Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/news/?id=121
Relevant to the debate raised by the case of Caroline Petrie, on 12 February the Nursing Times reported a study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing (2009; 18:637-651) about the value of prayer for some patients. In a meta-analysis of 26 studies the authors showed that 'private prayer, when measured by frequency, is usually associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety'. Most of the positive associations were from areas with strong Christian traditions and involved samples with strong religious beliefs.
Saying that 'prayer appears to be a coping action that mediates between religious faith and wellbeing' the authors add: 'Devotional prayers involving an intimate dialogue with a supportive God appear to be associated with improved optimism, wellbeing and function'.
This is a timely reminder that we must consider spiritual needs as well as physical, psychological and social ones.
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
