A deliberation on religious structures and their place in health psychology

Many studies have demonstrated positive effects of religious believes and behaviors on physical as well as mental health. As evidence supporting such reality increases, religious and spiritual elements within theoretical models are being accepted more. Although recent studies confirm this, more research should be done in to clarify inter-relations among religious structures and its correlated influences with health. The present article first provides some definitions for concepts "health" and "religion" which are compatible with the framework of health psychology, and discusses on relation between religious participation and religious orientation with mental health. Then, it deals with concept "religious coping" and Pargament's religious coping model so that cognitive and behavioral mechanisms which serve as a mediator between religion and mental health are investigated. Finally, it debates advantages and disadvantages of religious coping for health, and offers some recommendations for including religious variables in the future surveys especially in arena of clinical health psychology.