Handbook of Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide

Research has shown that spiritual and religious factors are strongly linked to various mental health characteristics, both positively and negatively. Since the publication of the first edition of the Handbook of Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health, this body of research has significantly expanded. The second edition of this book aims to identify not only whether religion and spirituality influence mental health and vice versa, but also how, why, and for whom.

This comprehensive guide addresses eight categories of mental disorders, as well as other key aspects of social, emotional, and behavioral health. It provides an authoritative review of the research on the positive and negative effects of spirituality/religion on mental health. The book also covers the relevance of spirituality/religion to mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, psychotic, eating/feeding, alcohol/substance use, behavioral addictions, and pain-related disorders, as well as marriage/family life, suicidality, and end-of-life-care.

The Handbook of Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health also reviews the research on spiritually integrated psychotherapies, providing basic clinical guidelines for how to effectively address spiritual/religious life in treatment. It covers the neurobiology of spiritual/religious experiences as they pertain to mental health and includes all major world religions, as well as spiritual identities outside of a religious context.

Published by Elsevier Science in April 2020, this book is a valuable resource for mental health professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in the relationship between spirituality, religion, and mental health. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between these factors and provides practical insights for improving mental health outcomes.

With its updated research and expanded coverage, the Handbook of Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health is an essential reference for anyone seeking to understand the role of spirituality and religion in promoting mental health and well-being.