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.
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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.
To help you plan your year 8 religious education lesson on: Possible psychological benefits of religion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 religious education lesson on: Possible psychological benefits of religion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Psychology: is our brain designed to believe? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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