Reed Mueller

Thought the title would catch your attention. And yes, it probably would have been more appropriate to say that “some studies cast doubt…” (see below).

While many people think that psychologists have a natural enmity toward religion, most psychologists of religion attempt to remain neutral with regard to the truth claims of religious faith, choosing to study the effect of religion upon the religious person, rather than trying to make claims about a religion, per se. Yet, when we get to the topic of prayer and whether it “works” in the real world, it’s hard to refrain from making claims of “truth” with regard to God’s activity (or inactivity) in the “real world.”

Studies of intercessory prayer (prayer that seek to influence the health and well-being of the person prayed for) are mixed with regard to results and controversial in the field. In a review of several studies, Spilka, et al., suggest that “…at this stage of research…[intercessory prayer's] power and significance have yet to be demonstrated.”

They make this claim after reporting on several studies that present a mixed picture.

• One small study done in 1965 by Joyce and Weldon found that intercessory prayer (sick persons being prayed for six months) made no difference in the outcome of those persons in comparison with a control group of sick persons who were not prayed for by a prayer group.
• Colipp (1969) found (in a very small study) that a group of children diagnosed with leukemia who had been prayed for over a 15 month time span “had a slight advantage [over a group of child with leukemia who had not been prayed for] in survival.”
• A 1997 study by Walker, et al., suggested that intercessory prayer made no difference in reducing alcohol consumption by individuals with alcohol abuse/dependence.
• The largest study they reviewed (Byrd, 1988) was of 393 coronary disease patients. Its findings suggested that intercessory prayer made a positive impact on the health and recovery of the patients who were randomly selected to receive intercessory prayer in this double-blind study relative to those in a control group. However, this study has been criticized with regard to its methodological rigor.
• Finally, one study found that the “agents” of intercessory prayer (those praying for another who was ill in some way) showed greater improvements in their mental state than the “subjects” of intercessory prayer (those needing God’s intervention because of illness). (McCullough and Larson, 1999).

Okay, so how do you react to studies (and findings) like these? Do such things raise any questions in your mind?

To contribute to the discussion, follow this link.

Well, it’s been a little while since I’ve written, hasn’t it. I took some vacation days last week so that I could focus on prepping for a college seminar I finished teaching a few days ago. As it was an intensive course that blended two loves of mine (Psychology and Faith – the course was The Psychology of Religion) I had a tremendous amount of fun! Since my “vacation” I’ve been digging out from under the results of my time away and can finally see the sunshine…and so, I’m writing again.

Over the next few weeks I do want to process the subject of prayer quite a bit. First, with a post (or maybe two) about the findings from the psychological study of prayer and second with several posts on what the bible has to say to about prayer.

So what do the studies suggest about prayer?

First, they suggest that (from a psychological perspective) prayer is a means of coping. That is, it can assist in helping solving problems, facilitating personal growth, and modulating one’s emotions. In other studies, prayer is seen as the only practical way to help others in the midst of tragic events. On the whole, psychological research sees prayer as perfomring both problem- and emotion-focused functions in the life of the one who prays.

Yet, people are selective in the types of prayers they pray. Some mostly utilize “thanksgiving,” others “contemplative” or “meditational” (which result in decreased anger, anxiety, and stress) while most focus on “petitionary” prayers, which are seen, psychologically, as countering frustration and threat. Finally, rote/ritual prayers have been found to be associated with decreases in overall well-being.

In my next post on prayer, I’ll be reviewing more about what the research says with regard to intercessary and petitionary prayers, but before I do, if anyone wants to chime in on how they see prayer affecting their problems or emotions, please do so by following this link.