The Need for a Psychologically Informed Emotional Healing Prayer Intervention for People Who Self-Identify as Catholic: A Literature Review Focusing on Psychological Science, Human Needs, and Diversity

Abstract

Catholics are a Christian denomination that makes up about 20% of the U.S. population, but there are few culturally informed psychological interventions designed for Catholics. This literature review was conducted to discern which types of prayer interventions are acceptable and effective for Catholics, and to use that data to aid in the creation of a psychologically informed Catholic prayer model. The review used controlled keyword searches on APA PsychNet and WorldCat for studies that evaluated the impact of prayer on mental illness symptoms. Inclusion criteria were: 1) articles published between 2000-2024; 2) in English; 3) full text available; 4) peer reviewed; 5) used prayer methods; 6) measured how those methods reduced psychological distress and other mental illness symptoms; 7) and were of these designs: meta-analysis, experimental, quasi-experimental, single-group, case study, or qualitative. The study included prayers of all religions to allow for insights into various themes and styles that overlap with Catholic beliefs. Articles that did not involve a specific prayer intervention or theoretical articles were not included. Results are discussed and sorted by prayer type, followed by recommendations for which types of prayer Catholics might find acceptable and helpful as a culturally and psychologically informed adjunct to mental health treatment. A review of established Healing Prayer models is also offered to aid in the creation of more Catholic prayer models informed by psychological science. Well-designed, controlled studies are needed to fully investigate the efficacy of religious interventions.