Abstract

Different to spirituality, the placebo-effect is well operationalized. Against this background, an attempt is made to look at a possible phenomenological relationship between the therapeutic effectiveness of spirituality and placebo. Similar context influences as well as the possible common use of a phylogenetically well conserved protective route via the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system are highlighted. For both phenomena, the clinical effectiveness seems to be ubiquitous, with that of the placebo effect being scientifically much more verified than this currently would be methodologically possible with the "spirituality effect". Both effects share their uncertain predictability and are Janus-headed (e. g., placebo effect vs. nocebo effect). Currently, for both, the placebo and spirituality-oriented approaches, there are attempts underway to maximize their clinical effectiveness by modulating the therapeutic framework and conversational content. The discussion ends with the reflexive question of whether the placebo effect could have in essence "spirituality-light" traits.