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[:The Role of Spirituality and Religiousness in Promoting Mental Health: A Systematic Review]

Author

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  • KirKiranmayee, Jena
  • Dr. Manoj Kumar, Sethi

Abstract

Spirituality and religiousness are increasingly acknowledged as essential dimensions of holistic mental well-being. Over the past decade, increasing empirical research has highlighted the potential of spirituality and religiousness in enhancing resilience, coping abilities, emotional well-being, and overall mental health. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on how spirituality and religiousness contribute to the promotion and maintenance of mental health among diverse populations. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2014 and 2025. Search strategies incorporated key terms related to spirituality, religiousness, and mental-health outcomes. A total of 1,330 articles were identified, of which 412 duplicates were removed. The remaining 918 records underwent title and abstract screening, followed by full-text assessment of 160 articles. Based on predefined inclusion criteria guided by PRISMA 2020 standards, 52 studies were finally included for review. Data extraction focused on methodological characteristics, variables measured, and primary outcomes. Most included studies reported that both spirituality and religiousness were positively associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, greater life satisfaction, stronger coping capacities, and higher levels of personal resilience. Positive religious coping and spiritual practices were found to buffer psychological distress, whereas negative religious coping showed detrimental associations with mentalhealth indicators. The findings provide vigorous support for spirituality and religiousness as valuable protective resources in promoting mental health. Integrating spiritual and religious dimensions into mental-health services, prevention strategies, and culturally sensitive interventions may strengthen overall well-being. Future research is encouraged to employ longitudinal and cross-cultural designs to further clarify the pathways through which spirituality and religiousness influence mental-health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • KirKiranmayee, Jena & Dr. Manoj Kumar, Sethi, 2025. "[:The Role of Spirituality and Religiousness in Promoting Mental Health: A Systematic Review]," MPRA Paper 129016, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 24 Dec 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:129016
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/129016/1/MPRA_paper_129016.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giancarlo Lucchetti & Leonardo Garcia Góes & Stefani Garbulio Amaral & Gabriela Terzian Ganadjian & Isabelle Andrade & Paulo Othávio de Araújo Almeida & Victor Mendes do Carmo & Maria Elisa Gonzale, 2021. "Spirituality, religiosity and the mental health consequences of social isolation during Covid-19 pandemic," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(6), pages 672-679, September.
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    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • Y8 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Related Disciplines

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