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Long KNG, Symons X, VanderWeele TJ, Balboni TA, Rosmarin DH, Puchalski C, Cutts T, Gunderson GR, Idler E, Oman D, Balboni MJ, Tuach LS, Koh HK. Spirituality As A Determinant Of Health: Emerging Policies, Practices, And Systems. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:783-790. [PMID: 38830169 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Reimagining public health's future should include explicitly considering spirituality as a social determinant of health that is linked to human goods and is deeply valued by people and their communities. Spirituality includes a sense of ultimate meaning, purpose, transcendence, and connectedness. With that end in mind, we assessed how recommendations recently issued by an expert panel for integrating spiritual factors into public health and medicine are being adopted in current practice in the United States. These recommendations emerged from a systematic review of empirical evidence on spirituality, serious illness, and population health published between 2000 and 2022. For each recommendation, we reviewed current federal, state, and local policies and practices recognizing spiritual factors, and we considered the ways in which they reflected the panel's recommendations. In this article, we highlight opportunities for broader application and scale while also noting the potential harms and benefits associated with incorporating these recommendations in various contexts. This analysis, while respecting the spiritual and religious diversity of the US population, identifies promising approaches for strengthening US public health by integrating spiritual considerations to inform person- and community-centered policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn N G Long
- Katelyn N. G. Long , Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xavier Symons
- Xavier Symons, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Teresa Cutts
- Teresa Cutts, Stakeholder Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Gary R Gunderson
- Gary R. Gunderson, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ellen Idler
- Ellen Idler, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Doug Oman
- Doug Oman, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Michael J Balboni
- Michael J. Balboni, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura S Tuach
- Laura S. Tuach, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Howard K Koh
- Howard K. Koh, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Daniels CL, Ellison CG, DeAngelis RT, Klee K. Is Irreligion a Risk Factor for Suicidality? Findings from the Nashville Stress and Health Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3801-3819. [PMID: 37702852 PMCID: PMC10757271 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01906-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a public health problem and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Research exploring the linkages between religion and spirituality has received intermittent attention. Data was derived from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011-2014), a cross-sectional probability survey of black and white adults from Davidson County, Tennessee (n = 1252). Results indicate that those with no perceived belief in divine control had a higher likelihood of suicidality. This study provides a fresh perspective on the links between religious factors and suicidality by (a) considering multiple religious and spiritual domains and (b) focusing on the association between irreligion and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton L Daniels
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | | | - Reed T DeAngelis
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Katherine Klee
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Orak U, Yildiz M, Aydogdu R, Koenig HG, Pietrzak RH. The relationship between combat exposure and suicide risk in U.S. military veterans: Exploring the role of posttraumatic stress symptoms and religious coping. J Affect Disord 2023; 341:77-87. [PMID: 37634819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rising suicide rates in the U.S. veteran population are a growing concern. Combat exposure has been identified as a potential predictor of suicide risk, but factors that may mediate the relation between combat exposure and suicide risk, and the role of potential coping mechanisms remain largely understudied. To address this gap, this study examined the association between lifetime combat exposure and current suicide risk; whether this association is mediated by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; and whether direct and/or indirect associations with combat exposure are moderated by organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic religiosity. METHODS Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (2019-2020; n = 3843). Ordinary least squares and conditional process analyses were conducted to evaluate the conditional direct and indirect predictors of suicide risk. RESULTS PTSD symptoms significantly mediated the association between combat exposure and suicide risk. Intrinsic religiosity showed significant moderation and reduced the coefficient of PTSD symptoms predicting suicide risk but increased the coefficient of combat exposure predicting PTSD symptoms. LIMITATIONS In this cross-sectional, observational study, no conclusions can be made regarding causality. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest a multifaceted relationship between combat exposure, PTSD, religiosity/spirituality, and suicide risk in U.S. veterans, and underscore the importance of PTSD and religious coping as part of ongoing suicide prevention efforts in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Orak
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA.
| | - Muhammed Yildiz
- Applied Sociology Department, Utah Tech University, St. George, UT, USA
| | - Ramazan Aydogdu
- Division of General Education and Health Studies, Baptist Health Sciences University, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Levin J. Nothingness, Oneness, and Infinity: Transcendent Experience as a Promising Frontier for Religion and Health Research. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:2065-2080. [PMID: 36640250 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01740-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper advocates for a renewed focus into the experiential domain of religious and spiritual expression in research on physical and mental health. Most studies, up to now, have investigated risk or protection associated with behavioral measures of religiousness, whether public behaviors such as religious attendance or private behaviors such as personal prayer. Religious attitudes, beliefs, and identity have been studied, as well, as have religious self-rating scales of various types, but, relatively less emphasized have been subjective experiences, such as feelings of transcendence or unitive connection with the divine. There is good reason to believe that such experiences may impact on well-being, based both on previous studies and on theory and clinical observation. This paper suggests that although researching the domain of such seemingly ineffable experiences may present certain conceptual and methodological challenges, these would be worth facing in order to gain deeper insight into the human spiritual dimension and into connections among body, mind, and spirit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Levin
- Institute for Studies of Religion and Medical Humanities Program, Baylor University, One Bear Place # 97236, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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Clark EM, Ma L, Williams BR, Ghosh D, Park CL, Schulz E, Woodard N, Knott CL. A longitudinal study of social, religious, and spiritual capital and physical and emotional functioning in a national sample of African-Americans. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:978-997. [PMID: 36115065 PMCID: PMC10006284 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study builds on prior research by examining the moderating relationships between different types of capital on physical functioning, emotional functioning, and depressive symptoms using a 2.5-year longitudinal design with a national sample of African-American adults. Results indicated a significant T1 social capital × T1 religious capital interaction such that among low T1 religious capital participants, those with high T1 social capital had lower T2 physical functioning than those with lower T1 social capital. There was also a marginally significant T1 social capital × T1 spiritual capital interaction suggesting that among low T1 spiritual capital participants, those with higher T1 social capital reported a decline in depressive symptoms compared to those with lower T1 social capital. Future research and implications for intervention and policy development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie M Clark
- Department of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lijing Ma
- Department of Psychology, University of San Fransciso, USA
| | - Beverly R Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama - Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Debarchana Ghosh
- Department of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily Schulz
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Nathaniel Woodard
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheryl L Knott
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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Stroope S, Kent BV, Zhang Y, Spiegelman D, Kandula NR, Schachter AB, Kanaya A, Shields AE. 'Mental health and self-rated health among U.S. South Asians: the role of religious group involvement'. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:388-406. [PMID: 31466458 PMCID: PMC7048668 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2019.1661358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Only one community-based study has assessed religious group involvement and health outcomes among South Asians in the U.S., with mixed results. Here, using a large, South Asian community-based sample, the effects of six religious group involvement predictors - religious tradition, attendance, group prayer, giving/receiving congregational emotional support, congregational neglect, and congregational criticism - were examined in relation to four health outcomes: self-rated health, positive mental health functioning, trait anxiety, and trait anger.Design: The study used a new religion/spirituality questionnaire in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis Among South Asians Living in America (MASALA), the largest study of mental and physical well-being among U.S. South Asians. Associations were assessed cross-sectionally using OLS regression in both the full sample (N = 928) and a subsample of congregation members (N = 312).Results: Jains reported better self-rated health compared to Hindus and Muslims. Group prayer involvement, when measured ordinally, was positively associated with self-rated health and mental health functioning. In reference group comparisons, individuals who participated in group prayer once/day or more had lower levels of anxiety and anger compared to several comparison groups in which individuals prayed less than once a day. Religious service attendance was associated with higher levels of anxiety. Giving/receiving congregational emotional support was positively associated with self-rated health and mental health functioning, and inversely associated with anxiety. Congregational criticism was associated with higher levels of anger and anxiety.Conclusions: This study provided a new assessment of religious group involvement and health in the U.S. South Asian population. Religious group participation was associated with mental and self-rated health in well-controlled models, indicating this is a fruitful area for further research. Group religious involvement may be a health-promoting resource for U.S. South Asians who are religiously active, but it is not an unalloyed boon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Stroope
- Louisiana State University Department of Sociology, Baton Rouge, LA
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
| | - Blake Victor Kent
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ying Zhang
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Namratha R. Kandula
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Anna B. Schachter
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA
| | - Alka Kanaya
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alexandra E. Shields
- National Consortium on Psychosocial Stress, Spirituality, and Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Rubenstein A, Koenig HG, Marin DB, Sharma V, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak RH. Religion, spirituality, and risk for incident posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, and hazardous drinking in U.S. military veterans: A 7-year, nationally representative, prospective cohort study. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:1110-1117. [PMID: 34706422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
While religion and spirituality (R/S) have been linked to positive mental health outcomes, most studies have employed cross-sectional designs, which do not allow one to evaluate the utility of R/S in predicting these outcomes. To address this gap, this study analyzed data from a 7-year nationally representative, prospective cohort study of U.S. military veterans to examine the effects of R/S on the development of incident mental health outcomes in this population. Specifically, we examined the association between organizational religious activity (ORA), non-organizational religious activity (NORA), and intrinsic religiosity (IR), and the risk of incident PTSD, suicidal ideation (SI), and hazardous drinking (HD). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that ORA predicted a lower incidence of PTSD and SI; NORA a greater risk of developing HD; and IR a lower risk of developing HD. These results suggest that religion and spirituality, assessed in a nationally representative sample of military veterans, predict risk of developing PTSD, SI, and HD, over and above sociodemographic factors and perceived social support. Clinical implications and strategies for incorporating R/S into mental health assessment and interventions in this population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deborah B Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Center for Spirituality and Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US
| | - Vanshdeep Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Center for Spirituality and Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Chen Y, VanderWeele TJ. Chen and VanderWeele Respond to "Religion, Spirituality, and Health". Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:759-760. [PMID: 32128562 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Chen Y, Koh HK, Kawachi I, Botticelli M, VanderWeele TJ. Religious Service Attendance and Deaths Related to Drugs, Alcohol, and Suicide Among US Health Care Professionals. JAMA Psychiatry 2020; 77:737-744. [PMID: 32374360 PMCID: PMC7203669 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The increase in deaths related to drugs, alcohol, and suicide (referred to as deaths from despair) has been identified as a public health crisis. The antecedents associated with these deaths have, however, seldom been investigated empirically. OBJECTIVE To prospectively examine the association between religious service attendance and deaths from despair. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study used data extracted from self-reported questionnaires and medical records of 66 492 female registered nurses who participated in the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII) from 2001 through 2017 and 43 141 male health care professionals (eg, dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, osteopath, podiatrist, and veterinarian) who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) from 1988 through 2014. Data on causes of death were obtained from death certificates and medical records. Data analysis was conducted from September 2, 2018, to July 14, 2019. EXPOSURE Religious service attendance was self-reported at study baseline in response to the question, "How often do you go to religious meetings or services?" MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Deaths from despair, defined specifically as deaths from suicide, unintentional poisoning by alcohol or drug overdose, and chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of deaths from despair by religious service attendance at study baseline, with adjustment for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, psychological distress, medical history, and other aspects of social integration. RESULTS Among the 66 492 female participants in NHSII (mean [SD] age, 46.33 [4.66] years), 75 incident deaths from despair were identified (during 1 039 465 person-years of follow-up). Among the 43 141 male participants in HPFS (mean [SD] age, 55.12 [9.53] years), there were 306 incident deaths from despair (during 973 736 person-years of follow-up). In the fully adjusted models, compared with those who never attended religious services, participants who attended services at least once per week had a 68% lower hazard (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.62) of death from despair in NHSII and a 33% lower hazard (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48-0.94) of death from despair in HPFS. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings suggest that religious service attendance is associated with a lower risk of death from despair among health care professionals. These results may be important in understanding trends in deaths from despair in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Cambridge, Massachusetts,Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard K. Koh
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Botticelli
- Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tyler J. VanderWeele
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Cambridge, Massachusetts,Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Boston, Massachusetts
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Petrovic K, Stukas AA, Marques MD. Religiosity, motivations, and volunteering: A test of two theories of religious prosociality. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jts5.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Petrovic
- Department of Psychology and Counselling La Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Arthur A. Stukas
- Department of Psychology and Counselling La Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Mathew D. Marques
- Department of Psychology and Counselling La Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
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Hill TD, Bradley CS, Dowd-Arrow B, Burdette AM. Religious Attendance and the Social Support Trajectories of Older Mexican Americans. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2019; 34:403-416. [PMID: 31701310 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-019-09386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we directly assessed the extent to which the association between religious attendance and the social support trajectories of older Mexican Americans is due to selection (spurious) processes related to personality, health status, and health behavior. We employed seven waves of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (1993-2010) to examine the association between religious attendance and perceived social support trajectories (n = 2479). We used growth mixture modeling to estimate latent classes of social support trajectories and multivariate multinomial logistic regression models to predict membership in the social support trajectory classes. Growth mixture estimates revealed three classes of social support trajectories: high, moderate, and low. Multinomial logistic regression estimates showed that the odds of membership in the low support trajectory class (versus the high social support trajectory class) were lower for respondents who attended religious services yearly, monthly, weekly, and more than weekly than for respondents who never attend religious services. Religious attendance could not distinguish between membership in the moderate and high support trajectory classes. These results persisted with adjustments for age, gender, immigrant status, language proficiency, education, income, religious affiliation, marital status, living arrangements, contact with family/friends, secular group memberships, self-esteem, smoking, heavy drinking, depression, cognitive functioning, and physical mobility. We conclude that the association between religious attendance and the social support trajectories of older Mexican Americans is primarily driven by processes related to social integration, not selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence D Hill
- School of Sociologym, Sciences Building, University of Arizona, Room 400, 1145 E. South Campus Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Christopher S Bradley
- Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
| | - Benjamin Dowd-Arrow
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Amy M Burdette
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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Schnittker J. Religion, social integration, and depression in Europe: Evidence from the European Social Survey. Soc Sci Med 2019; 267:112376. [PMID: 31255360 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Western Europe's growing Muslim population has occasioned considerable debate regarding cultural integration, immigration, and social isolation. In this study I explore the relationship between religious identification and depression in European countries, focusing in particular on the situation of Muslims, but comparing across other religious groups, as well as those who are unaffiliated with any religion. The analysis is based on countries sampled in the sixth round of the European Social Survey, conducted in 2012. The results reveal the dueling effects of religious identity: religious involvement involves social integration among like-minded friends, but can also invite discrimination from others. This dueling effect implies significant differences between groups. Among Protestants and Catholics greater religious identification is associated with progressively lower depression, relative to those with no affiliation. Among Muslims lower levels of identification are associated with significantly more depression. Muslims of the highest level of identification are statistically indistinguishable from those with no religious affiliation. These patterns among Muslims are not born of poor social integration, but rather reflect more experiences with discrimination. Overall differences among religious groups are very strong: the difference in depression between Muslims and Protestants, for instance, exceeds the difference between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Schnittker
- University of Pennsylvania, 3718 Locust Walk, Room 220, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6299, United States.
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White J, Xu X, Ellison CG, DeAngelis RT, Sunil T. Religion, Combat Casualty Exposure, and Sleep Disturbance in the US Military. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:2362-2377. [PMID: 29564619 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Does religious involvement (i.e., attendance and salience) mitigate the association between combat casualty exposure and sleep disturbance among US military veterans? To address this question, we analyze cross-sectional survey data from the public-use version of the 2011 Health Related Behaviors Survey of Active Military Personnel. Results from multivariate regression models indicate: (1) Combat casualty exposure was positively associated with sleep disturbance; (2) religious salience both offset and moderated (i.e., buffered) the above association; and (3) religious attendance offset but did not moderate the above association. We discuss study implications and limitations, as well as some avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James White
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Xiaohe Xu
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Christopher G Ellison
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Reed T DeAngelis
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Thankam Sunil
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
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Bosco-Ruggiero SA. The relationship between Americans’ spiritual/religious beliefs and behaviors and mental health: New evidence from the 2016 General Social Survey. JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2018.1515052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ironson G, Lucette A, Hylton E, Pargament KI, Krause N. The Relationship Between Religious and Psychospiritual Measures and an Inflammation Marker (CRP) in Older Adults Experiencing Life Event Stress. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:1554-1566. [PMID: 29594652 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0600-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation, often measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), is thought to be related to a number of debilitating illnesses as we age, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Stress has also been implicated in these processes. This study examines potential protective effects of spirituality and religion in older adults who have experienced stressful life events. As part of the nationwide Landmark Study of Spirituality and Health, a subsample of 643 middle-aged and older adults (age ≥ 50) who were at or above the median in number of life stressors (≥ 2) was included in this analysis. Psychospiritual and religious (PS/R) variables included: religious service attendance, prayer, religious meaning, religious hope, general meaning, general hope and sense of peace. Control variables included: age, gender, education, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, social support. Only church attendance predicted significantly lower CRP after controlling for covariates, even above the other PS/R variables (standardized β = - 0.14, t = - 3.23 p = 0.001). Those with frequent religious service attendance were 38% less likely to have clinically elevated CRP than those who attend rarely or never. Religious service attendance may confer protection in older adults experiencing stressful events as it was significantly associated with lower CRP, an inflammatory marker associated with illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0751, USA.
| | - Aurelie Lucette
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0751, USA
| | - Emily Hylton
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0751, USA
| | - Kenneth I Pargament
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, USA
| | - Neal Krause
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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VanderWeele TJ, Yu J, Cozier YC, Wise L, Argentieri MA, Rosenberg L, Palmer JR, Shields AE. Attendance at Religious Services, Prayer, Religious Coping, and Religious/Spiritual Identity as Predictors of All-Cause Mortality in the Black Women's Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 185:515-522. [PMID: 28338863 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous longitudinal studies have consistently shown an association between attendance at religious services and lower all-cause mortality, but the literature on associations between other measures of religion and spirituality (R/S) and mortality is limited. We followed 36,613 respondents from the Black Women's Health Study from 2005 through December 31, 2013 to assess the associations between R/S and incident all-cause mortality using proportional hazards models. After control for numerous demographic and health covariates, together with other R/S variables, attending religious services several times per week was associated with a substantially lower mortality rate ratio (mortality rate ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.80) relative to never attending services. Engaging in prayer several times per day was not associated with mortality after control for demographic and health covariates, but the association trended towards a higher mortality rate ratio when control was made for other R/S variables (for >2 times/day vs. weekly or less, mortality rate ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.99, 1.67; P-trend < 0.01). Religious coping and self-identification as a very religious/spiritual person were associated with lower mortality when adjustment was made only for age, but the association was attenuated when control was made for demographic and health covariates and was almost entirely eliminated when control was made for other R/S variables. The results indicate that service attendance was the strongest R/S predictor of mortality in this cohort.
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Oates GL. Effects of Religiosity Dimensions on Physical Health across Non-elderly Black and White American Panels. REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH 2016; 58:249-270. [PMID: 27695138 PMCID: PMC5042148 DOI: 10.1007/s13644-015-0239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This investigation-based on a three-wave national panel of Black and White Americans aged 64 or younger at wave one-gauges variation across races in the indirect, moderating, and direct effects of public and subjective religiosity on a latent physical health outcome comprising chronic illnesses, subjective health, and functional limitations. The multi-population LISREL model specifically addresses the mechanisms through which religiosity is typically presumed to indirectly foster health: enhancement of social support and self-appraisals, and suppression of stress-exposure and unhealthy habits. The extent to which religiosity buffers or exacerbates the impact of specific stressors is also examined. The impact of religiosity on health appears to hinge on race and religiosity dimension: Public religiosity indirectly enhances Blacks' health slightly, and apparently buffers any negative impact of financial strain on their health. Public religiosity does not influence Whites' health; and subjective religiosity does not influence health in either race. The models control for multiple socio-demographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary L. Oates
- Department of Sociology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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Fenelon A, Danielsen S. Leaving my religion: Understanding the relationship between religious disaffiliation, health, and well-being. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2016; 57:49-62. [PMID: 26973031 PMCID: PMC4792192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Religious disaffiliation-leaving the religious tradition in which one was raised for no religious affiliation in adulthood-has become more common in recent years, though few studies have examined its consequences for the health and well-being of individuals. We use an innovative approach, comparing the health and subjective well-being of religious disaffiliates to those who remain affiliated using pooled General Social Survey samples from 1973 through 2012. We find that religious disaffiliates experience poorer health and lower well-being than those consistently affiliated and those who are consistently unaffiliated. We also demonstrate that the disadvantage for those who leave religious traditions is completely mediated by the frequency of church attendance, as disaffiliates attend church less often. Our results point to the importance of the social processes surrounding religious disaffiliation and emphasize the role of dynamics in the relationship between religious affiliation and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Fenelon
- National Center for Health Statistics, Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, Hyattsville, MD, USA.
| | - Sabrina Danielsen
- Department of Cultural and Social Studies, Creighton University, USA.
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Chung GS, Diaz MJ, Arora V, Meltzer DO, Curlin FA. Changes in health status and frequency of attending religious services among medical inpatients with repeat admissions. JOURNAL OF RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY & AGING 2016; 28:349-358. [PMID: 37994370 PMCID: PMC10664830 DOI: 10.1080/15528030.2016.1158139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Although frequent attendance at religious services is associated with healthier behaviors and improved health outcomes, this relationship is confounded to the extent that attending religious services requires and displays a certain degree of health. This study surveyed patients over multiple hospitalizations at a large urban academic medical center to test the hypothesis that changes in health status would be accompanied by parallel changes in religious attendance but not with self-rated religiosity and spirituality. Study data confirmed the hypothesis, suggesting that cross-sectional associations between religious attendance and good health outcomes reflect, to some degree, the way changes in health status impact one's ability to attend religious services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace S. Chung
- MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Manuel J. Diaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vineet Arora
- Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David O. Meltzer
- Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Farr A. Curlin
- Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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20
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Levine EG, Vong S, Yoo GJ. Development and Initial Validation of a Spiritual Support Subscale for the MOS Social Support Survey. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2015; 54:2355-66. [PMID: 25680423 PMCID: PMC4537396 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
While spirituality and religious practices are important in coping with illness or other crises, there are few ways of assessing support that people receive from members of their spiritual communities. The goal of this study was to validate a new spiritual support subscale for the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS). Questions for the subscale were formed based on responses of 135 breast cancer survivors who were interviewed about their cancer experience. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in four specific factors for the MOS-SSS: emotional/informational, tangible, affectionate, and spiritual support. The new spiritual support subscale has adequate reliability and validity and may be useful in assessing an area of support that is not always addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen G Levine
- Department of Psychology, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- , P.O. Box 2278, Castro Valley, CA, 94546, USA.
| | - Stephen Vong
- San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Grace J Yoo
- Department of Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Anyfantakis D, Symvoulakis EK, Linardakis M, Shea S, Panagiotakos D, Lionis C. Effect of religiosity/spirituality and sense of coherence on depression within a rural population in Greece: the Spili III project. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:173. [PMID: 26205468 PMCID: PMC4513393 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research has addressed the hypothesis that religiosity/spirituality and sense of coherence buffer the negative effects of stress on numerous health issues. The aim of the current study was to further this work by exploring potential links between psycho-social factors such as religiosity/spirituality and sense of coherence with depression. METHODS A total number of 220 subjects of the SPILI III cohort (1988-2012) attending a primary care setting in the town of Spili on rural Crete represented the target group. All participants underwent a standardized procedure. Validated questionnaires were used to evaluate sense of coherence, depression levels and religious and spiritual beliefs. A multiple linear regression analysis of the Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI) in relation to demographic characteristics, scores on the Royal Free Interview for Spiritual and Religious Beliefs scale (RFI-SRB) and Sense of Coherence scale (SOC) was performed. RESULTS A significant inverse association was found between BDI and RFI-SRB scale (B-coef = -0.6999, p < 0.001), as well as among BDI and SOC scale (B-coef = -0.556, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current observational study indicate that highly religious participants are less likely to score high in the depression scale. Furthermore, participants with high SOC scored significantly lower in the BDI scale. Further research is required in order to explore the potential effect of SOC and religiosity/spirituality on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Anyfantakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete Greece
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Preventive Medicine & Nutrition Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Sue Shea
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | | | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Steffen PR. Perfectionism and life aspirations in intrinsically and extrinsically religious individuals. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2014; 53:945-958. [PMID: 23435828 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-013-9692-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Religiosity is related to positive health and life satisfaction but the pathways through which this occurs have not been clearly delineated. The purpose of this study was to examine potential mediators of the relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity and negative affect and life satisfaction. Perfectionism and life aspirations are two possible pathways through which religious orientation is related to outcome. It was hypothesized that adaptive perfectionism and intrinsic life aspirations would act as mediators between intrinsic religiosity and negative affect and life satisfaction, and that maladaptive perfectionism and extrinsic life aspirations would act as mediators between the extrinsic religiosity and negative affect and life satisfaction. Two consecutive samples of religious college students (N = 540 and N = 485) completed measures of the Age Universal Religious Orientation Index, the Frost Multi-Dimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Aspiration Index, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Intrinsic religiosity had a direct negative relationship with negative affect and positive relationship with life satisfaction. Contrary to the hypotheses, intrinsic religiosity had its strongest indirect effect via maladaptive perfectionism such that increased intrinsic religiosity was related to decreased maladaptive perfectionism which in turn lead to better negative affect and life satisfaction. Extrinsic religiosity was related to increased maladaptive perfectionism and thereby indirectly contributed to worse negative affect and life satisfaction. Interestingly, when the effects of maladaptive perfectionism were controlled, the direct effects of extrinsic religiosity were related to reduced negative affect and increased life satisfaction. Overall, the strongest mediator in this study of both intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity was maladaptive perfectionism, with intrinsic religiosity related to decreased maladaptive perfectionism and extrinsic religiosity related to increased maladaptive perfectionism.
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Stroope S, Baker JO. Structural and cultural sources of community in American congregations. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2014; 45:1-17. [PMID: 24576623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Religious institutions are among the deepest reservoirs of social belonging in America, but what determines whether belonging is cultivated in these institutions? Previous research shows that individuals' social network composition is a primary predictor of feelings of belonging. However, less is known about how group characteristics condition the influence of social networks on belonging. We use data from the 2001 U.S. Congregational Life Survey and multilevel modeling to examine how organizational characteristics such as group size, in-group network density, and aggregate ideological uniformity moderate the effects of individual social networks on sense of belonging. Results indicate that both structural (network density, church size) and cultural (ideology) characteristics of groups significantly condition the effects of individual social networks on belonging. Smaller group size, network density, and ideological unity cultivate contexts that amplify the relationship between personal networks and belonging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Stroope
- Department of Sociology, Louisiana State University, United States.
| | - Joseph O Baker
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, East Tennessee State University, United States
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24
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Branco K, Crane J. Religiousness, Coping Styles, and Situational Optimism Among Nursing Home Residents. JOURNAL OF RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY & AGING 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15528030.2013.807485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hatala AR. Towards a Biopsychosocial–Spiritual Approach in Health Psychology: Exploring Theoretical Orientations and Future Directions. JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2013.776448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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26
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Fitchett G, Benjamins MR, Skarupski KA, Mendes de Leon CF. Worship attendance and the disability process in community-dwelling older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2013; 68:235-45. [PMID: 23325504 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbs165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the contribution of religious involvement to age-related declines in health by examining the association of worship attendance with measures of different stages in the disability continuum. METHOD Participants included 5,863 Black and White older adults from the Chicago Health and Aging Project. Worship attendance was coded in 3 levels: very frequent (several times a week or more), frequent (several times a month), and infrequent (several times a year or less). Measures of disability included self-reported instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and activities of daily living (ADL) disability as well as observed physical function. RESULTS In multiple regression models adjusted for demographic factors, compared with those with infrequent worship attendance, those with frequent or very frequent attendance had lower levels of IADL and ADL disability and higher levels of physical performance at baseline. These associations remained significant in models that adjusted for health and cognitive status. There was no association between frequency of worship attendance and change in disability or physical function over time. DISCUSSION These results suggest that more frequent worship attendance does not contribute to slowing the progress of disability in late life. Future research is needed to better understand the development of the differences in disability associated with worship attendance observed at baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Fitchett
- Department of Religion, Health, and Human Values, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
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27
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Mouch CA, Sonnega AJ. Spirituality and recovery from cardiac surgery: a review. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2012; 51:1042-1060. [PMID: 22592500 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-012-9612-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A large research literature attests to the positive influence of spirituality on a range of health outcomes. Recently, a growing literature links spirituality to improved recovery from cardiac surgery. Cardiac surgery has become an increasingly common procedure in the United States, so these results may provide a promising indication for improved treatment of patients undergoing surgery. To our knowledge, a comprehensive review of the literature in this area does not exist. Therefore, this paper reviews the literature relevant to the influence of spirituality on recovery from cardiac surgery. In addition, it proposes a conceptual model that attempts to explicate relationships among the variables studied in the research on this topic. Finally, it discusses limitations, suggests directions for future research, and discusses implications for the treatment of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
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Hale-Smith A, Park CL, Edmondson D. Measuring beliefs about suffering: development of the views of suffering scale. Psychol Assess 2012; 24:855-66. [PMID: 22369650 PMCID: PMC3695743 DOI: 10.1037/a0027399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Efforts to measure religion have intensified, and many specific dimensions have been identified. However, although belief is a core dimension of all world religions, little attention has been given to assessment of religious beliefs. In particular, 1 essential set of religious beliefs, those concerning the reasons for human suffering, has remained virtually unexamined despite the potential clinical relevance of these beliefs. To fill the need for a measure of people's beliefs about suffering, we developed the Views of Suffering Scale (VOSS). Analyses identified factors related to traditional Christian teachings, unorthodox theistic beliefs, karma, and randomness. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability for VOSS subscale scores were good (αs and rs ≥ .70). Comparisons to measures of related constructs suggest that the VOSS scores demonstrate good convergent validity. One subscale score was modestly correlated with social desirability related to image management, and 7 were positively correlated to self-deceptive enhancement. These preliminary studies suggest that the VOSS differentiates religious perspectives on suffering among a sample of U.S. university students, though more research is needed to confirm its utility in diverse populations. The VOSS provides a valid way to measure individuals' beliefs about suffering, allowing for inquiry into the factors that lead to various beliefs about suffering and the roles of these beliefs in adjusting to stressful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hale-Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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Garrido MM, Idler EL, Leventhal H, Carr D. Pathways from religion to advance care planning: beliefs about control over length of life and end-of-life values. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2012; 53:801-16. [PMID: 23161430 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gns128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the extent to which religious affiliation and self-identified religious importance affect advance care planning (ACP) via beliefs about control over life length and end-of-life values. DESIGN AND METHODS Three hundred and five adults aged 55 and older from diverse racial and socioeconomic groups seeking outpatient care in New Jersey were surveyed. Measures included discussion of end-of-life preferences; living will (LW) completion; durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPAHC) appointment; religious affiliation; importance of religion; and beliefs about who/what controls life length, end-of-life values, health status, and sociodemographics. RESULTS Of the sample, 68.9% had an informal discussion and 46.2% both discussed their preferences and did formal ACP (LW and/or DPAHC). Conservative Protestants and those placing great importance on religion/spirituality had a lower likelihood of ACP. These associations were largely accounted for by beliefs about God's controlling life length and values for using all available treatments. IMPLICATIONS Beliefs and values about control account for relationships between religiosity and ACP. Beliefs and some values differ by religious affiliation. As such, congregations may be one nonclinical setting in which ACP discussions could be held, as individuals with similar attitudes toward the end of life could discuss their treatment preferences with those who share their views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Garrido
- Address correspondence to Melissa M. Garrido, James J Peters VA Medical Center, 130W. Kingsbridge Road, GRECC, Bronx, NY 10468. E-mail:
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Abstract
This study used stress coping theory to examine the effects of spirituality and religion on depression among a sample of Latino family members caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. Participants consisted of 209 Latino caregivers (CGs) drawn from baseline data from the Resource for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health (REACH) II clinical trial. The findings indicate that church attendance moderates the relationship between subjective forms of stress and depression in tandem with exhibiting direct effects on depression. Consistent with the central role religion plays in Latino culture, the results imply that religious involvement may play an important role in mitigating depression through indirect and direct pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Sun
- Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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31
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Rote S, Hill TD, Ellison CG. Religious attendance and loneliness in later life. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2012; 53:39-50. [PMID: 22555887 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gns063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Studies show that loneliness is a major risk factor for health issues in later life. Although research suggests that religious involvement can protect against loneliness, explanations for this general pattern are underdeveloped and undertested. In this paper, we propose and test a theoretical model, which suggests that social integration and social support are key mechanisms that link religious attendance and loneliness. DESIGN AND METHODS To formally test our theoretical model, we use data from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project (2005/2006), a large national probability sample of older adults aged 57-85 years. RESULTS We find that religious attendance is associated with higher levels of social integration and social support and that social integration and social support are associated with lower levels of loneliness. A series of mediation tests confirm our theoretical model. IMPLICATIONS Taken together, our results suggest that involvement in religious institutions may protect against loneliness in later life by integrating older adults into larger and more supportive social networks. Future research should test whether these processes are valid across theoretically relevant subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunshine Rote
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2270, USA.
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Steffen PR. Approaching Religiosity/Spirituality and Health from the Eudaimonic Perspective. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Religious social capital: its measurement and utility in the study of the social determinants of health. Soc Sci Med 2011; 73:759-67. [PMID: 21802182 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As a social determinant of health, religiosity remains not well understood, despite the prevalence of religious activity and prominence of religious institutions in most societies. This paper introduces a working measure of Religious Social Capital and presents preliminary associations with neighborhood social capital and urban stressors. Religious social capital is defined as the social resources available to individuals and groups through their social connections with a religious community. Domains covered include group membership, social integration, values/norms, bonding/bridging trust as well as social support. Cross-sectional data come from a convenience sample of 104 community dwelling adults residing in a single urban neighborhood in a large US city, who also provided information on neighborhood social capital, and experiences of urban stressors. Results suggest that religious social capital is a valid construct that can be reliably measured. All indicators of religious social capital were higher among those who frequently attended religious services, with the exception of bridging trust (trust of people from different religious groups). A weak, inverse, association was also observed between religious and neighborhood social capital levels. Levels of religious social capital were correlated with higher levels of reported urban stressors, while neighborhood social capital was correlated with lower urban stressor levels. A significant percent of the sample was unaffiliated with a religious tradition and these individuals were more likely to be male, young and more highly educated. Social capital is a promising construct to help elucidate the influence of religion on population health.
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Stroope S. How culture shapes community: bible belief, theological unity, and a sense of belonging in religious congregations. THE SOCIOLOGICAL QUARTERLY 2011; 52:568-592. [PMID: 22175067 DOI: 10.1111/j.1533-8525.2011.01220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Feeling that you belong in a group is an important and powerful need. The ability to foster a sense of belonging can also determine whether groups survive. Organizational features of groups cultivate feelings of belonging, yet prior research fails to investigate the idea that belief systems also play a major role. Using multilevel data, this study finds that church members' traditional beliefs, group-level belief unity, and their interaction associate positively with members' sense of belonging. In fact, belief unity can be thought of as a “sacred canopy” under which the relationship between traditional beliefs and feelings of belonging thrives.
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Lionis C, Anyfantakis D, Symvoulakis EK, Shea S, Panagiotakos D, Castanas E. Bio-psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular disease in a rural population on Crete, Greece: formulating a hypothesis and designing the SPILI-III study. BMC Res Notes 2010; 3:258. [PMID: 20937097 PMCID: PMC2992030 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 1988, the SPILI project was established in order to evaluate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile of the inhabitants of Spili, in rural Crete, Greece. The first reports from this project revealed that against the unfavourable risk factors' profile observed, only a few men with a previous myocardial infarction were encountered. A follow-up study (SPILI II) was performed twelve years after the initial examination, and the unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile was re-confirmed. Presentation of the Hypothesis This paper presents a hypothesis formulated on the basis of previous research to investigate if dynamic psycho-social determinants, including social coherence of the local community, religiosity and spirituality, are protective against the development of coronary heart disease in a well-defined population. Testing the Hypothesis A follow-up examination of this Cretan cohort is currently being performed to assess the link between psychosocial factors and CVD. Psychosocial factors including sense of control, religiosity and spirituality are assessed in together with conventional CVD risk factors. Smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as dietary habits and activity levels are recorded. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as ultrasound measurement of carotid intima media thickness, a preclinical marker of atherosclerosis, will also be measured. Implications of the hypothesis tested The issue of the cardio-protective effect of psycho-social factors would be revisited based on the results of this Cretan cohort; nevertheless, further research is needed across different sub-populations in order to establish a definite relationship. A comprehensive approach based on the aspects of bio-social life may result in more accurate CVD risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece.
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Sternthal MJ, Williams DR, Musick MA, Buck AC. Depression, anxiety, and religious life: a search for mediators. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2010; 51:343-359. [PMID: 20943594 DOI: 10.1177/0022146510378237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We examine several potential mechanisms linking religious involvement to depressive symptoms, major depression, and anxiety. Logistic and OLS regression estimations test five sets of potential psychosocial religion mediators: perceived attitudes toward and motivations for attendance; positive and negative religious coping; religious attitudes, beliefs, and spirituality; congregational support and criticism; and interpersonal and self-forgiveness. Compared to attending services less than once a month or never, attending services once a week but no more is associated with fewer depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Hypothesized mediators, including meaning, interpersonal and self-forgiveness, congregational criticism, social attendance beliefs, and negative coping are independently associated with one or more mental health outcomes.
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