Impact of Religion on Health and Health Care – Behavioral sciences explore the cognitive processes within organisms and the behavioral interactions between organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through the study of the past, controlled and naturalistic observation of the present and disciplined scientific experimentation and modeling.
It attempts to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous formulations and observation. Generally, behavior science deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior as it relates to society.
Impact of Religion on Health and Health Care
- Muslim observe fasts during Ramadan and Hindus on several occasions, this facts are considered important adjuncts to religion.
- Drinks and drugs are among the food habits of the people, alcoholic drinks are tabooed by Muslims and high caste Hindus. If a person avoid those habit he will be keep his body healthy.
- Ganja, Bhang and charas are frequently consumed by sadhus. These habits are now
spreading into the general population, especially in the younger population. - Eating and drinking from common utensils is considered a sign of brotherhood among Muslims.
- Hindu women often take food left over by their husband.
- In some societies men eat first and women last and poorly.
- Some people do not eat unless they have taken bath.
- Thus food is the subject of widespread customs, habit and beliefs which vary from country to country and from one religion to another.
Mental Health Benefits of Religion:
A. Mental Health Benefits of Religion: Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure and typically offers a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. These facets can have a large positive impact on mental health- research suggests that religiosity reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use. Here are some of religion’s main mental health benefits.
a) Community
- Initiates social connections with other members
- Creates a sense of belonging to a group
- Offers trustworthy and safe social engagement
b) Ritual
- Helps people to cope with difficult life situations (i.e. a ceremony for the loss of a loved one)
- Provides structure, regularity and predictability
- Allows for time to rest as well as holidays and other special times of the year
c) Teachings
- Provides guidelines to live by (i.e. the importance of doing the right thing)
- Teaches compassion, forgiveness and gratitude
- Identifies life lessons, even from challenging situations
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