Elizabeth Krumrei Mancuso

Final Reflections on Faith and Positive Human Functioning

This chapter summarizes the key findings presented throughout the book. The focus is on the common themes in the research literature about what is known with regard to religious faith and its relationship to optimal psychological functioning. In particular, we point out what the strongest findings are relating faith to optimal human functioning and highlight areas in which findings are equivocal and cautionary. We also address common themes across the research literature, identifying potential mechanisms associated with faith and optimal human functioning. We also provide a summary of the clinical implications of this knowledge to the field of psychology generally, and to the field of Positive Psychology specifically. Finally, we address methodological limitations of current research and offer suggestions for further advancing this research field.

Religion, Spirituality, and Positive Psychology: History and Definitions

This chapter serves as an introduction to the underlying themes and assumptions of this volume, Faith from a Positive Psychology Perspective. First, we review the history of the relationship between religion, science, and the field of psychology, highlighting the tensions that have existed among these fields for decades. Second, we offer an introduction to the field of Positive Psychology as an exemplary context in which to understand the relationship between religion/spirituality and optimal human functioning. We view religion and spirituality as one of many character strengths/virtues that has the potential to contribute to optimal human functioning and ultimately “the good life.” Third, because defining the constructs of religion/spirituality and optimal human functioning have been such a challenge to their empirical study, various definitions of religion, spirituality, well-being, and optimal functioning adopted in the social sciences are offered. Finally, we close the chapter by identifying the specific goals and objectives of Faith from a Positive Psychology Perspective.

Faith and Relationships

The majority of research on religion and spirituality has taken an individualistic approach. In the current chapter, we examine how faith variables relate to positive interpersonal relationships, considering quantitative research on faith and relational well-being. Specifically, we focus on how faith variables such as religious beliefs, prayer, church attendance, and relational faith interactions relate to the quality of personal relationships, such as friendships, romantic relationships, marriage, parenting, and family life. The majority of research has focused on the role of faith for families, including marital interactions and parenting. The findings indicate that numerous faith variables are positively associated with relationships flourishing. We explore the possible mechanisms for links between faith and relational well-being and discuss the implications for the general population, public policy, clinicians, and research. We end with suggestions for future research.

Faith and Behavior

The major world religions emphasize the importance not only of beliefs but also of actions. A number of areas of study have examined the relationship of religious faith to behaviors that are of interest in the social sciences. For example, numerous studies have indicated that religious beliefs and practices are associated with more prosocial behavior and lower rates of activities that put health at risk. This chapter will cover empirical research on the relationship of faith to prosocial behavior including altruism/helping behavior, forgiveness, and ethical choices. The chapter also addresses health-promoting behaviors and health-risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and sexual behavior. The chapter begins with an introduction to the topic, including essential definitions and then provides an overview and discussion of the empirical literature. The chapter ends with implications for the field of psychology and suggestions for future research.

Faith and Community

One critique of positive psychology is that there is too much emphasis on the individual and too little focus on positive societies and communities. Empirical literature is relatively sparse on this topic. We begin this chapter by describing a model based on theoretical arguments relating faith and communities and provide evidence of the role of religious faith for one’s sense of belonging and participation in a community which contributes to community well-being. We then review the impact of faith within various specific institutions including educational, workplace, and faith-based organizational settings. We conclude the chapter by examining important implications based on the empirical literature for the field of psychology and explore directions for future research.

Faith and Positive Emotions

In this chapter, we review research on the relationship between faith and positive emotions such as happiness, life satisfaction, gratitude, and well-being. First, we consider how emotions relate to religion and how emotions can take on a religious or spiritual nature. We suggest ways to study emotions in a religious or spiritual form, providing examples from empirical literature. We include a discussion of whether faith-based emotions are distinct from other emotions. Next, we examine how various faith variables can elicit positive emotions, paying particular attention to meta-analyses, longitudinal research, and studies of diverse religions. We examine possible moderators and mediators for links between faith and emotional well-being. We close the chapter by considering the implications of the faith-emotion link to the field of psychology, along with suggestions for future research.

Faith and Cognition

Cognition is one avenue through which faith has the potential to bring about thriving. We begin this chapter by considering the cognitive nature of faith beliefs. Then, we consider how faith can influence the general nature of a person’s thinking. Specifically, we review empirical research on the role of faith in the grand task of developing a sense of meaning in life. Next, we examine the implications of specific faith-based cognitive appraisals, including the role of faith in sanctifying aspects of life, coping with stressors, and forming appraisals of other people. Finally, we examine the outcomes of cognitive faith practices, including prayer and meditation. We end by considering the implications of this body of research to the field of psychology and the practice of psychotherapy and offer suggestions for future research.