Madeline Murphy: “The Power of Prayer on the Psyche” (essay

The Power of Prayer on the Psyche

Madeline K. Murphy

Abstract

In a world plagued with psychological distress, most are looking for an escape. Thousands of new coping mechanisms emerge for people to try, and recently, a question was posed: does prayer cultivate mental wellbeing? Hundreds of studies evaluate this claim, and most support the idea that prayer has healing capabilities. Closely examining the implications of these results allows a feasible course of action to become clear; prayer’s healing capabilities should be recognized in scientific circles, and more patients should be made aware of their options to attend prayer therapy or implement regular prayer into their lives. Keywords: Prayer, therapy, anxiety, mental health

The Mental Health Crisis

The mental health of people across the globe is catastrophically decaying. As of 2017, fifteen percent of people worldwide suffered from a mental disorder or substance abuse.1 This number has been rising for decades, and it continues to rise; just in the last decade, there was a thirteen-percent increase in mental health conditions.2 Trends like this are frightening for the well-being of society. Luckily, scientists continue to invent, study, and prescribe countless coping mechanisms. The National Alliance on Mental Illness advises those who struggle with mental issues to try techniques such as “deep breathing” and “mental reframing,” which are both commonly prescribed by other organizations as well.3 In more extreme cases, therapy and medication are utilized. However, as the mental health crisis grows, so must the variety and efficacy of coping mechanisms.

1 Saloni Dattani, Hannah Ritchie, and Max Roser, “Mental Health,” Our World in Data, August 20, 2021, https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health. 2 “Mental Health,” World Health Organization, accessed November 1, 2021, https:// www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2. 3 “Self-Help Techniques for Coping with Mental Illness,” NAMI, February 1, 2019, https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/january-2019/self-help-techniques-for-copingwith-mental-illness.

Though it may be expedient and profitable, it is not auspicious in the long run solely to treat the symptoms of an ailment; one must treat the origin of the problem. For most mental disorders, this origin is disordered or unmanaged anxiety.4 Even anxiety that is considered “normal” is not conducive for optimal health. Decreasing anxiety levels often leads to lessened symptoms and a higher quality of life. Thousands of studies report anxiety levels steadily rising throughout the years, a trend with no end in sight. If anxiety levels continue to skyrocket, the mental health of the world is largely jeopardized. This must be remedied.

A Solution

One potential solution to this vast problem has existed for thousands of years: prayer. Prayer existed even before the first religion, Hinduism, and it has endured the test of time; many people today still partake in it.5 Perhaps one of the most ubiquitous things in all of history, prayer is affirmed by people of all religions and backgrounds, and it is a significant part of many cultures. Approximately four thousand religions exist in the world today, and about eighty-five percent of people claim one of those as their faith.6 Prayer’s extraordinary ability to withstand time and spread across cultures makes it an intrinsic part of the human experience. Since the majority of people partake in prayer, there are frequent disputes regarding its limits. To provide clarity in this discourse, psychologists have recently studied prayer’s healing capabilities on the mind. Over two hundred closely monitored scientific studies with shocking results have emerged. Almost all the studies revealed a correlation between prayer/spirituality and an increase in psychological wellbeing. These results are pertinent information for psychological discourse, and psychologists and doctors should implement and promote the practice of personal prayer for healing in their offices.

The Studies

In 2012, researchers conducted a clinically stable study of twenty adult chemotherapy patients in Brazil who were all willing to receive prayer. Each participant took several pretests: the Duke University Religion Index, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, salivary cortisol analysis, heart rate measurement, respiratory

4 “Anxiety Disorders,” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, May 4, 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961#:~:text=Having%20an%20anxiety%20disorder%20does,Substance%20misuse. 5 “Hinduism.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, October 6, 2017, https://www. history.com/topics/religion/hinduism. 6 “Religion by Country 2021,” World Population Review, 2021, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/religion-by-country.

rate measurement, and blood pressure measurement. The Duke University Religion Index measures three components of religiosity, and all the participants scored highly on each component; however, the test did not determine which faith each participant identified with. After all the baseline tests, each participant closed his or her eyes, sat or laid in a relaxed position, and individually listened to an eleven-minute recording of a sung version of Psalm 138 with earphones.Thirty minutes after the recording was completed, all of the pretests (with the exception of the Duke University Religion Index) were administered to the patient again. Blood pressure levels and anxiety levels both decreased significantly, even though there were no other known contributing factors. Additionally, the probability of respiratory rates decreasing the amount they did was merely 0.04. The only component that did not present a significant correlative change was the salivary cortisol levels. However, the effectiveness of salivary cortisol levels indicating anxiety levels is highly debated—in some cases, increased anxiety causes them to rise, and in others, it causes them to decline—so the results are dismissible. This process was completed several times, and each time it reaped the same results: prayer decreases anxiety.7 A similar study was conducted on sixty mothers of children with cancer. This experiment took place in Iran, and it followed the Muslim faith. Each participant took the Spielberger’s State Anxiety Inventory prior to beginning the experiment; a high score on this test indicates high anxiety levels. Half of the group attended regular group prayer and prayed individually three times a day for ten minutes each time, while the other half abstained from the group prayer. At the end of the twenty-one days, the mothers took the Spielberger’s State Anxiety Inventory again. The probability of their anxiety levels having a significant change was 0.01, but each mother in the praying group presented an extremely deescalated level of anxiety. When the results were collected, the praying group presented two-thirds of the anxiety that the control group had. This experiment verifies that prayer immensely decreases anxiety in mothers of cancer patients.8

7 Camila Csizmar Carvalho et al, “Effectiveness of Prayer in Reducing Anxiety in Cancer Patients,” Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem, August 1, 2014, https://www.scielo.br/j/reeusp/a/ yS4S3ZDZRvGQvkgMtbZTxZg/?lang=en&format=html. 8 Dehghani, K., Zare Rahimabadi, A., Pourmovahed, Z., Dehghani, H., Zarezadeh, A., & Namjou, B. (2012, April 10). The effect of prayer on level of anxiety in mothers of children with cancer. Iranian Journal of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Vol2. No2. Retrieved November 1, 2021, http://ijpho.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-129-en.pdf.

A study of eighty-four women with breast cancer in Texas evaluated the effect of prayer and spirituality on psychological wellbeing. The test group contained a wide variety of women; they were aged thirty-four to eighty and had varying lengths of time since their diagnoses. They were each evaluated on their psychological wellbeing, and then took a test to determine their level of spirituality. Those who were more spiritual and prayed more frequently often demonstrated psychological wellness, while those who were not very spiritual or prayerful were more likely to have psychological disarray. This study revealed further positive correlation between mental health and wellness and spirituality.9

Implications

These studies highlight a definite correlation between prayer and decreased negative psychological symptoms, which in turn lead to lessened physical symptoms. This conclusion presents an interesting claim: prayer is medicinal. Should theology and science intersect, or should science be kept secular? This question is common in many theological and scientific groups. Some believe that science and theology do not agree, but in actuality, science and theology expand upon each other and work together to fill in the gaps that they each cannot explain alone. In this instance, a theological tool, prayer, can be used as medicine and therapy to advance psychology and improve health. There is no reason that this tool should be discarded; it should be embraced, implemented, and studied further. The discovery of its healing capabilities is a breakthrough for science and theology alike.

Many dispute the findings of these studies and argue that prayer therapy has no true scientific bearings, or its correlation with decreased symptoms does not imply its causation of improved health. Any of these disputes could be valid; however, even if they are valid, they do not undermine the efficacy of prayer therapy. The phenomenon that participating in prayer decreases anxiety and promotes mental wellbeing is reason enough to partake in prayer. If there is something other than prayer itself causing this result, science will uncover it. It is disadvantageous to wait for this potential revelation, as one could miss out on the benefits from participation. It does not matter that there could be other forces at work; the results are favorable, and there are no recorded detriments to praying.

9 Martha Meraviglia, “Effects of Spirituality in Breast Cancer Survivors,” U.S. National Library of Medicine, Accessed November 3, 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/16470229/.

Additionally, skeptics may believe this theory is not “proven.” To that point, it bears pointing out that nothing in this world is “proven.” Scientists acknowledge that science cannot technically prove anything; rather it can only disprove claims. Every scientific theory is just that: a theory. It is a likely explanation based on facts observed through many trials. Oftentimes, scientific theories hold true for a while, but they are eventually disproven or expanded upon. According to Alina Bradford and Ashley Hamer, “Theories may change, or the way that they are interpreted may change, but the facts themselves don’t change.”10

Even though most theories will be proven wrong or partially wrong, they are assumed to be correct for the time being. When a theory is deemed accurate, it is implemented. In the meantime, other scientists work diligently to disprove or expand upon theories. Because of the many studies that support prayer’s power to improve psychological health, it should be regarded as true—just like all other tried and tested theories. Additionally, it should be continued to be tested, so that the most effective treatments are discovered, and specific results are able to be attributed to different methods of prayer. This continual studying will broaden the scope, strengthen the argument for prayer therapy, and determine how to best help patients.

A Plea for More Numinous Medicine

It is fallacious to say that a neurosurgeon is as reliable as a gynecologist to deliver a baby safely just because he or she is also a doctor. No one would expect the neurosurgeon to have expertise in that area. Similarly, it is naïve to assume that all doctors are equipped to instruct a patient’s prayer. If a doctor is uncomfortable with or incapable of serving a patient who is wishing to use prayer as medicine, he or she should refer the patient to a prayer therapist. These individuals are hard to come by, but a good one can be extremely fruitful for the course of someone’s life. According to Dr. Minnie Claiborne, a prayer therapist, “Prayer Therapy is the practice of using prayer therapeutically in a clinical, intensive treatment and learning session for the purpose of emotional and mental healing and wholeness.”11 Prayer therapy practices largely vary, as its existence has been disregarded by other branches of psychology, so there are few standards in place to regulate it.

10 Alina Bradford, “What Is a Scientific Theory?” LiveScience, Purch, July 27, 2017, https://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory. html. 11 “What Is Prayer Therapy?: Dr. Minnie Claiborne: Sherman Oaks, CA.” Dr. Minnie Claiborne | Sherman Oaks, CA. Accessed November 1, 2022.

However, this may be best, as it allows the prayer therapist to let divine forces guide him or her in his or her work, and it provides a truly unique experience for the patient.

Though practices can vary, a general prayer therapy session usually starts in the same manner that common therapy sessions begin: the patient reveals what he or she has been struggling with recently.12 The therapist then reflects, prays, and meditates upon the issues at hand, allowing him or her to best grasp the problems. Then, the two pray together, often with the patient repeating the words of the therapist.13 Not only is this type of therapy relaxing and effective, but it also teaches the patient important lessons. It conditions the patient to associate prayer with peace and releasing of anxiety, and it teaches him or her how to use prayer as a coping mechanism. By mimicking the therapist, the patient can destress and reframe his or her mind.

Not only can the patients use this knowledge to benefit themselves, but they can also help others. A prime example of this is between a parent and child. Many children and teenagers today are overly anxious, stressed, and worried. Parents are left wondering where they went wrong and how to best aid their child(ren). It is daunting to begin medicating their children at such a young age, but it seems they have no other options. However, if they have a strong faith or attend prayer therapy, they likely understand how to use prayer as a tool for reducing stress and anxiety. They can show their children how to apply this tool, and they may also set aside time for family group prayer. Children especially struggle in regulating their emotions, and they need to be taught how to manage feelings in healthy ways. Prayer can aid them in the management of strong emotions. Children will psychologically benefit from prayer and will likely live a less stressful life.

Conclusion

In patients who struggle with stress and anxiety, prayer or prayer therapy should be encouraged in the same way doctors encourage daily exercise. From decreasing anxiety and improving overall wellbeing to lowering heart rate and blood pressure, the astonishing effects of prayer on health should not be disregarded. A doctor’s suggestion that a patient attend prayer therapy or pray daily may be the catalyst for healing the patient’s mind. Thou-

12 “Prayer,” Theravive Counseling, Accessed November 1, 2021, https://www.theravive. com/therapedia/prayer. 13 “Why Repetition Is Essential in Reducing Anxiety,” Worfock Anxiety, Accessed November 1, 2021, https://www.worfolkanxiety.com/blog/why-repetition-is-essentialin-reducing-anxiety.

sands of people can benefit from this knowledge, and its implementation in medical practices will transform the mental health discussion and improve the lives of many.

Bibliography “Anxiety Disorders.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical

Education and Research, May 4, 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/ syc-20350961#:~:text=Having%20an%20anxiety%20disorder%20does,Substance%20misuse.

Bradford, Alina. “What Is a Scientific Theory?” Live-

Science. Purch, July 27, 2017. https://www.livescience. com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory. html. Carvalho, Camila Csizmar et al. “Effectiveness of Prayer in Reducing Anxiety in Cancer Patients.” Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP. Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem, August 1, 2014. https://www.scielo.br/j/reeusp/a/ yS4S3ZDZRvGQvkgMtbZTxZg/?lang=en&format=html.

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Our World in Data, August 20, 2021. https://ourworldindata. org/mental-health.

Dehghani, K.et al. The effect of prayer on level of anxiety in mothers of children with cancer. Iranian Journal of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Vol2. No2. Retrieved November 1, 2021, http://ijpho.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-129-en.pdf.

“Hinduism.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, October 6, 2017. https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism.

“Mental Health.” World Health Organization. Accessed February 10, 2022. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2.

Meraviglia, Martha. “Effects of Spirituality in Breast Cancer Survivors.” U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed November 3, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16470229/.

“Prayer.” Theravive Counseling. Accessed November 1, 2021. https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/prayer.

“Religion by Country 2021.” World Population Review, 2021. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/religion-by-country. “Self-Help Techniques for Coping with Mental Illness.” NAMI,

February 1, 2019. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/

january-2019/self-help-techniques-for-coping-with-mentalillness.

“What Is Prayer Therapy?: Dr. Minnie Claiborne: Sherman Oaks,

CA.” Dr. Minnie Claiborne | Sherman Oaks, CA. Accessed

November 1, 2022. https://www.drminniecounseling.com/ what-is-prayer-therapy. “Why Repetition Is Essential in Reducing Anxiety.” Worfock

Anxiety. Accessed November 1, 2021. https://www.worfolkanxiety.com/blog/why-repetition-is-essential-in-reducing-anxiety. Zed, R. Faith forum: prayer vs. meditation. Reno Gazette Journal.

Retrieved November 1, 2021. https://www.rgj.com/story/ life/2016/03/10/faith-forum-rajan- zed-prayer-vs-meditation/81615986/.

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