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Mini Review - Journal Clinical Psychiatry and Cognitive Psychology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 3
Spirituality, religiosity, well-being: A nuanced relationship
Lukas Novak*
Department of Neuropsychology, Eastern Neurocognitive Center, UK
- *Corresponding Author:
- Lukas Novak
Department of Neuropsychology
Eastern Neurocognitive Center, UK.
E-mail: lukas.novak@gmail.com
Received : 04-Jul-2025, Manuscript No. AACPCP-25-229; Editor assigned : 08-Jul-2025, PreQC No. AACPCP-25-229(PQ); Reviewed : 28-Jul-2025, QC No AACPCP-25-229; Revised : 06-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. AACPCP-25-229(R); Published : 15-Aug-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/AACPCP-9.3.229
Citation: Novak L. Spirituality, religiosity, well-being: A nuanced relationship. J Clin Psychiatry Cog Psychol. 2025;09(03):229.
Introduction
One significant meta-analysis synthesized findings on how spirituality and religiosity relate to an individual's meaning in life. This comprehensive review revealed a substantial positive association between these deeply personal aspects of human experience and the perception of life's purpose. It underscored the vital importance of engaging in spiritual and religious practices for individuals who are actively seeking purpose and a sense of coherence in their existence, strongly suggesting that these dimensions play a crucial and foundational role in fostering psychological well-being across diverse populations[1].
A cross-cultural review specifically examined how spirituality acts as a powerful catalyst for fostering resilience when individuals face psychological distress. This study meticulously highlighted various spiritual coping mechanisms and practices, identifying them as significant and often underutilized resources. These mechanisms empower individuals navigating severe mental health challenges, underscoring their profound role in promoting adaptive responses and actively fostering overall well-being in complex situations[2].
Further understanding comes from a longitudinal study that explored the developmental trajectory of prosocial behavior among adolescents. This research effectively linked the emergence and consolidation of such behaviors to key factors like religious identification, the maturation of moral reasoning, and the cultivation of empathetic concern. It provided compelling evidence demonstrating how supportive religious contexts can proactively foster positive moral development and contribute significantly to altruistic behaviors during this critical and formative developmental period[3].
Focusing on the later stages of life, another systematic review and meta-analysis thoroughly explored the intricate connections between spirituality, religiosity, and existential well-being among older adults. This extensive analysis uncovered significant positive associations, leading to the conclusion that consistent spiritual and religious engagement can profoundly contribute to a heightened sense of purpose and meaning during the senior years, offering comfort and fulfillment[4].
However, the influence of religious belief systems is not uniformly positive. A pertinent meta-analysis investigated how religious fundamentalism specifically influences prejudice against out-groups. This study identified a consistent and concerning positive relationship, strongly suggesting that a rigid and unyielding adherence to certain religious doctrines can frequently predict increased intolerance and the development of negative attitudes toward individuals or groups perceived as outside one's established religious or social circle[5].
The relationship between religious coping mechanisms and psychological distress in university students was systematically reviewed. This study revealed that both positive and negative religious coping styles are significantly associated with various mental health outcomes. This finding highlights the notably complex and multifaceted role religion plays in managing the unique stressors and academic pressures inherent in university life, suggesting a need for nuanced understanding[6].
Exploring developmental aspects, a systematic review synthesized qualitative research concerning how religious identity forms and evolves during adolescence and emerging adulthood. It meticulously highlighted the dynamic and often iterative processes through which young people integrate their religious beliefs and practices into their developing sense of self. This integration significantly influences their core values, shapes their social connections, and ultimately impacts their overall life trajectories and future decision-making[7].
A specific study proposed a moderated mediation model to thoroughly explore the intricate interplay between gratitude, religiosity, and overall well-being. The findings from this research indicated that religiosity can powerfully amplify the positive effects that gratitude has on an individual's well-being. This suggests that embracing a spiritual framework often serves to enhance and deepen the benefits derived from the consistent practice of thankfulness, fostering a more profound sense of contentment[8].
Addressing acute psychological challenges, another systematic review explored how individuals purposefully utilize religious and spiritual frameworks to find profound meaning following traumatic experiences. This compelling research demonstrated unequivocally that meaning-making, frequently achieved through steadfast faith, is a critical and highly effective coping mechanism. It helps survivors integrate adverse events into their broader worldview, thereby facilitating significant post-traumatic growth and recovery[9].
Finally, a systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the complex relationship between religious involvement and mental health outcomes specifically in adolescents. This comprehensive study revealed that religious engagement can offer both crucial protective factors against psychological distress and, in certain specific contexts, be associated with increased vulnerability. This dual potential critically depends on the precise nature of the religious practices engaged in and the prevailing social environments surrounding the individual adolescent[10].
Conclusion
Research consistently explores the intricate relationships between spirituality, religiosity, and various aspects of psychological well-being. Studies demonstrate a significant positive association between spiritual and religious practices and an individual's meaning in life, highlighting their role in fostering purpose and coherence in existence. Spirituality is shown to build resilience against psychological distress across different cultures, with spiritual coping mechanisms acting as key resources for mental health challenges. Similarly, religious contexts can promote positive moral development and altruistic behaviors, particularly in adolescents, by linking to religious identification, moral reasoning, and empathetic concern. For older adults, spiritual and religious engagement profoundly contributes to existential well-being, enhancing their sense of purpose and meaning. However, the influence of religion is not uniformly positive; religious fundamentalism, for instance, is consistently linked to increased prejudice and intolerance towards out-groups. The role of religious coping in managing psychological distress is complex, showing both positive and negative associations with mental health outcomes, especially among university students. Religious identity formation is a dynamic process in adolescence and emerging adulthood, shaping values, social connections, and life trajectories. Furthermore, religiosity can amplify the positive effects of gratitude on overall well-being. Religious and spiritual frameworks are critical for meaning-making following traumatic experiences, helping survivors integrate adverse events and foster post-traumatic growth. Lastly, religious involvement in adolescents presents a nuanced picture, offering both protective factors against psychological distress and potential vulnerabilities depending on specific practices and environments.
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