Religiosity and Spirituality: The Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors and Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

The concepts of Religiosity and Spirituality (R/S) are broad and heterogeneous. In summary, R/S can be understood as a set of feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behavioral factors motivated by the search for the "sacred". 1 Religiosity has an organizational dimension, related to participation in collective ceremonies in churches, temples, or other religious services, and a nonorganizational dimension, related to the individual practice of prayers, religious readings, and consumption of religious programs on their own. 2 Religiosity can also be classified as intrinsic, which refers to subjective and individual aspects, and extrinsic, which refers to social aspects and religious association. 3 In this context, the concepts of religion and religiosity are different: while the former refers to a construct formed by beliefs, behaviors, dogmas, rituals, and ceremonies derived from traditions established throughout history, 4 the latter refers to how much an individual believes, follows, and practices a religion. 2

Is Spirituality a New or Renewed Tool?

“…It is essential to share this information with both established and emerging professionals in the field. 1 Currently there is still some confusion regarding the meanings of certain terms, such as spiritual issues, spirituality, religion, and religiosity. The Updated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Prevention of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology published in the Brazilian Archives of Cardiology incorporates concepts that are aligned with Brazilian cultural values, but differ from those found in publications from other cultures.…”