1. Introduction; 2. Schizophrenia; 3. Manic disorder; 4. Depression; 5. Anxiety; 6. Somatization; 7. Dissociation; 8. Positive states; 9. Conclusion.
Analyses the religious and cultural influences on common psychiatric disorders.
Kate Loewenthal is Professor of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. She has published numerous articles and spoken at international conferences on her research areas of the impact of religious and cultural factors on mental health, and of family size in relation to well-being. Her research has also earned her funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, the Leverhulme Trust and the Nuffield Foundation. She serves on the editorial board of several journals concerned with the psychological aspects of religion, and is an editor of Mental Health, Religion and Culture.
Reviews of the hardback: 'This book offers an excellent
introduction to the field of religion, culture and mental health.
It is comprehensive in its overview of contemporary studies. It
reads in a clear and lucid way and will be useful for anyone in the
field of mental health, religion and culture.' Simon Dein,
Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer, University College
Hospital London
'Psychology has long needed a text on psychopathology and religion.
Now we have it. This excellent book - scholarly, even-handed, and
appreciative of the diversity of religion and culture - should
provide just the jump-start we need to advance the state of
research and practice in the field of religion and mental health.'
Kenneth I. Pargament, Bowling Green State University
'This book provides a challenging, cogent, and well-documented
overview of religion, mental health and culture and is a must-read
for researchers, practitioners and students interested in the
processes through which religion is related to mental health. As
well as the traditional focus on mental health problems, such as
depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Professor Loewenthal also
reviews the recent literature on the positive psychology of
religion and happiness. Case examples are used throughout the book
to illustrate the issues in thoughtful and insightful ways and,
coupled with Professor Loewenthal's research and personal wisdom,
make this book a compelling read.' Stephen Joseph, University of
Nottingham
'In a time of increasingly polarised and politicised views of
religion, it has become difficult to think clearly about the impact
of religious practice on mental health and illness. Yet, for many
people, religion and spirituality are crucial resources for making
sense of suffering and affliction. In this thoughtful text, Kate
Loewenthal has mapped out the diverse interactions between religion
and psychiatry relevant to clinical care. With its careful
consideration of the role of religious experience in illness and
healing, this book will help practitioners address one of the most
central sources of meaning in patients' lives.' Laurence J.
Kirmayer, McGill University and Editor-in-Chief of Transcultural
Psychiatry
'The obvious strengths of the book are Loewenthal's knowledge and
expertise within the field of psychology and religion, the didactic
nature of her discourse, and the sheer amount of information, which
is succinctly summarized for those with particular academic
interests in this area. However, clinicians will also find the
material relevant to multicultural and multiethnic practice,
especially related to matters of discernment and interpretation of
a client's behaviour within the influence of religion and culture
on their psychopathology, or conversely, the use of religion and
culture in order to restore or enhance optimal functioning.'
Community Mental Health Journal
'... [Loewenthal] brings credibility, balance, and clarity to the
subject, anchored in genuine scholarship. The book's brevity ...
belies the richness of the source material, much of it recent, that
she taps for her discussion.' Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
'... includes many case examples ... Each chapter concludes with a
review of the findings, providing a succinct overview of the
research position ... Religion, Culture and Mental Health
definitely challenges some of the assumptions that people may have
around the possible adverse impact of religious belief and practice
on mental health.' Inclusion News
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
