From Medical News Today:
The term ‘spirituality’ is now widely used to describe the qualities that give people hope, meaning and purpose. In the case of patients, it can aid their recovery. The University of Huddersfield has become a key centre for research into spirituality and how it can be integrated into health care teaching and practice.
This isn’t really much of a surprise. The link between spirituality/religion and improved health is well established:
“It helps to sustain health care workers and patients by recognising and supporting a sense of meaning and purpose in life. It can improve resilience in patients and practitioners alike, in addition to improving the experience of illness and crisis in patients.”
She acknowledges that for some people, spirituality derives from religious beliefs. But for many others it stems from factors such as their relationships, community connections and special interests. More.
See, for example, Michael Shermer: “New research on self-control explains thelink between religion and health”
Religion, spirituality associated with better health outcomes
Studies of religion: “This is God speaking: Put that cookie down”