RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer
GOOD MEDICINE Dartmouth Professor Presents Findings on Religion and Psychiatry
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Religion isn’t just beneficial for that was paramount. the soul, claims Dartmouth “Having a personal relationship with DARTMOUTH psychiatry professor Rob WhitGod was almost like having a helper ley, it’s good for the mind and good for around constantly, the way someone the body. in love would talk about a wife,” said According to Whitley, there have been Whitley. nearly 100 studies done on religion and wellness and they have consistently indicated that the more religious a person is, the better the health outcomes. One reason for the correlation between religion and health, says Whitley, is that “most religions impart a moral code of living that involves sexual behavior, drinking in moderation, etc.” Additionally, the professor stated that psychological studies show that mental health is also improved by an active faith life. “It gives a sense of meaning and teaches that suffering is part of the human condition,” said Whitley, citing the Old Testament story of Job. He also noted faith in God can help people transcend that suffering and provide social support and community, which are important to mental wellness. However, Whitley cautions that those who claim to be spiritual According to Dartmouth Psychiatry Professor but not religious don’t reap the Rob Whitley, people of faith are more prone to same benefits because they lack experience positive health outcomes. institutional and communal substance. “You can just light a candle and say Despite the correlation between reliyou’re spiritual,” noted Whitley. “Spiritugion and mental well-being, Whitley, a ality is religion lite—it’s inadequate.” self-described Christian, admits that In studies of people working through there is still a chasm between faith and addiction and those suffering from schizsome mental health professionals. He exophrenia, subjects who reported having a personal relationship with God found it helpful in recovery and navigating the challenges of mental illness. “There was a feeling that God was present, guiding the person,” Whitley said. The professor also noted the significant role prayer, scripture reading, and complained that the rift goes back many years munity play in aiding mental health. But, when psychiatry was not perceived to be a again, he stressed, it was knowing God legitimate science. To help gain credibil-
ity and appeal, psychiatrists distanced themselves and their work from religion and the humanities. While that distance exists today, it’s a duality with which Whitley disagrees. “When a patient comes to you with addiction, you try to find out their strengths and what gives them meaning and then work with the patient to help them achieve their goals,” said Whitley. Mental health professionals should incorporate a discussion of religion into that approach, he said. In therapy sessions where patients are encouraged to talk about everything from personal finance to sex, Whitley said he doesn’t understand why religion should be off limits. In fact, he said, pastors and priests can also be part of the healing process. In addition to the historical dichotomy of religion and psychiatry, Whitley also cited the fear and misunderstanding associated with the so-called “separation of church and state” in this country. Clinics that receive public funding shut out the faith component in deference to political correctness. Subsequently, chaplains are prohibited from working within some of these facilities. According to Whitley, it will take “visionary leadership” to help bridge the gap between religion and psychiatry. As an educator, he believes it is important to encourage students to think carefully about the issues and have open minds. Whitley recently presented a lecture at Dartmouth entitled, “Religion and Psychiatry: Friends or Foes?” He discussed his findings on faith and mental wellness. And through lectures like this and research that is conclusive, Whitley contin-
According to Whitley, it will take “visionary leadership” to help bridge the gap between religion and psychiatry.
32 | The Ivy League Christian Observer
ues to make a case for the role faith can play in achieving holistic health—in mind, body, and spirit. ■