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Benson Munyan, Ph.D.

The Benefit of Faith on Mental Health

What is the Benefit of Faith on Mental Health?

Does someone’s belief in God affect their mental health?

According to new research by Jong Hyun Jung in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, belief in god may be a new specific benefit of faith on mental health. “Secure attachment to God attenuates the positive associations between belief in supernatural evil (the belief in the devil, demons, and hell) and social anxiety and paranoia”. This suggests that spiritual beliefs may reduce anxious thoughts associated with evil”.

The study also provides evidence that belief in divine or spiritual evil may negatively impact mental health, stating “belief in supernatural evil is positively associated with general anxiety and paranoia” and that such beliefs were associated with higher levels of general anxiety and worry, even after taking other aspects of religion into consideration. Jung states “Although the bulk of evidence points to the beneficial effects of religion on mental health, some research demonstrates that certain facets of religiousness have a pernicious association with mental health.”

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A Mixed Picture

Overall, the study suggests spiritual beliefs have both positive and negative elements, which had previously been explored by researchers Ellison and Lee in 2010. The positive benefits of spiritual beliefs have been previously examined and shown to be an important factor in older adults in research conducted by Kent, Bradshaw, and Eucker (2018), who state “Secure attachment to God and divine forgiveness among individuals with a religious background appear to be linked with salutary mental health outcomes.” The research by Kent’s team also provides support that spiritual beliefs are associated with increased optimism and self-esteem.

Kent’s claims are also supported when examining adolescents as observed in research conducted by Lee Huuskes and colleagues who state “youth who believe in God may be more likely to cope” when dealing with life’s struggles. The idea that personal relationships with God are beneficial to mental health is not new and seems to be gaining support. Leman, Hunter, Ferges, and Rowatt (2018) also state psychological well-being may benefit from a positive perception of our relationship with God. Njus and Scharmer (2020) also found that feeling close to God “promotes psychological hardiness that helps in dealing with life stressors.”

The benefit of Faith on Mental Health.

Is there a benefit of faith on mental health? The current evidence seems to suggest that’s the case. It is important to note that researchers also admit that more research is required to understand the complex relationships between spiritual beliefs and mental health outcomes. It is also important to note that many of these studies explicitly examined individuals’ beliefs and perceived relationships with God, rather than the existence of God itself. That’s an important distinction to acknowledge.

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Ellison, Christopher G., and Jinwoo Lee. 2010. Spiritual struggles and psychological distress: Is there a dark side of religion? Social Indicators Research 98(3):501–17.

Huuskes, L. M., Heaven, P. C., Ciarrochi, J., Parker, P., & Caltabiano, N. (2016). Is belief in God related to differences in adolescents’ psychological functioning?. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 55(1), 40-53.

Jung, J. H. (2020). Belief in Supernatural Evil and Mental Health: Do Secure Attachment to God and Gender Matter?. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 59(1), 141-160.

Kent, B. V., Bradshaw, M., & Uecker, J. E. (2018). Forgiveness, attachment to God, and mental health outcomes in older US adults: A longitudinal study. Research on Aging, 40(5), 456-479.

Leman, J., Hunter III, W., Fergus, T., & Rowatt, W. (2018). Secure attachment to God uniquely linked to psychological health in a national, random sample of American adults. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 28(3), 162-173.

Njus, D. M., & Scharmer, A. (2020). Evidence that God Attachment Makes a Unique Contribution to Psychological Well-Being. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 1-24.

Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Dr. Benson Munyan is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in both Florida and Arizona. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine and the Director of Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Munyan earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He currently holds clinical privileges at both Neurocove Behavioral Health and the Orlando Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System. He has also previously published clinical research and articles in peer-reviewed journals including PLoS One and Clinical Case Studies.
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Jessica Candelo LMHC Orlando Therapist

Jessica Candelo, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

ABOUT ME

My name is Jessica Candelo, LMHC, but you can call me Jess, if you’d like. I am a Marine Corps veteran and a mom which both play into my experiences and understanding of life. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, parenting stress, military related stressors and/or traumas, and addictions. I focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment, paired with evidence-based therapies to suit the needs of my clients and meet their personal goals of recovery and growth. It’s not easy and sometimes we just want to throw in the towel, but that does not have to be the final answer. Together we can work through what you’re experiencing and move toward a place of healing.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that cultivating a healthy and strong therapeutic relationship is very important in the overall process of change. Our first session is geared towards getting to know each other as well as identifying and establishing the needs and focus of the treatment plan moving forward. It is my goal to ensure you feel safe, heard, and understood throughout each session so that a collaborative and well-established treatment plan is enacted.

MY APPROACH

I try to provide a genuine, light-hearted, and humanistic environment to every session. To be honest, I try to make sure every session feels like a normal conversation by utilizing everyday language and rhetoric; I might even through in some humor where appropriate because laughter can often feel like a breath of fresh air. Overall, I want you to feel like you can voice your needs and concerns without fear of judgement all while finding suitable, potential solutions. Life is hard to navigate at times but I’m here to help.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma-Focused
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification 
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Rachel Creamer, Ph.D.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Rachel Creamer. I specialize in providing evidenced-based care to those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. Seeking therapy takes tremendous courage. You are taking the first step toward positive change. We will work together to help you reach a fulfilling and values-driven life. 

OUR FIRST SESSION

The goal of our first session is to better understand what brings you to therapy and to get to know you better. In the first session we will also talk about your goals for treatment and ways to accomplish these goals. We will also focus on learning skills to help you start making positive changes today. 

MY APPROACH

Therapy can bring about great positive change. Fostering a safe and compassionate space for clients is the foundation for allowing growth in therapy. Therapy is collaborative. While I am the expert on evidence-based treatment, you are the expert on you. We will work together on reaching your treatment goals and creating a more gratifying life. 

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Couples Therapy (Gottman method)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Nicholas James Psychologist Orlando Florida

Nicholas James, Ph.D.

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Nicholas James, Ph.D. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, and caregiver strain. I focus on matching evidence-based therapies to the needs of my clients to meet their personal goals of recovery and growth.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that change occurs through personal reflection, cultivating strengths and resources, and incorporating growth into everyday life. It is my goal that each session is collaborative and integrates needs, beliefs, and your background into a person-centered treatment plan.

MY APPROACH

I try to bring a genuine, humanistic atmosphere to every session. My therapeutic approach is centered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates additional evidence-based practices to address unique needs that arise during therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma Focused
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Acceptance & Commitment (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification
  • Humanistic
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) 
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Benson Munyan Psychologist Orlando Florida

Benson Munyan, PhD, ABPP

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Benson Munyan. I am a board-certified clinical psychologist. I specialize in working with those experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something. Whatever the origin of your story, you are here. There is no time like the present to change our tomorrow.

OUR FIRST SESSION

From our very first session, skills are introduced, demonstrated, and assigned as practice assignments between meetings. I collaboratively set each session agenda with my clients, ensuring we have time for following up since the last session, troubleshooting any problems with skills or homework, and working on new problems or material.

MY APPROACH

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, life is hard. And sometimes, it downright sucks. There, I said it. I believe we should be able to use everyday language in therapy, and that participating in therapy as our most genuine selves empowers us to better understand the challenges we’re facing as well as potential solutions.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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