M4 Watch: Discovering Diversity Episode 4 - Spirituality, Religion, and Health

This lecture discusses spirituality and health. It begins by defining spirituality, religion, and religiosity. It discusses what questions religions have developed and evolved to answer. Next, it discusses what academic studies have to say about the relationship between religion and well-being. The most religious regions of the United States, makeup of the United States in terms of religious affiliation, and most religiously-observant groups are noted. Religious prohibitions related to lifestyle and health for various religions are stated. Next, the lecture explores the differences between modern healthcare providers and traditional healers and explains why patients may seek care from one or the other. Types of healing and associated healing practices are explored. The video then introduces qualifications for hospital chaplains. Aspects of religion that may impact patient care in clinical settings is discussed. Lastly, I share some stories about how religion impacted tsunami preparedness during my research in Indonesia.