Religion, Rituals, and Health

Chapter 4 faith, rites, and Health Overview of Chapter Topics Introduction righteousness, spi riteity, and ritual faith in the U. S. morality and wellness styles Effect of religion on wellness- colligate behaviors piety and health outcomes Religion and medical examination decisions rites in relation to health practices Case Study cystic fibrosis in a Hasidic Jewish patient Religion, spiritism, and Ritual in that location is considerable overlap betwixt religion and spirituality. Religion a judgement in and respect for a supernatural power or powers, which is regarded as creator and governor of the universe, and a soulal or institutionalized arrangement grounded in such a depression or worship Spirituality the sustenance force within each of us, and it refers to an individuals test to find meaning and purpose in livelihood Religion, Spirituality, and Ritual Religion is more associated with behaviors that elicit be quantified than the more inchoate term, s pirituality. Religion can be categorized by denomination, so there is more intellect near the meaning of the term, and it can be more easily quantified (i. . , dwelling of worship) Similar overlap exists between religion and ritual. Religion may accept established rituals, but not all rituals argon associated with a specific religion. Consequently, this chapter examines the relationship between ritual and health separately from the relationship between religion and health. Religion in the U. S. In 1999, 95% of population in U. S. reported a belief in God or high power. In a 2005 study, 57% of those queried stated that religion is very eventful in their lives, while or so 28% stated that it is fairly important. Since 1992, studies grant found consistent rates of attendance at religious places of worship. Religion and ethnicity may be loosely linked, but a persons religious affiliation should not be assumed based on his/her ethnicity. Religion and Health Behaviors Li festyle is single most prominent set over health today. People with religious ties obligate been shown to follow better behavioral patterns than the nonreligious related to Wider networks of social support than does a strictly layperson tone Social networks are often key to coping with life stress so improved coping mechanisms Proscribed behaviors (i. . , no alcoholic drink role or premarital sex) Religion and Health Behaviors Dietary practices with workable effects on health Prohibition or restriction of consumption of animal products and beverages Fasting Prohibition or restriction of consumption of stimulants and depressants because of habit-forming properties Some religions incorporate the use of stimulants or depressants into their ceremonies Religious practice may correlate with positive health behaviors generally, as well as with trim down rates of depression and higher rates of marital stability Religion and Health Behaviors Religion thought to correlate to positive outcomes with respect to hypertension Mortality/longevity Depression Suicide Promiscuous sexual behavior Drug and alcohol use Delinquency General touch perceptions of well-being intrust/purpose/meaning in life Self-esteem Educational improvement Religion and Health Outcomes Religion also can harm health Sometimes used to justify hatred, aggression, and prejudice Can be judgmental, alienating, exclusive Can cause feeling of religious guilt or feeling of failure to meet religious expectations May restrict health lot services because belief that health is in Gods handsReligion and medical exam Decisions Beginning of life decisions Abortion contend or strictly curb by many religions (i. e. , health of the mother is at risk if maternal quality continued child would be born with a disability that forget cause woeful rape incest) Birth control usage vary methods approved or strongly opposed by certain religions some religions permit hormonal method s but not the methods that block or subvert sperm Religion and Medical Decisions leftover of life decisions Religious belief may influence decisions to accept/reject optional treatments to prolong life at the end i. . , respirators, organ transplants, feeding tubes Religion and Medical Decisions End of life decisions Organ donation perspective is changing some instanter view it an act of compassion related to belief in resurrection euthanasia the act or practice of ending life of someone who is suffering from a terminal illness or incurable condition by lethal injection or suspension of medical treatment Opposed when viewed as murder or suicide or that it will injury karma (states that one must show respect for preservation of life) Some translate as an act of compassion and concern for dignityReligion and Medical Decisions End of life decisions Use of advance directives for end of life care Advanced directives are legal documents that enable a person to convey his or her decisions about care ahead of time Include information about use of life-sustaining equipment, artificial hydration and nutrition (tube feeding), resuscitation, organ donation, comfort care Concerns related to appointing one person as the decision maker in collectivists cultures, person undergoing needless suffering, and if you discuss it, it will happenRitual in Relation to Health Practices Ritual a set of actions that usually are very structured and have symbolic meaning or value May be performed on certain occasions, at regular intervals, or at discretion of individuals or communities held in private or public Tied to numerous activities and events i. e. , births, deaths, holidays, guild meetings, etc. Many rituals in health care settings i. . , being on time for appointments, how people are addressed, where patients sit Ritual in Relation to Health Practices Objects as rituals (i. e. , amulets, bracelets, statues, crosses) Importance of shrines in ritual activities (many are for health and healing) Rituals involving animal sacrifice (done to build and maintain ain relationship with a spirit) Birth rituals (i. e. food restrictions, silent birth, how placenta is discarded) Death rituals (how and when the organic structure is disposed of, prayer, dress, use of flowers) Summary Religion and spirituality play a major role in peoples lives and in their health decisions and behaviors. It has been shown to improve health, but also can contribute to health problems Impacts medical decisions Many rituals are related to health and some are laced to specific religions .