Handbook of Religion and Health [Hardcover]

Harold G. Koenig (Author), Michael E. McCullough (Author), David B. Larson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195118669 | ISBN-13: 978-0195118667 | Publication Date: January 11, 2001 | Edition: 1

What effect does religion have on physical and mental health? In answering this question, this book reviews and discusses research on the relationship between religion and a variety of mental and physical health outcomes, including depression and anxiety; heart disease, stroke, and cancer; and health related behaviors such as smoking and substance abuse. The authors examine the positive and negative effects of religion on health throughout the life span, from childhood to old age. Based on their findings, they build theoretical models illustrating the behavioral, psychological, social, and physiological pathways through which religion may influence health. The authors also review research on the impact of religious affiliation, belief, and practice on the use of health services and compliance with medical treatment. In conclusion, they discuss the clinical relevance of their findings and make recommendations for future research priorities.
Offering the first comprehensive examination of its topic, this volume is an indispensable resource for research scientists, health professionals, public policy makers, and anyone interested in the relationship between religion and health.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This would be an excellent addition to the library of congregations and their clergy, health educators, youth workers, and professional chaplains."--Anglican Theological Review

About the Author

Harold G. Koenig, M.D., is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University. Michael E. McCullough, Ph.D., is Director of Research at the National Institute for Healthcare Research. David B. Larson, M.D., is President of the National Institute for Healthcare Research.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 728 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (January 11, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195118669
• ISBN-13: 978-0195118667
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #334,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Koenig completed his undergraduate education at Stanford University, his medical school training at the University of California at San Francisco, and his geriatric medicine, psychiatry, and biostatistics training at Duke University Medical Center. He is board certified in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and geriatric medicine, and is on the faculty at Duke as Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Associate Professor of Medicine, and is on the faculty at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor. He is also a registered nurse. Dr. Koenig is Director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University Medical Center, and has published extensively in the fields of mental health, geriatrics, and religion, with over 350 scientific peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and nearly 40 books in print or in preparation. He is considered by biomedical scientists as one of the world's top experts on religion and health (http://www.biomedexperts.com/Concept.bme/18754/Religion). His research on religion, health and ethical issues in medicine has been featured on dozens of national and international TV news programs (including ABC's World News Tonight, The Today Show and two episodes of Good Morning America), nearly a hundred national or international radio programs, and hundreds of newspapers and magazines (including Reader's Digest, Parade Magazine, Newsweek, Time, and Guidepost). Dr. Koenig has given testimony before the U.S. Senate (1998) and U.S. House of Representatives (2008) concerning the benefits of religion and spirituality on public health, and travels widely to give seminars and workshops on the topic. His latest books are (1) Faith and Mental Health (2005), (2) In the Wake of Disaster (2006), (3) Spirituality in Patient Care (2007), Medicine, Religion and Health (2008), Religion and Spirituality in Psychiatry (2009), Handbook of Religion and Health, Second Edition (Jan/Feb 2012, Oxford University Press), and Spirituality and Health Research: Methodology, Measurement, Analyses, and Resources (2011).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Resource!, March 31, 2001

By 

Dr. Trey K (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Religion and Health (Hardcover)

This is the most comprehensive collection of studies in the field of religion, spirituality and healthcare. Extremely easy to read and nicely organized for easy use. As a researcher myself in the field of spirituality and healthcare, I have found this book to be a "must have" resource for our own work. I would strongly recommend this book wihtout reservation!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The current Bible of the field, January 30, 2001

By 

andrew weaver - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Religion and Health (Hardcover)

ANDREW J. WEAVER, Ph.D. ([e-mail]), a United Methodist pastor and research psychologist

This handbook reviews and discusses the extensive research on the relationships between religion and a variety of mental and physical health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and cancer, as well as the destructive behaviors such as smoking, substance abuse, and risky sexual activity. This is a comprehensive and useful summary of the field of religion and health by three recognized experts who can write plain English. This will quickly become one of the Bibles of the field. RECOMMENDED WITHOUT RESERVATION.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the money, February 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbook of Religion and Health (Hardcover)

This book was well worth the money. There is so much information on religion and health, from a detailed history on religion and medicine to specific subjects like well-being, depression, heart disease, stroke, immune function, and lots on cancer. I think anybody with a health background or a religion background would find this book helpful.