Religiosity And Subjective Well Being In The Arab Context

Throughout the history of humanity, religion has played an important role as one of the most powerful forces of life, death, health and disease. In psychology, interest in the study of religion dates back around one and a half centuries. This interest has been driven, in large part, by the findings of a positive relationship between religiosity and physical and mental health, subjective well-being, happiness and longevity. Furthermore, religiosity is now a subject in many disciplines such as medicine, psychiatry, sociology, anthropology, education, epidemiology, gerontology, social work, and psychotherapy. This book brings together in one volume the scattered studies of religiosity and subjective well-being carried out in different Arab, mainly Muslim, countries. The vast majority of these articles are empirical research papers, and are classified into six sections: namely, Islam and Mental Health; Psychometric Measures; Religiosity, Health and Happiness; Religiosity, Quality of Life and Subjective Well-Being; Religiosity and Personality; and Religiosity, Subjective Well-Being and Psychopathology.

Throughout the history of humanity, religion has played an important role as one of the most powerful forces of life, death, health and disease. In psychology, interest in the study of religion dates back around one and a half centuries. This interest has been driven, in large part, by the findings of a positive relationship between religiosity and physical and mental health, subjective well-being, happiness and longevity. Furthermore, religiosity is now a subject in many disciplines such as medicine, psychiatry, sociology, anthropology, education, epidemiology, gerontology, social work, and psychotherapy. This book brings together in one volume the scattered studies of religiosity and subjective well-being carried out in different Arab, mainly Muslim, countries. The vast majority of these articles are empirical research papers, and are classified into six sections: namely, Islam and Mental Health; Psychometric Measures; Religiosity, Health and Happiness; Religiosity, Quality of Life and Subjective Well-Being; Religiosity and Personality; and Religiosity, Subjective Well-Being and Psychopathology.

This book presents an integrated review and critical analysis of the recent research in the positive psychology of religion, with focus on the positive psychology of religion across different cultures and religions. The book provides a review of the literature on different contributions of religion and spirituality to positive functioning and well-being and reviews religions across the world, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Native American religions, and Hinduism. It fills a unique place in the market’s increasing interest and demand in the psychology of religion, as well as positive psychology. While the target audience is researchers, scholars, and students in psychology, cross-cultural studies, religious studies, and social sciences, it will be useful for anyone interested in better understanding the contributions of religion and culture in subjective well-being.

This book reviews several psychological perspectives of religiosity. It studies individual differences and health benefits of religiosity as well. Chapter One focuses on religious conversion and provides a review of psychological concepts related to religious conversion and defines religious conversion as a positive change in religious beliefs including significant changes in spiritual and personal life. Chapter Two examines whether the meaning of life can mediate the relationships between religiosity and hope. Chapter Three discusses the contribution of religiosity and spirituality to well-being. Chapter Four explores the associations between religiosity, subjective well-being, and psychopathology. Chapter Five describes two studies that explores whether the experience of loneliness is influenced by one's degree of religious observance. Chapter Six reviews research on whether religiosity is a protective factor for suicidal ideation and behavior. Chapter Seven studies spiritual tactics, sickness and depressed moods in older adults. Chapter Eight reviews often conflicting scientific literature dealing with spirituality and religiosity and eating disorder symptomatology in women. Finally, Chapter Nine discusses religion, spirituality and health in the Chinese context.

Measurement is an important concern for the progress of psychology, both as a basic science and as a field of application. The development of psychological research and practice would not be possible without sound assessment and measuring procedures. This book presents a collection of personality and psychopathology scales, developed originally in Arabic and translated into English, since self-reports and questionnaires play a prominent role in psychological research and practice, as they are simple and cost less than other methods of assessment. Furthermore, these scales are suitable in surveys and epidemiological studies with large samples. This book will be useful in different disciplines such as psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, gerontology, social work, and social sciences.

From the first hospitals to pioneering pharmacy techniques, the early history of medicine reflects the groundbreaking contributions of Islamic physicians and scientists. Less recognized, however, is the impact of Islam on the health and daily health practices of modern day Muslims. Meticulously documented with current research sources and relevant religious texts, Health and Well-Being in Islamic Societies sheds light on the relationships between Muslim beliefs and physical, psychological, and social health. Background chapters trace Muslim thought on health and healing as it has evolved over the centuries to the present. The authors provide even-handed comparisons with Christianity as the two traditions approach medical and ethical questions, and with Christian populations in terms of health outcomes, assuring coverage that is not only objective but also empirically sound and clinically useful. And as the concluding chapters show, understanding of these similarities and differences can lead to better care for clients, cost-effective services for communities, and healthier Muslim populations in general. Included among the book's topics: Muslim beliefs about health, healing, and healthcare Similarities and differences between Muslim and Christian health beliefs Impact of religion on physical, mental, and community health in Muslims Understanding how Islam influences health Applications for clinical practice Implications for public health Cultural awareness is critical to improving both individual client health and public health on a global scale. Health and Well-Being in Islamic Societies is essential reading for clinical and health psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses, and will be informative for the general reader as well.

These Guidelines represent the first attempt to provide international recommendations on collecting, publishing, and analysing subjective well-being data.