• Gerhild Becker, Carola J Xander, Hubert E Blum, Johannes Lutterbach, Felix Momm, Marjolein Gysels, and Irene J Higginson.
• Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. becker@med1.ukl.uni
• Palliat Med. 2007 Apr 1; 21 (3): 207-17.

BackgroundResponses to bereavement may be influenced by characteristics such as age or gender, but also by factors like culture and religion.AimA systematic review was undertaken to assess whether spiritual or religious beliefs alter the process of grief and/or bereavement.MethodsFifteen computerized databases were searched. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence was graded according to the standard grading system of the Clinical Outcomes Group and by the SIGNAL score.ResultsIn total, 5715 persons were examined: 69% women, 87% white, 83% protestant. Ninety-four percent of studies show some positive effects of religious/spiritual beliefs on bereavement, but there was a great heterogeneity regarding included populations and outcome measurements.ConclusionAvailable data do not allow for a definite answer on whether religious/spiritual beliefs effectively influence bereavement as most studies suffer from weaknesses in design and methodological flaws. Further research is needed. Recommendations for further research are given.

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