The relationship between better health and an active spiritual life has been established, but recent research may have isolated the secret ingredient to faith-based vitality.

A Brigham Young University study has found that having compassion — defined as being moved by the suffering of others and having the desire to alleviate that suffering — can lead to improved psychosocial health. Mother Teresa is the ultimate example of compassion in action. She worked for the poor and the sick until she died at the age of 87.

Compassion is often associated with religion, but Patrick Steffen, lead author of the study and assistant professor of clinical psychology at BYU, warns that kick starting a spiritual practice won't bring about instant results. “Just going to church on Sunday, or synagogue on Saturday, isn’t sufficient for good health,” he told the Hartford Courant. “It’s going there and learning the principles and incorporating that into your life. I think that’s what’s behind the relationship between religion and health.” He does, however, believe that non-religious folks who are compassionate will still see positive health benefits.

It should be noted that Steffen's study involved only BYU students and local residents, all of whom were Mormons. He is currently leading a study that will focus on Protestants, Catholics and Jews from the east coast and midwest.

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