Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Concerns about measuring "spirituality" in research
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. koenig@geri.duke.edu
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|May 15, 2008
Summary
The definition of spirituality has broadened, leading to measurement tools that include general well-being. This results in a tautological link between spirituality and mental health, questioning its academic validity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medical Research
- Sociology
Background:
- Spirituality is increasingly studied for its links to mental and physical health.
- The definition of spirituality has evolved from a purely religious concept to a broader spectrum including secular well-being.
- Current measurement tools for spirituality often incorporate measures of positive character traits and mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the current measurement and definition of spirituality in academic research.
- To address the issue of conceptual contamination in spirituality assessments.
- To determine the validity of reported associations between spirituality and health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the conceptual evolution of spirituality.
- Review of instruments used to measure spirituality.
- Critical assessment of research methodologies linking spirituality to health.
Main Results:
- Spirituality measures are often "contaminated" with items assessing optimism, gratitude, purpose in life, and general well-being.
- Studies report a correlation between spirituality (as measured) and good mental health.
- These associations are considered meaningless and tautological due to the overlap in constructs.
Conclusions:
- Current definitions and measurements of spirituality in research are problematic.
- Spirituality should be redefined and measured as a unique construct, distinct from general mental health.
- Alternatively, the use of spirituality as a construct in academic research should be reconsidered if it cannot be uniquely defined and measured.
Related Concept Videos
02:16Surveys
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
01:24Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
01:29Introspection
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...
01:56Ethics in Research
Today, scientists agree that good research is ethical in nature and is guided by a basic respect for human dignity and safety. However, this has not always been the case. Modern researchers must demonstrate that the research they perform is ethically sound.
01:24Strategies of Self-Presentation III: Self-Monitoring
Self-monitoring is a central construct in understanding individual differences in self-presentation strategies across social contexts. It refers to how individuals observe, regulate, and control their expressive behavior and self-presentation following situational cues. Self-monitoring reflects a person's sensitivity to social appropriateness and willingness to adapt behavior to fit varying interpersonal demands.High vs. Low Self-Monitoring IndividualsIndividuals high in self-monitoring are...