American Heritage defines trust as an unwavering reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of someone or something. It is a firm belief. Expectations have a greater impact on our well-being than many people realize. This fact is illustrated by a study in the prestigious American medical journal Journal of the American Medical Association A 1994 study that examined pain medication use over a 25-year period. The summary began: “The quality and trust of the patient-physician relationship can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes. In some cases (or very often), patient expectations and communication with the physician may be more important than specific treatment methods.”
The impact of trust and faith on health
This is illustrated very clearly in a research study where participants were asked to answer the following question: is your health excellent, good, rather bad or bad? This is called self-rated health or subjective health survey. Subjective health assessment is considered by researchers to be a reliable indicator that helps to assess a person’s general health; it helps to assess mental health, the nature of special needs, the frequency of doctor visits and also longevity. It is said that self-rated health is the simplest and most reliable way to describe health problems.
This way of self-definition can also be used to assess one's own faith. In such a context, it can be called subjective spirituality. It is the definition of oneself and one's beliefs and religiosity. Subjective spirituality is considered a marker for assessing the strength of faith.
Studies using this assessment method have found evidence that religion has a positive effect on overall health: the stronger people's faith, the more satisfied they are with their lives. Remarkably, it was not only a strong indicator of well-being, but a decisive factor that influenced a person more than age or even health status.
Other studies have shown that religious people have a more positive outlook on life, more balanced emotions, higher levels of satisfaction with life, and are happier than those who do not believe in anything. When we believe, when we trust in God, it has a positive effect on our health.
Healing relationships
Relationships with other people can have a similar effect to religiosity. Healthy, trusting relationships create feelings of love and belonging, which are essential to enjoying life. We often try to live up to or exceed the expectations of our best friends and family members because we value such belonging. There is more at play here than just psychological reasons. Our body’s chemical reactions can be linked to feelings. When we see someone we have a trusting relationship with, the brain releases oxytocin, which is part of the bonding process. Studies show that oxytocin is responsible for the feelings of well-being that arise when we interact with close friends. Feelings of well-being reduce the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
Source: “CREATION Life”
“CREATION Life” is a way of thinking that sees the person as a whole. This way of thinking is designed to prevent disease and to help people live fuller and more abundant lives at all ages. “CREATION Life” is based on the Bible’s creation story and is the foundation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health ministry. “CREATION Life” is an institution Adventist Health owned trademark.
