There has been a constant debate from historical times that whether prayers done for somebody work on not. A few months back, a study showed that prayer does not help patients in recovering from their ailments. However, another similar study has showed the reverse effect–breast cancer patients who participate in praying through Online support groups can obtain mental health benefits, and thus can gain strength, which is so much crucial in cancer care. 

“We know that many cancer patients pray in Online support groups to help them cope with their illness. This is the first study we are aware of that examines the psychological effects of this behaviour,” said Bret Shaw of UW-Madison’s College of Engineering and lead author of the study.

The analysis of this study was conducted on message-transcripts from 97 breast cancer patients. They were participating in an Online support group that was integrated with the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) “living with breast cancer” program, which is a computer-based health education and support system geared towards providing awareness towards cancer.

Though there can be many reasons about the possible recovery or gaining strength by the patients, and we can put it quantitatively in any sort of numbers of terms. However, psychologically, it can be well understood that people who holds some sort of faith in their own strength, and also in the blessings of God, they have higher chances of recovery and regaining their strength.

If spirituality has to come to this topic, then it is perhaps the best statement–spirituality works best with people who have faith. This is what this study shows–people who have faith in themselves and also in God, surely receive the benefits; and those who do not have, they do not receive any. The study clearly puts that point of spirituality into limelight.