Spirituality

Spirituality is defined as the beliefs, values and practices related to a person's relationship with the universe or a higher power. Religion involves beliefs, values and practices within the framework of a faith community.

Spirituality may be intrinsic or extrinsic. A person who has intrinsic spirituality lives according to religious beliefs regardless of social pressure. A person who has extrinsic spirituality may be motivated to use religion or spiritual practices to obtain security or status.

According to nationwide surveys, 95 percent of Americans believe in God or a universal spirit. Eighty-four percent of Americans describe their beliefs as either religious or spiritual, and 65Sixty-five percent of Americans say they're members of a church or synagogue, and 57 . Fifty-seven percent of Americans say religion is very important to them.

Among people seeking mental health counseling, more than half report wanting to discuss religious or spiritual concerns in the context of therapy. Twenty-seven percent say they want to discuss religious or spiritual concerns because they consider such issues essential for healing and growth.


Physiology and spirituality
Specific areas of the brain appear to be activated by certain religious or spiritual practices. The frontal lobe, which is linked to attention and concentration, becomes more active during deep meditation. The parietal lobes, which help provide a sense of orientation to a specific place and differentiation from the external world, become less active during deep meditation. This may explain the frequently reported experience of feeling "at one with the universe" during a meditative state.
The middle temporal lobe appears to be linked to the emotional aspects of religious experience, such as joy, awe and ecstasy. In fact, some people with temporal lobe epilepsy display excessive religious or spiritual preoccupation. Researchers believe the lower temporal lobe is the area of the brain that recognizes and responds to symbols of one's faith. This may help explain why focusing on sacred objects (such as crosses or candles) helps facilitate prayer and meditation for some people.


Spirituality and physical health
Compared to people who don't consider themselves spiritual, spiritually active people tend to have lower rates of premature death and debilitating physical illness, as well as better adjustment to chronic illness and rehabilitation. One explanation may be that religious or spiritual activism tends to promote healthy practices, such as healthy eating and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.

Spirituality and mental health
Spiritually active people tend to have lower rates of depression and suicide than the general population. Among spiritually active people, primarily intrinsic spirituality is associated with lower rates of depression, stress and anxiety than extrinsic spirituality, as well as an increased sense of control or meaning in stressful situations and an increased ability to cope with uncertain or ambiguous situations.
Spiritually active people typically experience fewer problems with addiction, such as with alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. They also have higher success rates in smoking cessation. For teenagers, the greater the level of religious or spiritual activism, the lower the risk of substance abuse. Researchers have found the teenagers at least risk attended religious services five or more times a month, while those at most risk attended religious services less than three times a month.

Religious or spiritual activism tends to enhance marital satisfaction and decrease the risk of divorce when both partners have similar values. It provides opportunities for shared activities (such as attending worship activities), encourages forgiveness and reconciliation, and enables both partners to value the marital relationship as spiritually significant.


Spirituality and coping
Active spirituality is associated with an increased ability to cope with stressful events. People who are spiritually active tend to experience less anxiety and depression during stressful life events. A faith community also offers social and pastoral support to help cope with life events.
Twelve-step programs for substance abuse that include a significant spiritual component (such as confession or prayer) are at least as successful as more traditional treatment approaches. The more active a person is in the group, the better the chance for sustained abstinence.


Spiritual professionals
Various spiritual professionals work in faith communities. For example:
Ordained clergy or recognized spiritual leaders are associated with and sometimes specific to a particular faith community. Training and education is primarily in theology and practices of the faith community. Such a spiritual leader can answer questions about theology, beliefs, rituals and practices of a particular faith community.

Chaplains offer services to the general community. Although they may have the endorsement of a faith community, chaplains have an ecumenical (general or broad) focus. Most chaplains have formal theological training of some sort, and some are ordained. A chaplain may practice in a variety of settings, such as a hospital, school, military base, fire or police department, or even business or industry. They may be helpful for situations in which clergy or other recognized leaders of a person's faith community are unavailable. A chaplain may offer prayer, rituals appropriate to a person's religious preference or supportive counseling.

Pastoral counselors are also ecumenical in focus. They have mental health credentials and theological training. For example, a pastoral counselor may be an ordained minister and a licensed professional counselor. A pastoral counselor may be a good resource for someone needing help with spiritual issues and mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety.