Exploring the existential function of religion: The effect of religious fundamentalism and mortality salience on faith-based medical refusals.

Abstract

Decisions to rely on religious faith over medical treatment for health conditions represent an important but understudied phenomenon. In an effort to understand some of the psychological underpinnings of such decisions, the present research builds from terror management theory to examine whether reminders of death motivate individuals strongly invested in a religious worldview (i.e., fundamentalists) to rely on religious beliefs when making medical decisions. The results showed that heightened concerns about mortality led those high in religious fundamentalism to express greater endorsement of prayer as a medical substitute (Study 1) and to perceive prayer as a more effective medical treatment (Study 2). Similarly, high fundamentalists were more supportive of religiously motivated medical refusals (Study 3) and reported an increased willingness to rely on faith alone for medical treatment (Study 4) following reminders of death. Finally, affirmations of the legitimacy of divine intervention in health contexts functioned to solidify a sense of existential meaning among fundamentalists who were reminded of personal mortality (Study 5). The existential importance of religious faith and the health-relevant implications of these findings are discussed.

Praying for Health by Older Adults in the United States: Differences by Ethnicity, Gender, and Income

“…Some individuals may delay or refuse medical treatment, hoping for a miraculous cure (Hull, Daaleman, Thaker, & Pathman, 2006;Johnson et al, 2005;Khraim, Scherer, Dorn, & Carey, 2009;Vess et al, 2009).Others may seek aggressive or experimental therapies in the belief that the therapy could be God's way to heal (Phelps et al, 2009). When an aggressive or experimental treatment with a small likelihood of success is an option, some individuals may view palliative care as "not giving God a chance" (Phelps et al, 2009;Sulmasy, 2006).…”

“…Faith-based refusals of medical care are common in certain faiths (Vess, Arndt, Cox, Routledge, & Goldenberg, 2009). Some individuals may delay or refuse medical treatment, hoping for a miraculous cure (Hull, Daaleman, Thaker, & Pathman, 2006;Johnson et al, 2005;Khraim, Scherer, Dorn, & Carey, 2009;Vess et al, 2009).Others may seek aggressive or experimental therapies in the belief that the therapy could be God's way to heal (Phelps et al, 2009).…”

The Franciscan Prayer Elicits Empathic and Cooperative Intentions in Atheists: A Neurocognitive and Phenomenological Enquiry

“…Effects inTrODUcTiOn A number of studies have reported the influence of religiosity on comfort and alleviation when facing physical, mental, or emotional disorders. Particularly, praying and meditation may elicit psychological states that favor the development of attitudes, such as forgiveness and acceptance, which increase perceived well-being and a sense of control over the uncertainty of illness (Koenig, 2009;Vess et al, 2009;Caixeta et al, 2012;Grossoehme et al, 2013;Torges et al, 2013). These so-called spiritual elements are not only related to a belief in God or with the practice of an organized religion but to a satisfaction with one's own life.…”

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life

“…There are several fundamentalist religious entities that are opposed to medical intervention, including ANH (153). The largest of these is the Christian Scientist movement.…”