A Program of Religious Practices and Its Impact on Spiritual Health, Anxiety and Serum Cortisol Levels in University Students

Objective: To determine the impact of a religious practices program on spiritual health, anxiety, and serum cortisol levels. Theoretical Framework: Spiritual health is a state of well-being where individuals feel in harmony with what they consider sacred, as well as with themselves, others, and nature. It involves finding purpose in life aligned with their belief system. Beck describes anxiety as a perception of danger that leads individuals to question their ability to face and overcome threats to their survival. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental, quantitative, and comparative methodology. The sample consisted of 61 university students from a faith-based university in northeastern Mexico, divided into two groups: control (n = 31) and experimental (n = 30). Data collection included the Spiritual Health Scale-UM, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and blood samples to measure cortisol levels before and after the religious practices program. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that religious practices positively influence spiritual health and its dimensions, enhance relaxation capabilities, and reduce the intensity of fears such as anticipating the worst, feelings of instability or physical insecurity, terror, nervousness, fear of losing control, and fear of death. Additionally, these practices regulate serum cortisol levels. Research Implications: Demonstrating the positive impact of religious practices on reducing anxiety symptoms underscores the importance of developing prevention programs aimed at mitigating anxiety. Originality/Value: By establishing these relationships, this study scientifically substantiates the impact of spiritual programs in Adventist educational institutions on anxiety. Objective: To determine the impact of a religious practices program on spiritual health, anxiety, and serum cortisol levels. Theoretical Framework: Spiritual health is a state of well-being where individuals feel in harmony with what they consider sacred, as well as with themselves, others, and nature. It involves finding purpose in life aligned with their belief system. Beck describes anxiety as a perception of danger that leads individuals to question their ability to face and overcome threats to their survival. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental, quantitative, and comparative methodology. The sample consisted of 61 university students from a faith-based university in northeastern Mexico, divided into two groups: control (n = 31) and experimental (n = 30). Data collection included the Spiritual Health Scale-UM, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and blood samples to measure cortisol levels before and after the religious practices program. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that religious practices positively influence spiritual health and its dimensions, enhance relaxation capabilities, and reduce the intensity of fears such as anticipating the worst, feelings of instability or physical insecurity, terror, nervousness, fear of losing control, and fear of death. Additionally, these practices regulate serum cortisol levels. Research Implications: Demonstrating the positive impact of religious practices on reducing anxiety symptoms underscores the importance of developing prevention programs aimed at mitigating anxiety. Originality/Value: By establishing these relationships, this study scientifically substantiates the impact of spiritual programs in Adventist educational institutions on anxiety.