Quantum Coherence and Caritas: Exploring the Psychoneuroimmunological Mechanisms of Ordered Love in Religious Communities

This mixed methods study examined the psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms linking religious coping styles to inflammatory biomarkers, utilizing the Augustinian theological framework of caritas (ordered love) and cupiditas (disordered love). Guided by the Quantum Psychoneuroimmunotheology (QPNIT) theory, this investigation sought to bridge theological wisdom with contemporary biomedical science. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed, integrating quantitative secondary analysis of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS 2) Biomarker Project (N = 1,255) with qualitative phenomenological interviews of contemplative Christian practitioners (N = 18). Hierarchical regression and bootstrap mediation analyses examined associations between positive and negative religious coping and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6), with perceived stress as the hypothesized mediator. Interpretive phenomenological analysis explored practitioners' lived experiences of ordered love cultivation. Results demonstrated that positive religious coping was significantly negatively associated with CRP (r = -.144, p < .001) and IL-6 (r = -.084, p = .003), while negative religious coping showed significant positive associations with both markers (CRP: r = .128; IL-6: r = .129; p < .001). Mediation analyses confirmed that perceived stress significantly mediated all relationships, accounting for 28–42% of total effects. Qualitative analysis identified five superordinate themes: Cultivating Ordered Love, Stress Reduction Through Spiritual Practice, Embodied Spirituality, Community Dimensions, and Mind-Body-Spirit Integration. Integration of findings supports the QPNIT proposition that contemplative practices cultivating caritas reduce inflammation through stress-mediated pathways. These findings contribute to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying spirituality-health connections and have implications for clinical practice, religious communities, and integrative approaches to health promotion. Keywords: caritas, psychoneuroimmunology, religious coping, inflammatory biomarkers, contemplative practice, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6