Religious/Spiritual Influences on Health in the Family

Health literature has differentiated the terms spirituality and religiosity, in that spirituality refers to the human expression of meaning and purpose in life, while religiosity is the expression of rites and rituals of a faith tradition. Spirituality includes the process of contemplating the meaning and purpose of one's existence, one's relationships and connectedness with others, and transcending beyond who one is in the present toward who one will become. The terms spirituality and religiosity can interrelate in that some individuals find meaning and purpose in life through a faith tradition and their relationship with a higher power. Spirituality is important when addressing both individual and family health as it relates to selfhood development and building relationships with others. In caring for families, it is critical ...