Reply: 

Peer’s Post: 

“There are many factors, both internal and external, that can attribute to improper development across all stages of life. One disorder that can lead to both physical and neurological development issues in humans is craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis is defined as the premature fusion of skull fragments prior to the brain being fully developed (Brooks et al., 2018). According to Brooks et al. (2018), the premature fusion of these areas causes the brain to expand into areas where it does not belong, leading to a misshapen skull and brain. As this disorder deals directly with complex brain function, it has been shown to potentially cause impaired language processing, planning dysfunction, impaired psychomotor development, and places school-age children at an increased risk for having a learning disability.

Another disorder that has negative impacts on development is spina bifida, which is a neural tube defect that is affected by the intake of folic acid during the periconceptional period (Kancherla et al., 2017). This disorder has been shown to potentially cause severe motor, sensory, and structural malformations that may lead to life-long impairment. Spina bifida has also been shown to cause delays and vulnerabilities regarding the development of social skills and self-management practices such as toileting (Stiles-Shields et al., 2021).

Although neurological disorders can be taxing on development, there has been research to suggest that spiritual disciplines may have a positive impact on neurobiology. Newberg (2011) discusses two of these types of spiritual practices that may have a positive impact on development and neurological functioning to include meditation and prayer practices. Prayer and meditation have been shown to activate the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex due to the need for focused attention and energy. These spiritual practices have also been shown to impact other areas of the brain that are linked to relaxation, emotion, euphoria, and hallucinations. According to Kabat-Zinn (1992; as cited in Newberg, 2011), individuals participating in mindfulness via Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program showed a reduction in depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress.

When discussing how prayer and spirituality impact mental health and neurobiology, I am reminded of the bible verse “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (King James Bible, 1769/2017, 1 Peter 5:7). Although spirituality does not necessarily mean belief in an organized religion, this verse explains that devotion and faith can lead to a decrease in anxiety or anxious feelings as well as increasing dopamine as discussed by Newburg (2011).

References

Brooks, E. , Beckett, J. , Yang, J. , Timberlake, A. , Sun, A. , Chuang, C. & Persing, J. (2018). The Etiology of Neuronal Development in Craniosynostosis: A Working Hypothesis. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 29 (1), 49-55. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000004040.

Kancherla, V., Walani, S., Weakland, A., Bauwens, L., Oakley, G. & Warf, B. (2017). Scorecard for spina bifida research, prevention, and policy – A development process. Preventive Medicine, 99(1), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.01.022 (Links to an external site.).

King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)

Newberg, A. B. (2011). Spirituality and the Aging Brain. Generations Journal, 35(2), 83-91. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%…

Stiles-Shields, C., Shirkey, K., Winning, A., Smith, Z., Wartman, E. & Holmbeck, G. (2021). Social Skills and Medical Responsibility Across Development in Youth With Spina Bifida. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 46(3), 341-350. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1093/jpepsy…“