson,Wesley A1 - Allison,Matthew A1 - Jeste,Dilip V. VL - 15 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - Introduction: The role of spirituality in the context of mental health and successful aging is not well understood. In a sample of community-dwelling older women enrolled at the San Diego site of the Women's Health Initiative study, we examined the association between spirituality and a range of variables associated with successful cognitive and emotional aging, including optimism, resilience, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A detailed cross-sectional survey questionnaire on successful aging was completed by 1973 older women. It included multiple self-reported measures of positive psychological functioning (e.g., resilience and optimism), as well as depression and HRQoL. Spirituality was measured using a five-item self-report scale constructed using two items from the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiosity/Spirituality and three items from Hoge's Intrinsic Religious Motivation Scale. Results: Overall, 40% women reported regular attendance in organized religious practice, and 53% reported engaging in private spiritual practices. Several variables were significantly related to spirituality in bivariate associations; however, using model testing, spirituality was significantly associated only with higher resilience, lower income, lower education, and lower likelihood of being in a marital or committed relationship. Conclusions: Our findings point to a role for spirituality in promoting resilience to stressors, possibly to a greater degree in persons with lower income and education level. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations. SP - 97 EP - 102 SN - 13607863 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5184 T1 - Assessing coping responses within specific faith traditions: suffering in silence, stress, and depressive symptoms among older Catholics. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903433686 A1 - Krause,Neal VL - 13 IS - 5 PY - 2010/07// N2 - The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate a coping response that is thought to be unique among older Catholics-suffering in silence. Two hypotheses are examined. The first predicts that older Catholics will be more likely than older Protestants to suffer in silence when ongoing economic difficulty is encountered. The second hypothesis specifies that the potentially deleterious effects of financial problems on depressive symptoms will be offset for older adults who prefer to suffer in silence. Data from an ongoing nationwide survey of older people in the United States provide support for both hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - CATHOLICS KW - DEPRESSION, Mental KW - FINANCIAL crises KW - Protestants KW - United States SP - 513 EP - 529 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5185 T1 - Spirituality, schizophrenia, and state hospitals: program description and characteristics of self-selected attendees of a spirituality therapeutic group JF - The Psychiatric Quarterly JA - Psychiatr Q M3 - 10.1007/s11126-010-9137-z A1 - Revheim,Nadine A1 - Greenberg,William M A1 - Citrome,Leslie VL - 81 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Spiritual matters can be an important part in the recovery process of patients with schizophrenia. A spirituality-based therapeutic group was developed for patients hospitalized on a research specialty unit jointly operated by a state hospital and a research institute. This report offers a description of this program and examines potential associations between spirituality and coping in patients with schizophrenia who either attended or did not attend the inpatient spirituality group. We compared group attendees (n = 20) with non-attendees (n = 20) cross-sectionally, using measures of spirituality, self-efficacy (i.e. the confidence in one's ability), quality of life, and hopefulness, and religious/personal demographic profiles. For the total sample, spirituality status was significantly correlated with self-efficacy for both social functioning and negative symptoms. Significant differences were found between group attendees and non-attendees for spirituality status, but not for self-efficacy or quality of life. For group attendees, spirituality status was significantly correlated with self-efficacy for positive symptoms, negative symptoms and social functioning. Group attendees were significantly more hopeful than non-attendees and hopefulness was significantly associated with degree of spirituality status. These findings lend support for offering spirituality groups and positive coping during recovery from psychiatric disabilities. SP - 285 EP - 292 SN - 1573-6709 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/20407829 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5186 T1 - Predictors of colorectal cancer knowledge and screening among church-attending African Americans and Whites in the Deep South JF - Journal of Community Health JA - J Community Health M3 - 10.1007/s10900-008-9128-2 A1 - Tseng,Tung-Sung A1 - Holt,Cheryl L A1 - Shipp,Michele A1 - Eloubeidi,Mohamad A1 - Britt,Kristi A1 - Norena,Maria A1 - Fouad,Mona N VL - 34 IS - 2 PY - 2009/04// N1 -

This study examined colorectal cancer (CRC) knowledge and the relationship between knowledge, risk factors and screening behaviors among African Americans and Whites in the Deep South.

N2 - This study examined colorectal cancer (CRC) knowledge and the relationship between knowledge, risk factors and screening behaviors among African Americans and Whites in the Deep South. One hundred and twenty three African Americans and Whites age-eligible for CRC screening were interviewed by telephone survey as part of a church-based CRC educational intervention. CRC knowledge was lower among those with less education, unemployed, Medicaid, Medicare, and less family income. Generally, participants who had more CRC knowledge were more likely to have engaged in screening behaviors. Participants who had a family history of CRC were more likely to have had a fecal occult blood test (OR = 2.55, 0.99-6.60) or barium enema (OR = 3.84, 1.44-10.24) than those without. Whites were more likely to have had a flexible sigmoidoscopy (OR = 4.17, 1.09-16.67), colonoscopy (OR = 7.14, 1.72-25) or barium enema (OR = 6.25, 1.67-25) than African Americans. Church-based CRC screening intervention programs should target African Americans, those with no family history of CRC, and those with less education. KW - African Americans KW - Alabama KW - Colorectal Neoplasms KW - Diagnostic Tests, Routine KW - European Continental Ancestry Group KW - Female KW - Forecasting KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice KW - Humans KW - Interviews as Topic KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - religion SP - 90 EP - 97 SN - 1573-3610 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18941876 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5187 T1 - Spirituality and end-of-life care in disadvantaged men dying of prostate cancer JF - World Journal of Urology JA - World J Urol M3 - 10.1007/s00345-010-0610-y A1 - Bergman,Jonathan A1 - Fink,Arlene A1 - Kwan,Lorna A1 - Maliski,Sally A1 - Litwin,Mark S VL - 29 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - Despite the positive influence of spiritual coping on the acceptance of a cancer diagnosis, higher spirituality is associated with receipt of more high intensity care at the end of life. The purpose of our study was to assess the association between spirituality and type of end-of-life care received by disadvantaged men with prostate cancer. We studied low-income, uninsured men in IMPACT, a state-funded public assistance program, who had died since its inception in 2001. Of the 60 men who died, we included the 35 who completed a spirituality questionnaire at program enrollment. We abstracted sociodemographic and clinical information as well as treatment within IMPACT, including zolendroic acid, chemotherapy, hospice use, and palliative radiation therapy. We measured spirituality with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being questionnaire (FACIT-Sp) and compared end-of-life care received between subjects with low and high FACIT-Sp scores using chi-squared analyses. A higher proportion of men with high (33%) versus low (13%) spirituality scores enrolled in hospice, although our analysis was not adequately powered to demonstrate statistical significance. Likewise, we saw a trend toward increased receipt of palliative radiation among those with higher spirituality (37% vs. 25%, P=0.69). The differences in end-of-life care received among those with low and high spirituality varied little by the FACIT-Sp peace and faith subscales. Conclusions: End-of-life care was similar between men with lower and higher spirituality. Men with higher spirituality trended toward greater hospice use, suggesting that they redirected the focus of their care from curative to palliative goals. KW - End of Life KW - Prostate cancer KW - spirituality SP - 43 EP - 49 SN - 1433-8726 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5188 T1 - Open trial of Vinyasa yoga for persistently depressed individuals: evidence of feasibility and acceptability JF - Behavior Modification JA - Behav Modif M3 - 10.1177/0145445510368845 A1 - Uebelacker,Lisa A A1 - Tremont,Geoffrey A1 - Epstein-Lubow,Gary A1 - Gaudiano,Brandon A A1 - Gillette,Tom A1 - Kalibatseva,Zornitsa A1 - Miller,Ivan W VL - 34 IS - 3 PY - 2010/05// N2 - The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of Vinyasa yoga as an adjunctive treatment for depressed patients who were not responding adequately to antidepressant medication. The authors also planned to ask participants for qualitative feedback on their experience of the class and to assess change over time in depression and in possible mediating variables. The authors recruited 11 participants in 1 month for an 8-week open trial of yoga classes. They found that 10 participants completed follow-up assessments, 9 of 10 were positive about their experience, and all provided feedback about what was and was not helpful about yoga, as well as barriers to class attendance. Over the 2-month period, participants exhibited significant decreases in depression symptoms and significant increases in an aspect of mindfulness and in behavior activation. This pilot study provided support for continuing to investigate Vinyasa yoga as an adjunct treatment for depression. The next step required is a rigorous randomized clinical trial. SP - 247 EP - 264 SN - 1552-4167 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5189 T1 - Examining the protective effects of mindfulness training on working memory capacity and affective experience. JF - Emotion M3 - 10.1037/a0018438 A1 - Jha,Amishi P. A1 - Stanley,Elizabeth A. A1 - Kiyonaga,Anastasia A1 - Wong,Ling A1 - Gelfand,Lois VL - 10 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N2 - We investigated the impact of mindfulness training (MT) on working memory capacity (WMC) and affective experience. WMC is used in managing cognitive demands and regulating emotions. Yet, persistent and intensive demands, such as those experienced during high-stress intervals, may deplete WMC and lead to cognitive failures and emotional disturbances. We hypothesized that MT may mitigate these deleterious effects by bolstering WMC. We recruited 2 military cohorts during the high-stress predeployment interval and provided MT to 1 (MT, n = 31) but not the other group (military control group, MC, n = 17). The MT group attended an 8-week MT course and logged the amount of out-of-class time spent practicing formal MT exercises. The operation span task was used to index WMC at 2 testing sessions before and after the MT course. Although WMC remained stable over time in civilians (n = 12), it degraded in the MC group. In the MT group, WMC decreased over time in those with low MT practice time, but increased in those with high practice time. Higher MT practice time also corresponded to lower levels of negative affect and higher levels of positive affect (indexed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). The relationship between practice time and negative, but not positive, affect was mediated by WMC, indicating that MT-related improvements in WMC may support some but not all of MT’s salutary effects. Nonetheless, these findings suggest that sufficient MT practice may protect against functional impairments associated with high-stress contexts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract) KW - affective experience KW - emotion regulation KW - Emotional Regulation KW - Emotions KW - military deployment KW - Military Personnel KW - Mindfulness KW - Prevention KW - Short Term Memory KW - working memory capacity SP - 54 EP - 64 SN - 1528-3542 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5190 T1 - Religiosity and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Latina Adolescents: Trends from 1995 to 2008. JF - Journal of Women's Health (15409996) M3 - 10.1089/jwh.2010.1949 A1 - Edwards,Lisa M. A1 - Haglund,Kristin A1 - Fehring,Richard J. A1 - Pruszynski,Jessica VL - 20 IS - 6 PY - 2011/06// N2 - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine trends in the influence of religiosity on sexual activity of Latina adolescents in the United States from 1995 to 2008 and to determine if differences existed between the Mexican American and other Latina groups. Methods: The sample comprised the subset of unmarried, 15-21-year-old (mean 17 years) Latina female respondents in the 1995 ( n=267), 2002 ( n=306), and 2006-2008 ( n=400) National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) datasets. Associations between religiosity (importance of religion and service attendance) and history of ever having sex, number of sex partners, and age of sexual debut were investigated. Results: Less than one half of Latinas in 1995 (44%) and in 2006-2008 (44%) reported that religion was very important to them, whereas in 2002, 50% reported it was important. Only in 1995 did Latinas who viewed religion as very important have a significantly lower level of sexual initiation. In 1995 and in 2006-2008, Latinas who held religion as very important had significantly fewer partners. In all three cohorts, the higher religious importance group had higher virgin survival rates. Across cohorts, approximately one third of respondents reported frequent religious attendance. In all cohorts, frequent attenders were less likely to have had sex, had fewer partners, and had older age at sexual debut. The survival rate as virgins for Mexican origin Latinas was higher in 1995 and 2002 compared to non-Mexican Latinas but was almost the same in 2006-2008. Conclusions: Religiosity had a protective association with sexual activity among Latina adolescents. The association of importance of religion with sexual activity has diminished from 1995 to 2008, however, whereas the importance of service attendance has remained stable. The influence of religion was more apparent among the Latinas of Mexican origin, but this greater influence also diminished by 2006-2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - adolescence KW - AGE factors in disease KW - Analysis of Variance KW - CHI-square test KW - CHURCH buildings KW - COMPARATIVE studies KW - CONFIDENCE intervals KW - Couples KW - Hispanic Americans KW - MEXICO KW - RELATIVE risk KW - religion KW - REPEATED measures design KW - RISK-taking (Psychology) KW - SECONDARY analysis KW - sex KW - SINGLE people KW - SURVEYS KW - TREND analysis SP - 871 EP - 877 SN - 15409996 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5191 T1 - The internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the New Indices of Religious Orientation (NIRO) among cathedral worshippers in the United Kingdom. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670802113439 A1 - Williams,Emyr VL - 13 IS - 7/8 PY - 2010/11//Nov N2 - Building on the work of Francis among a sample of students, this study examined the psychometric properties of The New Indices of Religious Orientation among 432 worshippers in five Anglican cathedrals in England and Wales. The data demonstrated that all the indices achieved satisfactory alpha coefficients for both the full scale (extrinsic, 0.79; intrinsic, 0.76; and quest, 0.75) and the short form (extrinsic, 0.70, intrinsic, 0.79; and quest, 0.70). The construct validity of the New Indices of Religious Orientation was supported by examination against self-reported frequency of personal prayer. These findings suggest that the scales provide a satisfactory measure of religious orientation among a religious sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] SP - 829 EP - 832 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5192 T1 - Christian Couple Counseling by Professional, Pastoral, and Lay Counselors from a Protestant Perspective: A Nationwide Survey. JF - American Journal of Family Therapy M3 - 10.1080/01926180802151760 A1 - Hook,Joshua N. A1 - Worthington,Everett L. VL - 37 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03//Mar N2 - Couple counseling is widely practiced by Christian counselors, but there are almost no empirical data investigating it. The present study presents data from a national web-based survey of counselors from the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). We describe the nature of Christian couple counseling, as well as counselors' religiousness and their attitudes toward integrating religion and spirituality into couple counseling. Christian couple counselors were highly religious and their personal religiosity affected their attitude toward incorporating religion in counseling. There were differences between professional, pastoral, and lay counselors suggesting that each be treated separately rather than be lumped generically as Christian couple counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Christians KW - COUNSELING -- Religious aspects KW - COUNSELORS KW - Couples Therapy KW - Protestants KW - religion SP - 169 EP - 183 SN - 01926187 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5193 T1 - A developmental twin study of church attendance and alcohol and nicotine consumption: a model for analyzing the changing impact of genes and environment JF - The American Journal of Psychiatry JA - Am J Psychiatry M3 - 10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09020182 A1 - Kendler,Kenneth S A1 - Myers,John VL - 166 IS - 10 PY - 2009/10// N2 - OBJECTIVE: Church attendance is one of the most consistent predictors of alcohol and nicotine consumption. The authors sought to clarify changes in the role of genetic and environmental factors in influencing church attendance and the interrelationship between church attendance and alcohol and nicotine use from early adolescence into adulthood. METHOD: The authors used data from two interview waves 6 years apart of 1,796 male twins from a population-based register, in which respondents were asked about current and past church attendance and psychoactive drug use. Structural twin models were fitted and tested using the Mx software program. RESULTS: As twins developed from childhood through adulthood, the influence of shared environmental factors on church attendance declined dramatically while genetic factors increased. In early and late adolescence, the negative correlations between church attendance and alcohol and nicotine consumption resulted largely from shared environmental factors. In adulthood, the inverse relationship between church attendance and substance use became stronger and arose largely from genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS: As individuals mature, they increasingly shape their own social environment in large part as a result of their genetically influenced temperament. When individuals are younger and living at home, frequent church attendance reflects a range of familial and social-environmental influences that reduce levels of substance use. In adulthood, by contrast, high levels of church attendance largely index genetically influenced temperamental factors that are protective against substance use. Using genetically informative designs such as twin studies, it is possible to show that the causes of the relationship between social risk factors and substance use can change dramatically over development. KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Age Distribution KW - Age Factors KW - Alcohol Drinking KW - Child KW - Diseases in Twins KW - Genotype KW - Humans KW - Individuality KW - Male KW - Models, Genetic KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Risk Factors KW - Smoking KW - Social Environment KW - Substance-Related Disorders KW - Temperament KW - Twins KW - Twins, Dizygotic KW - Twins, Monozygotic SP - 1150 EP - 1155 SN - 1535-7228 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19755576 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5194 T1 - Spiritual well-being in individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome: relationships with symptom pattern variability, uncertainty, and psychosocial adaptation JF - Research and Theory for Nursing Practice JA - Res Theory Nurs Pract A1 - Anema,Cheryl A1 - Johnson,Mary A1 - Zeller,Janice M A1 - Fogg,Louis A1 - Zetterlund,Joan VL - 23 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - This study examined relationships among symptom pattern variability, uncertainty, spiritual well-being, and psychosocial adaptation in individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A survey design was used with 58 individuals with FMS. The Fibromyalgia Symptom Pattern Questionnaire, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale--Community Form, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self Report were used to collect data. Positive relationships were found between symptom pattern variability and uncertainty and between uncertainty and poor psychosocial adaptation; spiritual well-being moderated the relationship between uncertainty and psychosocial adaptation. A positive sense of well-being aided adaptation to symptoms and uncertainties of FMS. Spiritual well-being had a greater effect on the relationship between symptom pattern variability and uncertainty than expected. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Attitude to Health KW - Female KW - Fibromyalgia KW - Humans KW - Internet KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Models, Psychological KW - Nursing Methodology Research KW - Quality of Life KW - Questionnaires KW - Regression Analysis KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Self Care KW - Severity of Illness Index KW - spirituality KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Uncertainty SP - 8 EP - 22 SN - 1541-6577 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5195 T1 - The fork in the road: HIV as a potential positive turning point and the role of spirituality JF - AIDS Care JA - AIDS Care M3 - 10.1080/09540120802183479 A1 - Kremer,H A1 - Ironson,G A1 - Kaplan,L VL - 21 IS - 3 PY - 2009/03// N1 -

This study is based on interviews of 147 HIV-positive people regarding their key life-changing experiences – involving profound changes in attitudes, behaviors, beliefs (including spiritual beliefs), or self-views – to determine the prominence of HIV as the key positive/negative turning point. HIV was the key turning point, for 37% (26% positive, 11% negative), whereas for 63% of our sample it was not. Characteristics associated with perceiving HIV as the most positive turning point included having a near-death experience from HIV, increasing spirituality after HIV diagnosis, and feeling chosen by a Higher Power to have HIV. Notably, perceived antecedents of viewing HIV as the key positive turning point were hitting rock bottom and calling on a Higher Power. Conversely, viewing HIV as the most negative turning point was associated with declining spirituality after diagnosis. Spirituality can both negatively and positively affect coping with HIV. Promoting positive spiritual coping may offer new counseling approaches. Further, for the majority of the participants, HIV is not the key turning point, which may be an indicator of the normalization of HIV with the advent of effective treatment.

N2 - We interviewed 147 HIV-positive people regarding their key life-changing experiences - involving profound changes in attitudes, behaviors, beliefs (including spiritual beliefs), or self-views - to determine the prominence of HIV as the key positive/negative turning point. HIV was the key turning point, for 37% (26% positive, 11% negative), whereas for 63% of our sample it was not. Characteristics associated with perceiving HIV as the most positive turning point included having a near-death experience from HIV, increasing spirituality after HIV diagnosis, and feeling chosen by a Higher Powerto have HIV. Notably, perceived antecedents of viewing HIV as the key positive turning point were hitting rock bottom and calling on a Higher Power. Conversely, viewing HIV as the most negative turning point was associated with declining spirituality after diagnosis. Spirituality can both negatively and positively affect coping with HIV. Promoting positive spiritual coping may offer new counseling approaches. Further, for the majority of the participants, HIV is not the key turning point, which may be an indicator of the normalization of HIV with the advent of effective treatment. KW - Adaptation, Psychological KW - Adult KW - Attitude to Health KW - Female KW - HIV Infections KW - Humans KW - Life Change Events KW - Male KW - Quality of Life KW - spirituality KW - Stress, Psychological SP - 368 EP - 377 SN - 1360-0451 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5196 T1 - Preferences for life-prolonging medical treatments and deference to the will of god JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-008-9205-y A1 - Winter,Laraine A1 - Dennis,Marie P A1 - Parker,Barbara VL - 48 IS - 4 PY - 2009/12// N2 - We defined and measured a dimension of religiosity frequently invoked in end-of-life (EOL) research-deference to God's Will (GW)-and examined its relationship to preferences for life-prolonging treatments. In a 35-min telephone interview, 304 older men and women (60 +) were administered the 5-item GW scale, sociodemographic questions, three attitude items regarding length of life, and measures of two health indices, depression, and life-prolonging treatment preferences. The GW scale demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .94) and predictive and discriminant validity. Higher scores indicative of greater deference to GW were associated with stronger life-prolonging treatment preferences in poor-prognosis scenarios. Implications for the role of religiosity in medical decision-making are discussed. SP - 418 EP - 430 SN - 1573-6571 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19890718 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5198 T1 - Religious delusions in an evangelical Christian woman with anorexia nervosa JF - Journal of Psychiatric Practice JA - J Psychiatr Pract M3 - 10.1097/01.pra.0000364291.86080.66 A1 - Moga,Diana E A1 - Cabaniss,Deborah L A1 - Marcus,Eric R A1 - Walsh,B Timothy A1 - Kahn,David A VL - 15 IS - 6 PY - 2009/11// N2 - This case report describes the history and hospital course of a 42-year-old devout evangelical Christian woman with a long standing history of anorexia nervosa, binge/purge type, who developed religious delusions, including the conviction that God was prohibiting her from eating. The discussion emphasizes the difficulties of diagnosing and treating psychosis in devout individuals, and the interplay between anorexia, psychosis, and religion. SP - 477 EP - 483 SN - 1538-1145 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5199 T1 - Contradiction in the Contemporary Study of Faith Matters: Negation and Affirmation via a Historical Perspective JF - Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging M3 - 10.1080/15528030902865128 A1 - Ai,Amy L. A1 - Ardelt,Monika VL - 21 IS - 4 PY - 2009/10//undefined N2 - We agree with Dr. Glicksman that faith matters cannot be studied in the same way as other universal aspects of the human existence, and that we cannot assume that certain faith measures are applicable across all faiths. Despite its limitations, empirical faith research is valuable in understanding the role of religion/spirituality for the human condition. We propose the following remedies: develop cultural sensitive faith measures with psychometric properties in different beliefs; examine multifaceted, positive, null, and negative effects of different faith factors; and combine historical/phenomenological approaches to the faith study with quantitative and qualitative research. Finally, scientific investigators should collaborate with scholars in the humanities. SP - 287 EP - 296 SN - 1552-8030 UR - http://www.informaworld.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1080/15528030902865128 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5200 T1 - Youth religiosity and substance use: a meta-analysis from 1995 to 2007 JF - Psychological Reports JA - Psychol Rep A1 - Yeung,Jerf W K A1 - Chan,Yuk-Chung A1 - Lee,Boris L K VL - 105 IS - 1 PY - 2009/08// N2 - In this meta-analysis, the magnitude of the protective effects of religiosity on youth involvement in substance use was investigated. Based on 22 studies in peer-reviewed journals published between 1995 and 2007, the average weighted mean correlation was Zr = .16, significant regardless of the definitions of religiosity. The homogeneity test of variance showed consistent protective effects of religiosity on four types of substance use, namely, alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and other illicit drugs. SP - 255 EP - 266 SN - 0033-2941 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19810452 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5201 T1 - Perceived Environmental Church Support Is Associated with Dietary Practices among African-American Adults JF - Journal of the American Dietetic Association M3 - 16/j.jada.2011.03.014 A1 - Baruth,Meghan A1 - Wilcox,Sara A1 - Condrasky,Margaret D. VL - 111 IS - 6 PY - 2011/06// N2 -


A unique strength of the African-American community is the importance of church and faith. Interventions promoting health might want to build on these strengths by developing faith-based interventions that encourage churches to create an environment that supports behavior change. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between perceived environmental church support for healthy eating and intake of fruit and vegetables and fat- and fiber-related behaviors, and to examine whether these relationships differ by sex. The design was a cross-sectional study in which participants completed self-report dietary and perceived church support measures before initiation of an intervention. Relationships between fruit and vegetable consumption, fat- and fiber-related behaviors, and perceived church support (eg, total, written informational, spoken informational, instrumental [fruit and vegetable consumption only]), along with Support×Sex interactions were examined. Participants were 1,136 African-American church members from four geographically defined districts in South Carolina. Statistical analyses included regression models controlling for sex, age, years of education, health rating, and body mass index using SAS PROC MIXED. A separate model was conducted for each measure of perceived church support and each type of healthy eating index. Perceived total church support and perceived written and spoken informational church support were associated with considerably higher fruit and vegetable intake and more favorable fiber-related behaviors, whereas only perceived total and perceived written informational support were associated with more low-fat dietary behaviors. Perceived instrumental church support was not associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. No sex differences were found. The social and physical church environment can be an important factor influencing the dietary habits of its members. Future faith-based interventions should further explore the role of the church environment in improving the dietary practices of its members.

SP - 889 EP - 893 SN - 0002-8223 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000282231100277X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5202 T1 - Changes in the cortisol awakening response (CAR) following participation in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in women who completed treatment for breast cancer JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice M3 - 16/j.ctcp.2010.10.005 A1 - Matousek,Rose H. A1 - Pruessner,Jens C. A1 - Dobkin,Patricia L. VL - 17 IS - 2 PY - 2011/05// N1 -

A study looking at changes in the cortisol awakening response in women participating in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program after completion of their medical treatment for breast cancer.

N2 -

Background
Changes in the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were studied in women participating in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program after completion of their medical treatment for breast cancer.Method
Thirty-three women completed questionnaires pre- and post-MBSR pertaining to: stress, depressive symptomatology, and medical symptoms. The CAR was assessed on 3 days pre- and 3 days post-MBSR as a biological marker of stress.Results
A significant effect on the CAR was found, with cortisol levels showing a prolonged increase after awakening at the post-MBSR assessment period. This was accompanied by significant improvements in self-reported stress levels, depressive symptomatology, and medical symptoms. Furthermore, the change in medical symptoms was negatively correlated with the area under the curve (AUC) at study onset (r = -.52, p < .002); i.e., the greater the AUC of the CAR before MBSR, the greater the reduction in medical symptoms after the program.Conclusions
These results suggest the potential usefulness of employing the CAR as a biological marker in women with breast cancer participating in an MBSR program.

KW - breast cancer KW - Cancer KW - Cortisol KW - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction KW - Relaxation KW - Stress SP - 65 EP - 70 SN - 1744-3881 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388110000940 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5203 T1 - Episcopal measure of faith tradition: a context-specific approach to measuring religiousness JF - Journal of Religion and Health JA - J Relig Health M3 - 10.1007/s10943-009-9240-3 A1 - Hall,Daniel E A1 - Koenig,Harold G A1 - Meador,Keith G VL - 49 IS - 2 PY - 2010/06// N2 - Precise measurement of religiousness remains a vexing problem. In addition to relying almost exclusively on self-report, existing measures of religiousness pay little attention to the specific context of religious belief, and this may override distinctive norms of particular faith traditions and potentially confound the conclusions drawn from such research. To address these limitations, the authors describe a modified form of narrative content analysis that could eventually sort respondents into distinct theological traditions. A pilot test among Episcopalians demonstrates encouraging reliability (kappa 0.74, 95% LCI 0.47, P < 0.0002), and tests for convergent and discriminate validity suggest that the context of religious belief is both relevant and insufficiently assessed by the existing paradigm of religious measurements. If validated in a religiously diverse sample, this approach could be combined with existing, context-free measures of religiousness to generate more meaningful findings. KW - Culture KW - Humans KW - PROTESTANTISM KW - Questionnaires KW - Religion and Psychology KW - spirituality SP - 164 EP - 178 SN - 1573-6571 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5204 T1 - Mindfulness-based stress reduction for chronic pain conditions: Variation in treatment outcomes and role of home meditation practice JF - Journal of Psychosomatic Research M3 - 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.03.010 A1 - Rosenzweig,Steven A1 - Greeson,Jeffrey M. A1 - Reibel,Diane K. A1 - Green,Joshua S. A1 - Jasser,Samar A. A1 - Beasley,Denise VL - 68 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N1 -

This study compared changes in bodily pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological symptoms during an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program among groups of participants with different chronic pain conditions.From 1997-2003, a longitudinal investigation of chronic pain patients (n=133) was nested within a larger prospective cohort study of heterogeneous patients participating in MBSR at a university-based Integrative Medicine center. Measures included the Short-Form 36 Health Survey and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Paired t tests were used to compare pre–post changes on outcome measures. Differences in treatment effect sizes were compared as a function of chronic pain condition. Correlations were examined between outcome parameters and home meditation practice.Outcomes differed in significance and magnitude across common chronic pain conditions. Diagnostic subgroups of patients with arthritis, back/neck pain, or two or more comorbid pain conditions demonstrated a significant change in pain intensity and functional limitations due to pain following MBSR. Participants with arthritis showed the largest treatment effects for HRQoL and psychological distress. Patients with chronic headache/migraine experienced the smallest improvement in pain and HRQoL. Patients with fibromyalgia had the smallest improvement in psychological distress. Greater home meditation practice was associated with improvement on several outcome measures, including overall psychological distress, somatization symptoms, and self-rated health, but not pain and other quality of life scales.MBSR treatment effects on pain, HRQoL and psychological well-being vary as a function of chronic pain condition and compliance with home meditation practice.

N2 - Objective This study compared changes in bodily pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological symptoms during an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program among groups of participants with different chronic pain conditions.Methods From 1997-2003, a longitudinal investigation of chronic pain patients (n=133) was nested within a larger prospective cohort study of heterogeneous patients participating in MBSR at a university-based Integrative Medicine center. Measures included the Short-Form 36 Health Survey and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Paired t tests were used to compare pre-post changes on outcome measures. Differences in treatment effect sizes were compared as a function of chronic pain condition. Correlations were examined between outcome parameters and home meditation practice.Results Outcomes differed in significance and magnitude across common chronic pain conditions. Diagnostic subgroups of patients with arthritis, back/neck pain, or two or more comorbid pain conditions demonstrated a significant change in pain intensity and functional limitations due to pain following MBSR. Participants with arthritis showed the largest treatment effects for HRQoL and psychological distress. Patients with chronic headache/migraine experienced the smallest improvement in pain and HRQoL. Patients with fibromyalgia had the smallest improvement in psychological distress. Greater home meditation practice was associated with improvement on several outcome measures, including overall psychological distress, somatization symptoms, and self-rated health, but not pain and other quality of life scales.Conclusion MBSR treatment effects on pain, HRQoL and psychological well-being vary as a function of chronic pain condition and compliance with home meditation practice. KW - Chronic pain KW - Compliance KW - Effect size KW - Health-related quality of life KW - Meditation KW - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction KW - Psychological distress SP - 29 EP - 36 SN - 0022-3999 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5205 T1 - Yoga improves quality of life and benefit finding in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer JF - Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology JA - J Soc Integr Oncol A1 - Chandwani,Kavita D A1 - Thornton,Bob A1 - Perkins,George H A1 - Arun,Banu A1 - Raghuram,N V A1 - Nagendra,H R A1 - Wei,Qi A1 - Cohen,Lorenzo VL - 8 IS - 2 PY - 2010/// N2 - This study examined the effects of yoga on quality of life (QOL) and psychosocial outcomes in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Sixty-one women were randomly assigned to either a yoga or a wait-list group. Yoga classes were taught biweekly during the 6 weeks of radiotherapy. Participants completed measures of QOL, fatigue, benefit finding (finding meaning in the cancer experience), intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and anxiety before radiotherapy and then again 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the end of radiotherapy. General linear model analyses revealed that compared to the control group, the yoga group reported significantly better general health perception (p = .005) and physical functioning scores (p = .04) 1 week postradiotherapy; higher levels of intrusive thoughts 1 month postradiotherapy (p = .01); and greater benefit finding 3 months postradiotherapy (p = .01). There were no other group differences in other QOL subscales for fatigue, depression, or sleep scores. Exploratory analyses indicated that intrusive thoughts 1 month after radiotherapy were significantly positively correlated with benefit finding 3 months after radiotherapy (r = .36, p = .011). Our results indicated that the yoga program was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in aspects of QOL. SP - 43 EP - 55 SN - 1715-894X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5206 T1 - Targeting Acceptance, Mindfulness, and Values-Based Action in Chronic Pain: Findings of Two Preliminary Trials of an Outpatient Group-Based Intervention JF - Cognitive and Behavioral Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.cbpra.2008.08.001 A1 - Vowles,Kevin E. A1 - Wetherell,Julie Loebach A1 - Sorrell,John T. VL - 16 IS - 1 PY - 2009/02// N1 -

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for chronic pain is effective, although a number of issues in need of clarification remain, including the processes by which CBT works, the role of cognitive changes in the achievement of outcomes, and the formulation of a coherent theoretical model. Recent developments in psychology have attempted to address these issues by focusing specifically on processes of acceptance, present-focused awareness (e.g., mindfulness), and values-based action. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), perhaps the most widely researched of these developing approaches. Initial evidence suggests that ACT-consistent treatments for chronic pain are effective, although there is a need to study treatment in more traditional pain-management settings, where treatment is generally time-limited, unidisciplinary, and outpatient. Data from two pilot studies are presented. Results support the feasibility of treatment and suggest that effectiveness rates compare favorably with more established forms of treatment, in this case, CBT. Although these data are preliminary, they set a foundation upon which more intensive evaluations can take place.

N2 - Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for chronic pain is effective, although a number of issues in need of clarification remain, including the processes by which CBT works, the role of cognitive changes in the achievement of outcomes, and the formulation of a coherent theoretical model. Recent developments in psychology have attempted to address these issues by focusing specifically on processes of acceptance, present-focused awareness (e.g., mindfulness), and values-based action. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), perhaps the most widely researched of these developing approaches. Initial evidence suggests that ACT-consistent treatments for chronic pain are effective, although there is a need to study treatment in more traditional pain-management settings, where treatment is generally time-limited, unidisciplinary, and outpatient. Data from two pilot studies are presented. Results support the feasibility of treatment and suggest that effectiveness rates compare favorably with more established forms of treatment, in this case, CBT. Although these data are preliminary, they set a foundation upon which more intensive evaluations can take place. SP - 49 EP - 58 SN - 1077-7229 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7XMX-4TX18CX-1/2/7a5a539dfbf8853072ab5eb394151950 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5207 T1 - Mind-Body Treatments for the Pain-Fatigue-Sleep Disturbance Symptom Cluster in Persons with Cancer JF - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management M3 - 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.05.022 A1 - Kwekkeboom,Kristine L. A1 - Cherwin,Catherine H. A1 - Lee,Jun W. A1 - Wanta,Britt VL - 39 IS - 1 PY - 2010/01// N1 -

This study aimed to synthesize evidence regarding mind-body interventions that have shown efficacy in treating two or more symptoms in the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance cancer symptom cluster.

N2 - Context Co-occurring pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance comprise a common symptom cluster in patients with cancer. Treatment approaches that target the cluster of symptoms rather than just a single symptom need to be identified and tested.Objectives To synthesize evidence regarding mind-body interventions that have shown efficacy in treating two or more symptoms in the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance cancer symptom cluster.Methods A literature search was conducted using CINAHL, Medline, and PsychInfo databases through March 2009. Studies were categorized based on the type of mind-body intervention (relaxation, imagery/hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy/coping skills training [CBT/CST], meditation, music, and virtual reality), and a preliminary review was conducted with respect to efficacy for pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Mind-body interventions were selected for review if there was evidence of efficacy for at least two of the three symptoms. Forty-three studies addressing five types of mind-body interventions met criteria and are summarized in this review.Results Imagery/hypnosis and CBT/CST interventions have produced improvement in all the three cancer-related symptoms individually: pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Relaxation has resulted in improvements in pain and sleep disturbance. Meditation interventions have demonstrated beneficial effects on fatigue and sleep disturbance. Music interventions have demonstrated efficacy for pain and fatigue. No trials were found that tested the mind-body interventions specifically for the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster.Conclusion Efficacy studies are needed to test the impact of relaxation, imagery/hypnosis, CBT/CST, meditation, and music interventions in persons with cancer experiencing concurrent pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. These mind-body interventions could help patients manage all the symptoms in the cluster with a single treatment strategy. KW - Cancer KW - Fatigue KW - mind-body and relaxation techniques KW - Pain KW - sleep disturbance SP - 126 EP - 138 SN - 0885-3924 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5208 T1 - An investigation of the relationships between spirituality, health status and quality of life in adolescents. T3 - Religion/Spirituality and Quality of Life JF - Applied Research in Quality of Life M3 - 10.1007/s11482-009-9065-y A1 - Sawatzky,Richard A1 - Gadermann,Anne A1 - Pesut,Barbara VL - 4 IS - 1 PY - 2009/03// N2 - This study examines the relationships between six spirituality-related attributes and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents, and the extent to which these relationships are mediated by perceived physical and mental health status and five important life domains (family, friends, living environment, school experiences, and perception of self). The data were obtained via a cross-sectional health survey of 8,225 adolescents in British Columbia, Canada. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. All spiritual attributes are significantly associated with three or more of the life domains, and four of the attributes significantly explain global QOL after controlling for the other variables in the multivariate model. The attributes indicative of adolescents’ feelings about their future and other existential matters were found to be relatively most explanatory with respect to global QOL. The predominant mediators include adolescents’ satisfaction with their family, their perceived self, and their perceived mental health status. Spirituality is important with respect to adolescents’ QOL. The multivariate model provides preliminary insights into the relevance of several attributes of spirituality and the possible mechanisms by which these attributes may contribute to adolescents’ QOL. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Health KW - Health Status KW - Quality of Life KW - spirituality SP - 5 EP - 22 SN - 1871-2584 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5209 T1 - Relationship between religion and obsessive phenomena. JF - Australian Journal of Psychology M3 - 10.1080/00049530902887859 A1 - Gonsalvez,Craig J. A1 - Hains,Alex R. A1 - Stoyles,Gerard VL - 62 IS - 2 PY - 2010/07// N2 - The study examined the relationship between religion and symptoms of psychopathology, particularly obsessive-compulsive (OC) and scrupulosity symptoms. Religious affiliation, religiosity variables (strength of faith, religious application, the beliefs about God's nature), and cognitive factors (e.g., obsessive beliefs) were studied as predictors of OC and scrupulosity symptoms in 179 non-clinical participants. The main groups (Catholic, Protestant, and no religion) were not different with regard to measures of wellbeing or symptoms of general psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and stress), but were different with regard to OC symptoms. Consistent with cognitive theory, OC beliefs strongly predicted both OC and scrupulosity symptoms, even when general levels of psychopathology were controlled. Religion bore a less major but significant association with OC phenomena. Religious affiliation (being Catholic) was associated with higher levels of OC symptoms, and higher levels of personal religiosity (strength of faith) were associated with higher levels of scrupulosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Anxiety KW - CATHOLICS KW - OBSESSIVE-compulsive disorder KW - PSYCHOLOGY, Pathological KW - religion SP - 93 EP - 102 SN - 00049530 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5211 T1 - A Psychometric Evaluation of Poloma and Pendleton's (1991) and Ladd and Spilka's (2002, 2006) Measures of Prayer JF - Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion M3 - 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01541.x A1 - Breslin,Michael J. A1 - Lewis,Christopher Alan A1 - Shevlin,Mark VL - 49 IS - 4 PY - 2010/12// N2 - Prayer has increasingly been used as an empirical measure of religiosity. Recent developments include Ladd and Spilka's Inward, Outward and Upward Prayer Scale, which measures what respondents think about while praying, and Poloma and Pendleton's Measure of Prayer Type, which measures four different dimensions of prayer as well as degree of intimacy with the divine. The present study provides a factor analytical evaluation of both measures, including an examination of total scale and subscale reliability. The measures were administered to a sample of 518 Irish respondents. Although the total scales and subscales were found to be reliable, confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the hypothesized factor structures were a less than optimal fit of the data, while correlational analysis revealed a conceptual overlap between the measures. SP - 710 EP - 723 SN - 00218294 UR - http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01541.x ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5213 T1 - Do formal religious participation and spiritual perceptions have independent linkages with diverse dimensions of psychological well-being? JF - Journal of Health and Social Behavior JA - J Health Soc Behav A1 - Greenfield,Emily A A1 - Vaillant,George E A1 - Marks,Nadine F VL - 50 IS - 2 PY - 2009/06// N1 -

This study examines whether individuals’ frequency of formal religious participation and spiritual perceptions are independently associated with diverse dimensions of psychological well-being.

N2 - Recognizing religiosity and spirituality as related yet distinct phenomena, and conceptualizing psychological well-being as a multidimensional construct, this study examines whether individuals' frequency of formal religious participation and spiritual perceptions are independently associated with diverse dimensions of psychological well-being (negative affect, positive affect, purpose in life, positive relations with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, environmental mastery, and autonomy). Data came from 1,564 respondents in the 2005 National Survey of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS). Higher levels of spiritual perceptions were independently associated with better psychological well-being across all dimensions, and three of these salutary associations were stronger among women than men. Greater formal religious participation was independently associated only with more purpose in life and (among older adults) personal growth; greater formal religious participation was also associated with less autonomy. Overall, results suggest a different pattern of independent linkages between formal religious participation and spiritual perceptions across diverse dimensions of psychological well-being. KW - Age Factors KW - Aged KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Interpersonal Relations KW - Male KW - mental health KW - Middle Aged KW - Personal Autonomy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Self Efficacy KW - Sex Factors KW - spirituality SP - 196 EP - 212 SN - 0022-1465 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5214 T1 - A quantitative electroencephalographic study of meditation and binaural beat entrainment JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) JA - J Altern Complement Med M3 - 10.1089/acm.2009.0691 A1 - Lavallee,Christina F A1 - Koren,Stanley A A1 - Persinger,Michael A VL - 17 IS - 4 PY - 2011/04// N2 - Abstract Objectives: The study objective was to determine the quantitative electroencephalographic correlates of meditation, as well as the effects of hindering (15 Hz) and facilitative (7 Hz) binaural beats on the meditative process. Design: The study was a mixed design, with experience of the subject as the primary between-subject measure and power of the six classic frequency bands (δ, θ, low α, high α, β, γ), neocortical lobe (frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital), hemisphere (left, right), and condition (meditation only, meditation with 7-Hz beats, meditation with 15-Hz beats) as the within-subject measures. Location: The study was conducted at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Subjects: The subjects comprised novice (mean of 8 months experience) and experienced (mean of 18 years experience) meditators recruited from local meditation groups. Intervention: Experimental manipulation included application of hindering and facilitative binaural beats to the meditative process. Results: Experienced meditators displayed increased left temporal lobe δ power when the facilitative binaural beats were applied, whereas the effect was not observed for the novice subjects in this condition. When the hindering binaural beats were introduced, the novice subjects consistently displayed more γ power than the experienced subjects over the course of their meditation, relative to baseline. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, novice meditators were not able to maintain certain levels of θ power in the occipital regions when hindering binaural beats were presented, whereas when the facilitative binaural beats were presented, the experienced meditators displayed increased θ power in the left temporal lobe. These results suggest that the experienced meditators have developed techniques over the course of their meditation practice to counter hindering environmental stimuli, whereas the novice meditators have not yet developed those techniques. SP - 351 EP - 355 SN - 1557-7708 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480784 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5215 T1 - Mediators of a brief hypnosis intervention to control side effects in breast surgery patients: response expectancies and emotional distress JF - Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology JA - J Consult Clin Psychol M3 - 10.1037/a0017392 A1 - Montgomery,Guy H A1 - Hallquist,Michael N A1 - Schnur,Julie B A1 - David,Daniel A1 - Silverstein,Jeffrey H A1 - Bovbjerg,Dana H VL - 78 IS - 1 PY - 2010/02// N1 -

The present study was designed to test the hypotheses that response expectancies and emotional distress mediate the effects of an empirically validated presurgical hypnosis intervention on postsurgical side effects (i.e., pain, nausea, and fatigue).

N2 - OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to test the hypotheses that response expectancies and emotional distress mediate the effects of an empirically validated presurgical hypnosis intervention on postsurgical side effects (i.e., pain, nausea, and fatigue). METHOD: Women (n = 200) undergoing breast-conserving surgery (mean age = 48.50 years; 63% White, 15% Hispanic, 13% African American, and 9% other) were randomized to a hypnosis or to an attention control group. Prior to surgery, patients completed assessments of hypothesized mediators (response expectancies and emotional distress), and following surgery, patients completed assessments of outcome variables (pain, nausea, and fatigue). RESULTS: Structural equation modeling revealed the following: (a) Hypnotic effects on postsurgical pain were partially mediated by pain expectancy (p < .0001) but not by distress (p = .12); (b) hypnotic effects on postsurgical nausea were partially mediated by presurgical distress (p = .02) but not by nausea expectancy (p = .10); and (c) hypnotic effects on postsurgical fatigue were partially mediated by both fatigue expectancy (p = .0001) and presurgical distress (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the mediational roles of response expectancies and emotional distress in clinical benefits associated with a hypnotic intervention for breast cancer surgical patients. More broadly, the results improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for hypnotic phenomena and suggest that future hypnotic interventions target patient expectancies and distress to improve postsurgical recovery. SP - 80 EP - 88 SN - 1939-2117 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5216 T1 - Religious and spiritual beliefs of gynecologic oncologists may influence medical decision making JF - International Journal of Gynecological Cancer: Official Journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society JA - Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer M3 - 10.1097/IGC.0b013e31820ba507 A1 - Ramondetta,Lois A1 - Brown,Alaina A1 - Richardson,Gwyn A1 - Urbauer,Diana A1 - Thaker,Premal H A1 - Koenig,Harold G A1 - Gano,Jacalyn B A1 - Sun,Charlotte VL - 21 IS - 3 PY - 2011/04// N1 -

A study on how a physician's religious and spiritual beliefs may affect other medical decision-making. The study surveyed 1972 members of the International Gynecologic Oncologists Society and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists to determine the religious/spirituality characteristics of gynecologic oncologists and whether their religious/spiritual beliefs affected their clinical practice. Demographics, religiosity, and spirituality data were collected.

N2 - BACKGROUND Religious (R) and spiritual (S) beliefs often affect patients' health care decisions, particularly with regard to care at the end of life. Furthermore, patients desire more R/S involvement by the medical community; however, physicians typically do not incorporate R/S assessment into medical interviews with patients. The effects of physicians' R/S beliefs on willingness to participate in controversial clinical practices such as medical abortions and physician-assisted suicide has been evaluated, but how a physician's R/S beliefs may affect other medical decision-making is unclear. METHODS Using SurveyMonkey, an online survey tool, we surveyed 1972 members of the International Gynecologic Oncologists Society and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists to determine the R/S characteristics of gynecologic oncologists and whether their R/S beliefs affected their clinical practice. Demographics, religiosity, and spirituality data were collected. Physicians were also asked to evaluate 5 complex case scenarios. RESULTS : Two hundred seventy-three (14%) physicians responded. Sixty percent "agreed" or "somewhat agreed" that their R/S beliefs were a source of personal comfort. Forty-five percent reported that their R/S beliefs ("sometimes," "frequently," or "always") play a role in the medical options they offered patients, but only 34% "frequently" or "always" take a R/S history from patients. Interestingly, 90% reported that they consider patients' R/S beliefs when discussing end-of-life issues. Responses to case scenarios largely differed by years of experience, although age and R/S beliefs also had influence. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that gynecologic oncologists' R/S beliefs may affect patient care but that most physicians fail to take an R/S history from their patients. More work needs to be done to evaluate possible barriers that prevent physicians from taking a spiritual history and engaging in discussions over these matters with patients. SP - 573 EP - 581 SN - 1525-1438 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21436706 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5217 T1 - Meditative movement as a category of exercise: implications for research JF - Journal of Physical Activity & Health JA - J Phys Act Health A1 - Larkey,Linda A1 - Jahnke,Roger A1 - Etnier,Jennifer A1 - Gonzalez,Julie VL - 6 IS - 2 PY - 2009/03// N2 - INTRODUCTION: Meditative Movement (MM) is proposed as a new category of exercise defined by (a) some form of movement or body positioning, (b) a focus on breathing, and (c) a cleared or calm state of mind with a goal of (d) deep states of relaxation. REVIEW: Two forms of exercise meeting this definition, Qigong and Tai Chi, are reviewed to examine health benefits found in the research literature, recap elements that should be assessed in MM research, and suggest where aspects of MM intersect with, and are distinguished from, conventional forms of exercise. RESULTS: Relevant dimensions of the key elements of MM, such as frequency, duration, type of movement, degree of exertion, description of breathing, and achievement of relaxed state are recommended to be clearly described and measured to consistently define the category across studies and clarify how MM may affect health outcomes in similar, and perhaps different, ways than conventional exercise. CONCLUSIONS: If these suggested standards are used, we will gain a better understanding of which elements are necessary for achieving targeted outcomes. Over time, as MM is studied as a category of exercise, research may progress more efficiently to define the domains of physiological and psychological benefit. KW - Biomedical Research KW - Blood Pressure KW - Breathing Exercises KW - Humans KW - Immune System KW - Meditation KW - mental health KW - Movement KW - Postural Balance KW - Relaxation KW - Stress, Psychological KW - Tai Ji SP - 230 EP - 238 SN - 1543-3080 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5218 T1 - Religion, ethnicity, coping style, and self-reported self-harm in a diverse non-clinical UK population. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674670903485629 A1 - Borrill,Jo A1 - Fox,Pauline A1 - Roger,Derek VL - 14 IS - 3 PY - 2011/03// N2 - Previous studies of ethnic and cultural differences in self-harm have focussed on overdose and suicide attempts by South Asian women. Research comparing ethnic groups has rarely examined religion or nationality. To achieve a more balanced approach this study examined self-harm methods and self-injury across gender, religion and ethnic group in a non-clinical population. Six hundred and seventeen university students completed a questionnaire asking whether they had ever harmed themselves, and the frequency and method of any self-harm. White participants and participants with no religious affiliation were more likely to report repeated incidents of self-harm, mainly scratching and cutting skin. Hindu religion was associated with lower levels of repeated self-harm. Asian males were less likely to report self-harm than both Asian females and other males. Black students were less likely to report cutting and scored highest on Rational coping style. The results raise questions about differential disclosure of self-harm across gender and culture. KW - ADJUSTMENT (Psychology) KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Asians KW - Blacks KW - CHI-square test KW - Christianity KW - COLLEGE students KW - COMPARATIVE studies KW - England KW - Hinduism KW - ISLAM KW - LOGISTIC regression analysis KW - MEDICAL cooperation KW - NONPARAMETRIC statistics KW - religion KW - Research KW - SELF-evaluation KW - Self-Injurious Behavior KW - SEX distribution (Demography) KW - STATISTICAL hypothesis testing KW - UNIVERSITIES & colleges KW - Whites SP - 259 EP - 269 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5219 T1 - The culture of faith and hope: patients' justifications for their high estimations of expected therapeutic benefit when enrolling in early phase oncology trials JF - Cancer JA - Cancer M3 - 10.1002/cncr.25201 A1 - Sulmasy,Daniel P A1 - Astrow,Alan B A1 - He,M Kai A1 - Seils,Damon M A1 - Meropol,Neal J A1 - Micco,Ellyn A1 - Weinfurt,Kevin P VL - 116 IS - 15 PY - 2010/08/01/ N1 -

Patients' estimates of their chances of therapeutic benefit from participation in early phase trials greatly exceed historical data. Ethicists worry that this therapeutic misestimation undermines the validity of informed consent. The authors interviewed 45 patients enrolled in phase 1 or 2 oncology trials about their expectations of therapeutic benefit and their reasons for those expectations. They used a phenomenological, qualitative approach with 1 primary coder to identify emergent themes, verified by 2 independent coders.

N2 - BACKGROUND: Patients' estimates of their chances of therapeutic benefit from participation in early phase trials greatly exceed historical data. Ethicists worry that this therapeutic misestimation undermines the validity of informed consent. METHODS: The authors interviewed 45 patients enrolled in phase 1 or 2 oncology trials about their expectations of therapeutic benefit and their reasons for those expectations. They used a phenomenological, qualitative approach with 1 primary coder to identify emergent themes, verified by 2 independent coders. RESULTS: Median expectations of therapeutic benefit varied from 50% to 80%, depending on how the question was asked. Justifications universally invoked hope and optimism, and 27 of 45 participants used 1 of these words. Three major themes emerged: 1) optimism as performative, that is, the notion that positive thoughts and expressions improve chances of benefit; 2) fighting cancer as a battle; and 3) faith in God, science, or both. Many participants described a culture in which optimism was encouraged and expected, such that trial enrollment became a way of reflecting this expectation. Many reported they had been told few patients would benefit and appeared to understand the uncertainties of clinical research, yet expressed high expected personal therapeutic benefit. More distressed participants were less likely to invoke performative justifications for their expectations (50% vs 84%; P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Expressions of high expected therapeutic benefit had little to do with reporting knowledge and more to do with expressing optimism. These results have implications for understanding how to obtain valid consent from participants in early phase clinical trials. KW - Attitude to Health KW - Clinical Trials as Topic KW - Comprehension KW - Female KW - Humans KW - Informed Consent KW - Interviews as Topic KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Neoplasms KW - Patient Selection KW - Religion and Medicine KW - Therapeutic Misconception SP - 3702 EP - 3711 SN - 0008-543X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5220 T1 - Religion in the psychoanalytic relationship-some aspects of transference and countertransference JF - The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry JA - J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry M3 - 10.1521/jaap.2009.37.1.123 A1 - Meissner,W W VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2009/// N2 - This case poses the problem of the nature of transference and counter-transference dynamics in analytic relationships in which analyst and analysand share a communality of religious background, training, belief, and commitment. In this analysis, both analyst and analysand were professionally trained and committed Catholic priests. The analysis revealed the preoedipal and oedipal determinants of the analysand's intrapsychic perspective on religious matters and his engagement in religious activities. Countertransference difficulties arose in relation to empathic resonances potentially leading to excessive empathic attunement and concordant identification on one hand and a contrary pull to possible complementary identification and role responsiveness. KW - Adult KW - Catholicism KW - Clergy KW - Conflict (Psychology) KW - Countertransference (Psychology) KW - Gender Identity KW - Homosexuality, Male KW - Humans KW - IDENTIFICATION (Psychology) KW - Male KW - Narcissism KW - Object Attachment KW - Physician-Patient Relations KW - Psychoanalytic Therapy KW - Religion and Psychology KW - Transference (Psychology) KW - Transvestism SP - 123 EP - 136 SN - 1546-0371 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5221 T1 - The relationship between religiosity and subjective well-being: A case of Kuwaiti car accident victims. T3 - Culture and international contributions JF - Traumatology M3 - 10.1177/1534765608323500 A1 - Ashkanani,Hadi Ridha VL - 15 IS - 1 PY - 2009/03// N2 - Researchers have long recognized the influence of religion on a person’s health and well-being. This study explores the influence of religion on the wellbeing of traumatized people. The study population included people who had experienced significant trauma in their lives from a severe car accident. The study sample included individuals who had been traumatized through severe injury in car accidents, families of those who have been badly injured, and families of those who were killed in car accidents. Demographic and socioeconomic variables served as independent factors in measuring subjective well-being. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were used to measure the relationship between religiosity and subjective well-being of a traumatized person. Results showed that there was a positive relationship between religiosity and well-being, that income of the traumatized affected well-being positively, and that age of the traumatized affected well-being negatively. There was no effect of group difference (severely injured, family of severely injured, and family of a killed one) on well-being. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - car accident victims KW - Emotional Trauma KW - Health KW - Motor Traffic Accidents KW - religion KW - religiosity KW - subjective well being KW - Trauma KW - Victimization KW - well being SP - 23 EP - 28 SN - 1534-7656 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5222 T1 - Moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between social isolation and psychological well-being. JF - Mental Health, Religion & Culture M3 - 10.1080/13674676.2010.497963 A1 - Momtaz,Yadollah Abolfathi A1 - Hamid,Tengku-Aizan A1 - Ibrahim,Rahimah A1 - Yahaya,Nurizan A1 - Tyng Chai,Sen VL - 14 IS - 2 PY - 2011/02// N2 - It is known that social isolation is negatively associated to psychological well-being. Hence, it is imperative to identify factors that may moderate this association. This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between social isolation and psychological well-being among a sample of 1415 community-dwelling older Malay Muslims age 60 years and over. The data for this study came from a national survey entitled Patterns of Social Relationship and Psychological Well Being among Older Persons in Peninsular Malaysia, which was conducted using a cross-sectional research design. Three scales namely WHO-5 Well being Index, Revised Intrinsic Extrinsic Religiosity Scale, and Lubben Social Network Scale were utilised to measure psychological well-being, religiosity, and social isolation, respectively. A four-step moderated hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS (version-13) was employed to test moderating effect of religiosity. The results of this study demonstrated that religiosity significantly moderates relationship between social isolation and psychological well-being, after controlling for age, sex, marital status, level of education, employment status, household income, and place of residence. Based on the findings from this study, the possible educational and therapeutic implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - Analysis of Variance KW - Computer Software KW - DATA analysis KW - ISLAM KW - Malaysia KW - Social Isolation KW - STATISTICS KW - Well-Being SP - 141 EP - 156 SN - 13674676 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5223 T1 - Psycho-spiritual integrative therapy for women with primary breast cancer JF - Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings JA - J Clin Psychol Med Settings M3 - 10.1007/s10880-011-9224-9 A1 - Garlick,Max A1 - Wall,Kathleen A1 - Corwin,Diana A1 - Koopman,Cheryl VL - 18 IS - 1 PY - 2011/03// N1 -

A study of twenty four women who completed Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy treatment. 

N2 - Breast cancer presents physical and psychological challenges, but can also result in posttraumatic growth (PTG). Twenty-four women completed Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy (PSIT) treatment and completed assessments for PTG and QOL before, immediately following, and 1 month after treatment. Women showed improvement (p < .01) on the FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast) Physical Well-being, Emotional Well-being, and Functional Well-being subscales, on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Depression, Anger, and Fatigue subscales (p < .05), and on their POMS Tension, Vigor and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) scores (p < .01). Also, women showed improvement on the FACIT-Sp-Ex (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual) Meaning/Peace subscale, the Spiritual Well-being total scale (p < .01), and on the New Possibilities (p < .01) and Personal Strength (p < .05) subscales of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). This preliminary study suggests that PSIT may improve well being and stimulate PTG in breast cancer patients. SP - 78 EP - 90 SN - 1573-3572 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21344265 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5224 T1 - Measuring mindfulness? An Item Response Theory analysis of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale JF - Personality and Individual Differences M3 - 10.1016/j.paid.2010.07.020 A1 - Van Dam,Nicholas T. A1 - Earleywine,Mitch A1 - Borders,Ashley VL - 49 IS - 7 PY - 2010/11// N2 - The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) is one of the most popular measures of mindfulness, exhibiting promising psychometric properties and theoretically consistent relationships to brain activity, mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) outcomes, and mediation of MBI effects. The present study investigated the response patterns and scale properties in a large sample of undergraduate students (N = 414) using Item Response Theory analyses. The findings suggest that general statements of "automatic inattentiveness" or "automatic pilot" confer greater statistical information about the underlying latent trait. Evidence of limited abilities to report on mindlessness and of response bias to "mindfulness-absent" items suggests challenges to the construct validity of the MAAS. The current findings, along with pre-existing data, suggest that reverse-scoring the scale may be inadequate to represent intentional attention or awareness. Further research is needed to determine which variations, components, and correlates of the numerous operationalizations of mindfulness are theoretically consistent and most salient to positive outcomes, especially in psychopathology. KW - Construct validity KW - Item Response Theory KW - MAAS KW - Meta-consciousness KW - Mindfulness KW - Psychometrics SP - 805 EP - 810 SN - 0191-8869 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V9F-50RMPGB-2/2/c5b51a992a23b45c29271ae96371ec0f ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5225 T1 - Establishing a ‘physician’s spiritual well-being scale’ and testing its reliability and validity. JF - Journal of Medical Ethics: Journal of the Insitute of Medical Ethics M3 - 10.1136/jme.2010.037200 A1 - Fang,C. K. A1 - Li,P. Y. A1 - Lai,M. L. A1 - Lin,M. H. A1 - Bridge,D. T. A1 - Chen,H. W. VL - 37 IS - 1 PY - 2011/01// N2 - The purpose of this study was to develop a Physician’s Spiritual Well-Being Scale (PSpWBS). The significance of a physician’s spiritual well-being was explored through in-depth interviews with and qualitative data collection from focus groups. Based on the results of qualitative analysis and related literature, the PSpWBS consisting of 25 questions was established. Reliability and validity tests were performed on 177 subjects. Four domains of the PSpWBS were devised: physician’s characteristics; medical practice challenges; response to changes; and overall well-being. The explainable total variance was 65.65%. Cronbach α was 0.864 when the internal consistency of the whole scale was calculated. Factor analysis showed that the internal consistency Cronbach α value for each factor was between 0.625 and 0.794 and the split-half reliability was 0.865. The scale has satisfactory reliability and validity and could serve as the basis for assessment of the spiritual well-being of a physician. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract) KW - Physician’s Spiritual Well-Being Scale KW - Physicians KW - spirituality KW - Test Construction KW - test development KW - Test Reliability KW - Test Validity KW - well being SP - 6 EP - 12 SN - 0306-6800 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5228 T1 - Religiosity, spirituality, and marital relationships of parents raising a typically developing child or a child with a disability JF - Journal of Family Nursing JA - J Fam Nurs M3 - 10.1177/1074840710394856 A1 - Parker,Jessica A A1 - Mandleco,Barbara A1 - Olsen Roper,Susanne A1 - Freeborn,Donna A1 - Dyches,Tina Taylor VL - 17 IS - 1 PY - 2011/02// N2 - In order to discover if differences or relationships exist between religiosity, spirituality, and marital relationships, 111 parents raising a child with a disability (CWD) and 34 parents raising typically developing children independently completed self-report questionnaires assessing religiosity, spirituality, and marital relationships. Parents raising typically developing children scored higher on private and public religiosity and marital satisfaction than parents raising a CWD; mothers scored higher on religiosity variables than fathers. Mothers' ratings of spirituality and family type (disability or typically developing child) predicted their ratings of marital conflict. Higher spirituality and raising typically developing children were associated with higher ratings of marital satisfaction for both mothers and fathers. However, spirituality also moderated the relationship between private/public religiosity and marital satisfaction only for fathers. This information helps improve interventions for families raising CWD and adds to the literature on the interplay of religiosity/spirituality/marital relationship. SP - 82 EP - 104 SN - 1552-549X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5230 T1 - Five-factor model personality traits, spirituality/religiousness, and mental health among people living with HIV JF - Journal of Personality JA - J Pers M3 - 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00587.x A1 - Löckenhoff,Corinna E A1 - Ironson,Gail H A1 - O'Cleirigh,Conall A1 - Costa,Paul T VL - 77 IS - 5 PY - 2009/10// N2 - We examined the association between five-factor personality domains and facets and spirituality/religiousness as well as their joint association with mental health in a diverse sample of people living with HIV (n=112, age range 18-66). Spirituality/religiousness showed stronger associations with Conscientiousness, Openness, and Agreeableness than with Neuroticism and Extraversion. Both personality traits and spirituality/religiousness were significantly linked to mental health, even after controlling for individual differences in demographic measures and disease status. Personality traits explained unique variance in mental health above spirituality and religiousness. Further, aspects of spirituality and religiousness were found to mediate some of the links between personality and mental health in this patient sample. These findings suggest that underlying personality traits contribute to the beneficial effects of spirituality/religiousness among vulnerable populations. KW - Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire KW - mental health KW - MENTAL health -- Religious aspects KW - religiousness KW - spirituality SP - 1411 EP - 1436 SN - 1467-6494 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/19686457 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5231 T1 - An exploration of spiritual needs of Taiwanese patients with advanced cancer during the therapeutic processes JF - Journal of Clinical Nursing JA - J Clin Nurs M3 - 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03278.x A1 - Hsiao,Szu-Mei A1 - Gau,Meei-Ling A1 - Ingleton,Christine A1 - Ryan,Tony A1 - Shih,Fu-Jin VL - 20 IS - 7-8 PY - 2011/04// N1 -

This study explores the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer during their therapeutic process in Taiwan and analyses the influence of Chinese culture in addressing their spiritual needs.

N2 - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study explores the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer during their therapeutic process in Taiwan and analyses the influence of Chinese culture in addressing their spiritual needs. BACKGROUND Many nurse clinicians have concerns about the difficulties of providing spiritual care for ethnic-Chinese cancer clients within their cultural context, possibly as a result of lack of knowledge and training. There has been little research exploring the potential impact of Chinese cultural values on the spiritual needs of patients with advanced cancer. DESIGN Explorative qualitative enquiry was used. METHODS Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth face-to-face interviews. Transcribed interview data were analysed by using qualitative content analysis. The purposive sample (n = 33) was drawn from a leading medical center (n = 19) with 3000 beds in the capital and a community-based rural teaching hospital (n = 14) with 581 beds in Taiwan. RESULTS Four spiritual needs emerged from the analysis: the need to foster hope for survival and obtain a peaceful mindset, to fulfil the meanings of life and preserve one's dignity, to experience more reciprocal human love and finally, to receive assistance in facing death peacefully. CONCLUSION This research has shown that patients with advanced cancer need caregivers, friends and the help of their religion to meet their spiritual needs during the therapeutic processes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings of this study could assist health professionals to detect the unmet spiritual needs of ethnic-Chinese patients with cancer in the context of their cultural or religious background as early as possible. SP - 950 EP - 959 SN - 1365-2702 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21044187 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5232 T1 - The link between religion and HAART adherence in pediatric HIV patients. JF - AIDS Care M3 - 10.1080/09540120903254013 A1 - Park,James A1 - Nachman,Sharon VL - 22 IS - 5 PY - 2010/05// N1 -

This study attempts to examine the patterns of highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence relative to religious beliefs in a population of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents. Eligible subjects included perinatally HIV-infected youth aged 14–22 years who knew their HIV status.

N2 - HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens. This study attempts to examine the patterns of highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence relative to religious beliefs in a population of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents. Eligible subjects included perinatally HIV-infected youth aged 14-22 years who knew their HIV status. Assessment tools included an antiretroviral adherence form, a standardized depression questionnaire, and a religious observance questionnaire. All of these forms were completed at the time of study enrollment. Twenty subjects met entry criteria and were enrolled. Subjects who had excellent adherence had significantly higher religious belief scores than those who had poor adherence (3.46+/-0.46 vs. 2.34+/-0.69, p<0.05). Those with excellent adherence also had higher religious practice scores than those with poor adherence (2.66+/-1.02 vs. 2.23+/-1.45, p=0.46). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II depression score was also lower in those with excellent adherence versus those with poor adherence (4.64+/-3.41 vs. 8.86+/-9.77, p=0.39). Physicians may be able to consider spirituality as a factor that may influence medication adherence in pediatric HIV patients. As perinatally HIV-infected youth age into adulthood, future studies will be needed to explore the ongoing intimate relationship between a patient's religious views and their compliance to medical regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - COMMUNICABLE diseases -- Transmission -- Prevention KW - DISEASE management KW - HIV infections -- Prevention KW - HIV-positive persons -- Medical care KW - HIV-positive youth KW - NEEDS assessment KW - OUTCOME assessment (Medical care) KW - Patient Compliance SP - 556 EP - 561 SN - 09540121 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5234 T1 - Tai chi/yoga effects on anxiety, heartrate, EEG and math computations JF - Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice M3 - 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.05.014 A1 - Field,Tiffany A1 - Diego,Miguel A1 - Hernandez-Reif,Maria VL - 16 IS - 4 PY - 2010/11// N2 - Objective To determine the immediate effects of a combined form of Tai chi/yoga.Design 38 adults participated in a 20-min Tai chi/yoga class. The session was comprised of standing Tai chi movements, balancing poses and a short Tai chi form and 10 min of standing, sitting and lying down yoga poses.Main outcome measures The pre- and post- Tai chi/yoga effects were assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), EKG, EEG and math computations.Results Heartrate increased during the session, as would be expected for this moderate-intensity exercise. Changes from pre to post-session assessments suggested increased relaxation including decreased anxiety and a trend for increased EEG theta activity.Conclusions The increased relaxation may have contributed to the increased speed and accuracy noted on math computations following the Tai chi/yoga class. KW - EEG KW - Heartrate KW - Tai chi KW - yoga SP - 235 EP - 238 SN - 1744-3881 UR - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7MFN-50DNM33-1/2/a3d4930f668b4bd4997f4f7b90acca2c ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5235 T1 - Complementary and alternative methods in cerebral palsy JF - Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology M3 - 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03424.x A1 - Oppenheim,WL VL - 51 IS - Supplement 4 PY - 2009/10// N2 - There are no published studies specifically addressing complementary and alternative treatments in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). However, national surveys of adults with chronic disabilities document that a majority of them use such treatments, that they are willing to pay out of pocket, if necessary, and that they believe that pursuing such treatment relieves pain, reduces stress and anxiety, and leads to improved feelings of fitness and well-being. Individuals enjoy taking charge of their own health care decisions, and frequently feel more in control with these therapies than with more traditional methods. In contrast to adults, there is some information on complementary and alternative methods (CAM) in children with CP. This article discusses some of the CAM used in children that may be carried over into adulthood, as well as the pitfalls for patients and conventional physicians as they try to sort out what might be helpful and what might be harmful in this arena. Practitioners of both conventional and CAM therapies believe that exercise can be beneficial; accordingly, activities such as recreational sports, yoga, and hippotherapy may be continued from childhood into adulthood. General treatments for stress and anxiety, through such activities as yoga and meditation, though not directed at CP per se, may be more popular for adults than children. Research in this area should first identify what methods are being utilized and then subject these methods to well-designed outcome studies that take into account any associated risks. SP - 122 EP - 129 SN - 0012-1622 UR - http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&SID=4EE@3mJA43fogEL63gI&page=8&doc=74 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5236 T1 - Spiritual Bypass: A Preliminary Investigation. JF - Counseling & Values M3 - Article A1 - Cashwell,Craig S. A1 - Glosoff,Harriet L. A1 - Hammond,Cheree VL - 54 IS - 2 PY - 2010/04// N2 - The phenomenon of spiritual bypass has received limited attention in the transpersonal psychology and counseling literature and has not been subjected to empirical inquiry. This study examines the phenomenon of spiritual bypass by considering how spirituality, mindfulness, alexithymia (emotional restrictiveness), and narcissism work together to influence depression and anxiety among college students. Results suggested that mindfulness and alexithymia accounted for variance in depression beyond what is accounted for by spirituality and that all 3 factors (mindfulness, alexithymia, and narcissism) accounted for variance in anxiety beyond what is accounted for by spirituality. Implications for counselors are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ALEXITHYMIA KW - Anxiety KW - COUNSELORS KW - DEPRESSION, Mental KW - Narcissism KW - SPIRITUAL life SP - 162 EP - 174 SN - 01607960 ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5237 T1 - Power of being present: the role of mindfulness on the relation between men's alcohol use and sexual aggression toward intimate partners. JF - Aggressive Behavior A1 - Gallagher,Kathryn E. A1 - Hudepohl,Adam D. A1 - Parrott,Dominic J. VL - 36 IS - 6 PY - 2010/11//Nov N2 - The primary aim of this investigation was to examine the association between men's level of mindfulness and histories of alcohol consumption and sexual aggression toward intimate partners. Participants were 167 heterosexual drinking males who completed self-report measures of mindfulness, frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption during the past 12 months and sexual aggression against intimate partners during the past 12 months. Results indicated that a history of consuming larger amounts when drinking was associated with more frequent sexual coercion/aggression among men who reported low, but not high, levels of mindfulness. However, drinking more frequently by itself was not associated with more frequent sexual coercion/aggression. These results support the attention-allocation model and suggest implications for future intervention research aimed at reducing alcohol-related aggression. Aggr. Behav. 36:405-413, 2010. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] KW - ALCOHOLICS' spouses KW - ALCOHOLISM -- Psychological aspects KW - DRINKING of alcoholic beverages KW - HETEROSEXUAL men KW - intimate partner violence KW - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy KW - SEXUAL aggression KW - SEXUAL consent SP - 405 EP - 413 SN - 0096140X ER - TY - JOUR ID - 5238 T1 - Effectiveness of skill-based substance abuse intervention among male adolescents in an Islamic country: case of the Islamic Republic of Iran JF - Journal of Drug Education JA - J Drug Educ A1 - Allahverdipour,Hamid A1 - Bazargan,Mohsen A1 - Farhadinasab,Abdollah A1 - Hidarnia,Alireza A1 - Bashirian,Saeed VL - 39 IS - 2 PY - 2009/// N2 - The prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents from low- and middle-income countries is increasing drastically and requires immediate intervention. The objective of this longitudinal quasi-experimental panel study was to design and implement a skill-based intervention to prevent and reduce substance use among urban adolescents who attended 2 randomly selected high-schools in Tehran, Iran. One-year post intervention data show that substance abuse, knowledge, attitudes, peer resistance skills, level of self-control, self-efficacy, and perceived susceptibility among intervention group were significantly improved, whereas level of self control and attitudes against substance abuse among the control group deteriorated. To efficiently prevent substance abuse among youth primary preventive interventions should be implemented before onset of substance abuse