Possible psychological benefits of religion
I can explain how religious beliefs and practices could support someone’s mental health and give different perspectives on this.
Possible psychological benefits of religion
I can explain how religious beliefs and practices could support someone’s mental health and give different perspectives on this.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some evidence suggests religious belief can be beneficial for mental health.
- Some evidence suggests religious practices can be beneficial for mental health.
- Some people may dispute the claim that religion is beneficial for mental heath.
Keywords
Higher power - a spirit or being (such as God) that has great power and that can affect nature and the lives of people
Mental health - a state of wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life and contribute to their community
Mindfulness - the practice of maintaining a moment by moment awareness of our thoughts
Prayer - the act or ceremony of speaking to and communicating with God, a god or higher power
Secular - not having any connection with religion or spiritual things
Common misconception
That all forms of religious belief and practices will have mental health benefits.
Religion is a very broad term and different beliefs and practices will have different effects on different individuals.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
speaking or communicating with a higher power
not having any connection with religion or spiritual things
having a moment by moment awareness of our thoughts