Abstract
In this chapter we try to make sense of the research findings in Muslims by discussing pathways by which religiosity might influence health both positively and negatively. We discuss psychological and social mechanisms by which Islamic beliefs and practices could enhance coping with life stressors, thereby helping to neutralize the negative effects of psychological stress on immune and endocrine functions. We balance this discussion by speculating on how Islamic beliefs and practices may also have negative influences on mental and social health by interfering with the coping process. Because health behaviors play such an important role in health, the impact of Islamic beliefs in this area is certainly part of the mechanism by which Islam affects health. We also explore how religious beliefs, practices, and values in Islam can affect physical health either directly or indirectly through psychological, social, behavioral, genetic, and environmental influences. Issues related to early detection of disease, the timely seeking of medical care, and complying with medical treatments are also discussed here. Understanding how Islamic beliefs and practices affect health will provide clues on interventions that may help to preserve and enhance health in Muslim populations.
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Koenig, H.G., Shohaib, S.A. (2014). Understanding How Islam Influences Health. In: Health and Well-Being in Islamic Societies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05873-3_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05873-3_12
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