The Psychology of Prayer: A Scientific ApproachReviewing the growing body of scientific research on prayer, this book describes what is known about the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, developmental, and health aspects of this important religious activity. The highly regarded authors provide a balanced perspective on what prayer means to the individual, how and when it is practiced, and the impact it has in people's lives. Clinically relevant topics include connections among prayer, coping, and adjustment, as well as controversial questions of whether prayer (for oneself or another) can be beneficial to health. The strengths and limitations of available empirical studies are critically evaluated, and promising future research directions are identified. |
Contents
| 1 | |
Chapter 2Prayer in Psychological Perspective | 23 |
Multidimensionality | 39 |
Chapter 4The Individuals Development of Prayer | 62 |
Chapter 5Prayer in Coping and Adjustment | 88 |
Chapter 6Prayer and Health | 109 |
Chapter 7Intercessory Prayer | 139 |
Chapter 8Concluding Perspectives and Possibilities | 163 |
| 183 | |
| 221 | |
Other editions - View all
The Psychology of Prayer: A Scientific Approach Bernard Spilka,Kevin L. Ladd No preview available - 2012 |
Common terms and phrases
adolescence adults American Psychological Association analysis approach aspects assess attribution theory behavior belief blood pressure CABG cancer cardiac CBSM Centering Prayer Chapter church attendance Clinical cognitive colleagues complex concepts concerns context coping coronary correlated cortisol Deity discussed effects efforts employed experience factors faith findings focused forms of prayer framework frequency of prayer function further Hypertension implied indices individual intercessory prayer internal Internal Medicine involvement issues Journal Koenig Kofta Ladd locus of control measures Medicine meditation multidimensional negative observed one’s Pargament participants patients perspective petitionary prayer Poloma positive possible potential practice prayer frequency praying problems psychology of prayer psychology of religion question relationship Religion and Spirituality religious respondents role Schjoedt Scientific Study sense Social Psychology specific sphygmomanometer Spilka statistically significant stress Study of Religion suggested theology theoretical theory tion tive types of prayer understanding variables well-being worship York