The Influence of Spiritual and Religious Practices on Mental Health and Psychological Resilience

Within the field of health psychology, there is growing recognition of the importance of psychosocial factors such as spirituality and religiousness (S/R) in shaping mental health outcomes. Despite a longstanding debate, recent evidence points toward both beneficial and adverse effects of S/R practices on psychological well-being. Some studies highlight how spiritual or religious engagement can provide individuals with meaning, purpose, and feelings of belonging, which serve as protective factors against mood disorders and psychological distress.Conversely, other research points to potentially negative consequences arising from rigid belief systems, religious struggles, or experiences of exclusion and existential doubt. The complex relationship between S/R and mental health is further complicated by cultural, contextual, and individual differences, underscoring the need for more nuanced and integrative research in this area.This collection aims to clarify and advance our understanding of how spirituality and religiousness influence mental health, both positively and negatively, among diverse populations. We seek to address key questions such as: What mechanisms underlie the benefits or detriments of S/R on psychological functioning? How do S/R beliefs interact with psychological treatments, coping strategies, and social support? What roles do culture, individual meaning-making, and community play in moderating these effects? Ultimately, this topic encourages scholars to move beyond simplistic associations and investigate the multidimensional processes through which S/R shapes mental health.This Research Topic focuses on the role of S/R across different mental health contexts, while considering individual, cultural, and clinical dimensions. Research is welcome from all methodological perspectives, provided it contributes to a deeper understanding of the interaction between S/R and psychological well-being. To gather further insights in this dynamic area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Mechanisms of S/R influence on mental health (e.g., meaning, coping, community)• S/R as a resource or risk factor for psychological well-being• Interactions between S/R and psychological interventions or treatment adherence• Cultural, demographic, and developmental moderators of S/R impact• Experiences of spiritual struggle, religious doubt, or exclusion and their mental health implications• Integration of S/R into holistic health psychology practices and education Topic editors: Bjanka Vuksan-Ćusa, Branka Aukst Margetić, Maja Miskulin, Sanea MIHALJEVIĆ Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81087/the-influence-of-spiritual-and-religious-practices-on-mental-health-and-psychological-resilience