Investigating Prayer

Impact on Health and Quality of Life

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Applied Psychology, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Investigating Prayer by Ian Olver, Springer New York
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ian Olver ISBN: 9781461445715
Publisher: Springer New York Publication: October 10, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Ian Olver
ISBN: 9781461445715
Publisher: Springer New York
Publication: October 10, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book relates the experience of researching, planning, and conducting a scientific study into intercessory prayer (prayer for others). The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether the impact of prayer could be measured in a formal study, based on the large number of anecdotal reports of efficacy. The study was a prospectively randomized double-blind trial that added prayer by an established Christian prayer group to conventional therapy for cancer. The unique design feature was that the primary endpoint was a change in a validated scale of spiritual well-being. The patients were informed that they were participating in a study about spiritual well-being and quality of life but remained blinded to the intervention. The initial observation from the baseline data was that spiritual well-being made a unique contribution to quality of life. The final outcome of the study was that there was a statistically significant difference in spiritual well-being favoring the prayer group. The background includes a fascinating review of the medical literature on the topic, which contains positive and negative studies that each attracts a vigorous debate about methodology, endpoints, and whether metaphysical phenomena can or should be studied using scientific methodology. The complementary and alternative medicine literature is also equivocal as to whether prayer, arguably the most common complementary medical therapy, should be included in the range of interventions grouped under that heading. In addition to reporting the background and results of the study, the book explores the reactions of a range of individuals to the trial, all of which help reflect on the nature of prayer. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book relates the experience of researching, planning, and conducting a scientific study into intercessory prayer (prayer for others). The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether the impact of prayer could be measured in a formal study, based on the large number of anecdotal reports of efficacy. The study was a prospectively randomized double-blind trial that added prayer by an established Christian prayer group to conventional therapy for cancer. The unique design feature was that the primary endpoint was a change in a validated scale of spiritual well-being. The patients were informed that they were participating in a study about spiritual well-being and quality of life but remained blinded to the intervention. The initial observation from the baseline data was that spiritual well-being made a unique contribution to quality of life. The final outcome of the study was that there was a statistically significant difference in spiritual well-being favoring the prayer group. The background includes a fascinating review of the medical literature on the topic, which contains positive and negative studies that each attracts a vigorous debate about methodology, endpoints, and whether metaphysical phenomena can or should be studied using scientific methodology. The complementary and alternative medicine literature is also equivocal as to whether prayer, arguably the most common complementary medical therapy, should be included in the range of interventions grouped under that heading. In addition to reporting the background and results of the study, the book explores the reactions of a range of individuals to the trial, all of which help reflect on the nature of prayer. 

More books from Springer New York

Cover of the book Wave Propagation in Solid and Porous Half-Space Media by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Residue Reviews by Ian Olver
Cover of the book The Invisible Sky by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Fetal Islet Transplantation by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Classical Mechanics with Maxima by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Retinal Vein Occlusions by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Elucidation of Abiotic Stress Signaling in Plants by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Quantile-Based Reliability Analysis by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Biomimetics in Materials Science by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Clinician's Guide to Diagnostic Imaging by Ian Olver
Cover of the book International Handbook of Chinese Families by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Functional Symptoms in Pediatric Disease by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Embryo Implantation by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Calculus II by Ian Olver
Cover of the book Lecture Notes on the General Theory of Relativity by Ian Olver
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy