As I mentioned that particular paper is concerned with depressive disorders not overall happiness or for that matter any other specific mental disorders. You have to realise that these papers have huge value when it comes to healthcare because it provides a foundation for what needs to be delivered for individual patient care. Providing patients suffering from depressive disorders with the regular opportunity to practise their religious beliefs seems to be a very important tool to help their health. And it's not just depressive disorders, yes this specific paper deals with depressive disorders, but it can also help stave off dementia and other non-communicable illnesses. Happiness will follow because healthier people are happier people.
I should note however that I've seen no evidence that converting to religion will provide the effect, and I would assume that the effect would be strongest for people who have deeper religious beliefs and practises, and I wouldn't think simply converting to religion would have any health effect, at least not immediately.
I should note however that I've seen no evidence that converting to religion will provide the effect, and I would assume that the effect would be strongest for people who have deeper religious beliefs and practises, and I wouldn't think simply converting to religion would have any health effect, at least not immediately.
For Religion & Health see:[/b][/size] Williams & Sternthal. (2007). Spirituality, religion and health: Evidence and research directions. Med. J. Aust., 186(10), S47-S50. -LINK
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
