Relationship Of Mental Health To Religion Date example essay topic

Do Religiously Committed Individuals Enjoy Greater Mental Health? Reference #1 Author: David B. Larson, Albert Ellis Title: Do Religiously Committed Individuals Enjoy Greater Mental Health? Date: Copyright 1995 Source: Readings in Psychology, A Debate and Issues Approach; Psychology Text book David B. Larson and Albert Ellis have clashing ideas when it comes to this topic. Some examples: David's research shows that Religion can reduce the appeal of potentially self-destructive behavior such as suicide and drug abuse. A survey of adolescents showed that the lowest rate of drug abuse was found in those whom had a religious background. Similar results were found when relationships were brought into the picture.

For example studies showed families with long-lasting marriages accredit religion as their key to a successful marriage, apposed to a non-religious marriage. In addition, not only does religion give one an overall sense of satisfaction in regards to life, but is found to enhance sexual satisfaction, due to a significant less amount of stress in a religious life style. Ellis adds that there are many people diagnosed with disorders due to an obsession with religious ideas and practices, compulsively following religious teachings. He also says "religious persecution and wars against members of other religions have involved millions of casualties throughout human history". Moreover, David states that " mental-health status has been found to improve for those attending religious services on a regular basis". Reference #2 Author: God; General Editor Kenneth Barker Title: The Bible Date: Copyright 1999 Source: NASB Study Bible It states in the Bible Isaiah 40: 31 " yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary".

For myself and my mother, those few words give us greater mental health. My religion is not what is important here. I am however a part of a religion mind you, as well as most of my co-workers and classmates. Within our religion we grow spiritually through the years. The Bible in some religions is a key tool that keeps our hearts and minds focused. Many people pursue the Bible for many reasons.

What would someone look to the Bible for? Protection, prosperity, stability, guidance, moral values, discipline, most of all the relief of knowing the religion supply's them with a happy ending, versus floating in limbo, or burning in hell. Give an example you ask, where does the bible talk about life after death? John 3: 16 " God so loved the world he gave his only son, that whomever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life". In conclusion, the Bible for many people is a chief book designed by God, to give one hope and understanding about the world and what is to come. Reference #3 Author: Christina L. Glenn Title: Relationship of Mental Health to Religion Date: 2001 Source: Nursing and Public Health Magazine In the author's study she states " there is a definite relationship between religion and mental health, with mental health improving as the personal importance of religion increases".

That statement is very important to her theory. That means that the more you strive to improve yourself within your religion, the more satisfaction your going to receive from life in general, that's a very powerful statement. The studies showed that those with a low church attendance were more likely to have psychiatric disorders. The mental health score of the Duke Health Profile is heavily weighed toward the assessment of depression and anxiety. It was shown on test scores that self-esteem and emotional maturity were higher, and that depression was lower, in those that had a stable religious background. In addition, a study was given to see how many people switched religions, and if the change had any affect on their mental health.

The outcome was that those who either stayed, or switched religions were still mentally healthier than those without religion at all. In this reading another good point was brought up. Does religion cause better mental health? Or does better mental health cause higher religion?