The influence of spirituality on health in Canada: overview of the literature

The association between religion and health has been the subject of growing interest in academia. However, there has been limited meta-analysis of such studies in Canada. The paper systematically reviews and synthesizes existing literature on the relationship between spirituality and health in Canada. We searched available general databases such as: Medline; Web of Science, PubMed, Sociological abstract, Social Service Abstracts, Humanities International Index, JSTOR, CPI.Q Canadian Periodicals, and ATLA (American Theological Library Association). Data collected was analyzed using meta-analytic techniques. We found more than 90 articles, but 60 were relevant to the study objectives. Overall, the analysis shows that religion and spirituality do influence health behaviours, and well-being. However, more gender-based studies need to be conducted to tease the differences in religion/spirituality and health across Canada.

 

This is a project conducted in collaboration with Dr. Odwa Atari (Geography Department, Nipissing University).

 

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Moderator: Ms.Reena  Tadee