Commentary. The role of religion in bereavement: Confidence of Convictions or Scientific Scrutiny?

Abstract

Principles are identified on which a balanced, objective evaluation of the role of religious beliefs in adaptation to bereavement must be judged. Subjective impressions by religious persons that their faith has helped them through bereavement are not enough. Examining the precise mechanisms through which religion uniquely affects bereavement is essential, and this must be based on adequately controlled, empirical investigation. Researchers must be open to negative as well as positive effects of religion and to the possibility that certain aspects (e.g., continued attachment) may not be unique to religious coping. Some secular belief systems may function in similarly (mal)adaptive ways. Suggestions on how to go about researching coping mechanisms are given, and scientific research criteria for the study of the impact of religious involvement on bereavement outcome are presented.