Is there a relationship between spirituality/religiosity and resilience? A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

J Health Psychol. 2022 Apr;27(5):1218-1232. doi: 10.1177/1359105320984537. Epub 2021 Jan 26.

Abstract

Resilience is the ability to recover or cope with adverse situations. Spiritual and religious beliefs may be associated with important "resilience resources." To investigate whether there is a relationship between spirituality/religiosity (S/R) and resilience. This is a systematic review (observational studies) with meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines. From a total of 2468 articles, 34 observational studies were included. We identified a moderate positive correlation between S/R and resilience (r = 0.40 (95% CI, 0.32-0.48], p < 0.01). When only high-quality articles were included, the results were maintained. Conclusion: A moderate positive correlation was found between S/R and resilience.

Keywords: health; religion; resilience; spirituality; systematic review.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Religion*
  • Spirituality*