The readings for Week 7 cover the important connection between spirituality and stress control. Down through the ages and into modern times, religion and spirituality have been critically important to millions for control of their daily stress. For many, even today, religion may be the only source of stress control in their lives and is closely related to such major life events as marriage, births, illness and deaths. However, there is some evidence that the USA is becoming less religious. It is true that for a long time some psychologists were not sympathetic to organized religion because they believed that trying to live up to strict moral codes was too difficult for many people and caused them to feel a deep sense of guilt and to become stressed. Today, most psychologists appreciate the power of religion and spirituality against stress. Regardless of your personal views on religion and spirituality, you should understand the effects of such beliefs, especially if you go on to a career in counseling or psychology.

1. How did the practice of spirituality affected someone, such as a family or friend you knew (no names please) in facing a major life event, such as illness, surgery, recovery from an accident, death of a loved one, divorce or any other major life event?

2. Research and identify the recent findings about how the practice of spirituality and faith help in coping with stress.