Alzheimer's and Purpose in Life

Science Daily reports on a study indicating that people with high purpose in life fare better when facing the neural plaques and tangles associated with the early stages of alzheimer's disease. Whether or not you read the original report in Archives of General Psychiatry, the Science Daily summary is worth reading.

Applying Research: Ken Pargament

Bowling Green State University psychologist Kenneth Pargament is busy at work applying his research to problems faced by soldiers. Read this bgnews.com summary for more info on this unique aspect of the psychology of religion.

Call for Papers: Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Call for Papers

The Journal of Behavioral Medicine invites authors to submit abstracts (150
words) to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming special issue on the
topic of "Spirituality in Behavioral Medicine Research." Abstracts must
report actual (not promised) results from empirical studies on the relevance
of spirituality and religion to health psychology and behavioral medicine.
Preliminary results from ongoing investigations will be considered.

This special issue will address the question of how and why spirituality and
religion are relevant to behavioral medicine. Authors will identify
potential mechanisms by which spiritual beliefs and practices impact upon
human health and illness. Studies will (a) utilize theoretically-based
measures of spirituality and religion; (b) involve examinations of
moderation and mediation; (c) utilize experimental methodologies; and/or (d)
describe the integration of spiritual or religious content into
psychological and medical interventions.

Invitations to submit full-length papers will be extended to up to six
papers. Abstracts received prior to February 28th, 2010 will receive full
consideration. Submissions and inquiries should be directed to David H.
Rosmarin at drosmarin@mclean.harvard.edu or (617) 910 7790.

Religion & Health

Religious Practice in America: What the Research Says is the title of an ongoing series conference series held by the conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation, Baylor University Institute for Studies of Religion, and Child Trends. If you are in the Washington, DC area, you may want to attend this conference December 3rd, 2008. Oh, and did I mention that registration is free?

If you go, please let me know your reaction to the conference. Papers from last year's conference, Religious and Civic Engagement in the United States, are available here.

A Failed Faith Healing

CNN reports the death of a teen boy from a blocked urinary tract that went untreated. Neil Beagley attended a church known to have emphasized relying on faith rather than on medicine. More information on the church is available at this site, which indicates that other followers at the church have died after failed faith healing attempts. KATU.com reports that earlier this year a 15-month old child died from untreated conditions.

Oregon law apparently allows teens like Neil the right to refuse treatment. Toddlers like Ava Worthington, the 15-month old who died needlessly in March, are another matter, and in June her parents were charged with manslaughter. Ava and Neil are reportedly among approximately 20 children who died because their parents heeded the Followers of Christ church's reliance on faith, even though readily available medical treatments could have saved their lives.

I can't help but think of one of my favorite memories from the 70s, the Carpenters hit Bless the Beasts and the Children.

Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice ...

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm.

Multiple Announcements

I have several announcements to share, so will briefly mention several items here.


Oxford University is holding a small grant competition for projects addressing cognitive science and religion. Awards are in three categories: Junior Scholar Grants, One - Year Grants, and Two - Year Grants. Awards can be applied to supplies, research assistance, etc. They expect to award 800,000 pounds total.

Duke University's Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health still has room in its summer workshop series. Workshops will address things ranging from resources on spirituality and health, to obtaining funding for research, to working with the media. If you are interested in religion and health, it is worth a visit to see if the workshops are right for you.

Duke also is hosting the first annual meeting of the Society for Spirituality, Theology and Health. This will be June 25-27, 2008, at Duke.

Richard Koenigsberg announces a symposium on evil April 4, 2008, at Fordham University. If you are in the area, it sounds like a fascinating symposium.

Spirituality and Mindfulness

Stacy Louk, a Ph.D. candidate at Loyola in Maryland, has posted a study online to examine the role of spirituality and mindfulness in well-being. She is conducting her research with Joe Ciarrocchi and Sharon Cheston. Stop by to visit her project, and tell others who might be interested in this subject.

Announcement: Duke Postdoc and Research Opportunities

The Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University has two opportunities in psychology and religion:

1- a Postdoc to pursue research in the area and to facilitate work in spirituality & health;

2- a summer workshop series to help people new to the study of religion/spirituality and health.

Announcement: Society for Spirituality, Theology & Health - Call for papers

The Society for Spirituality, Theology and Health has issued a call for papers and posters for their first annual meeting, to be held June 25 - 27, 2008, at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2008. The theme of the conference is “Spirituality, Health and Human Flourishing: Meaning? Measurement? Implications?” More information is available at their website.