People who are spiritual are more likely than atheists or the religious to be mentally unwell, according to a new study by University College in London.

They are also more likely to have used or abused drugs, to experience anxiety, neurosis or phobias and have "abnormal eating attitudes."

Psychological relief or grief? ... Holding on to something greater than ourselves. Credit:Reuters

Researchers came to these conclusions after analysing the data from nearly 7,500 interviews with randomly selected men and women in the UK. More than nine out of 10 were white British, with an average age of 46. They were asked about their spiritual or religious beliefs and their psychological state.

Of the participants, 35 per cent identified themselves as religious and attended either a church, mosque, synagogue or temple.