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Upenieks L, Chakraborty R, Hill TD. Sin in the Digital Flesh? Religiosity and the Sexting Behavior of Women and Men in the United States. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:3105-3133. [PMID: 38753133 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02059-8] [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: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Scholars have noted a rise in sexting behavior in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the association between religion and sexual behavior has been widely studied, researchers have yet to consider whether sexting behavior might vary according to levels of religiosity. Building on prior research, this study uses national survey data to formally test whether several dimensions of religiosity (religious attendance, divine control, and religious/spiritual struggles) are associated with the sexting behavior of women (n = 619, Mage = 40.28, SD = 11.50) and men (n = 548, Mage = 40.04, SD = 11.51). Results suggest that the odds of sexting are lower among women who report higher levels of in-person religious attendance (not virtual attendance) and greater perceptions of divine control. Among women and men, the odds of sexting are higher among those who report more religious/spiritual struggles. This study is among the first to show how various dimensions of religiosity might influence sexting behavior in different ways for women and men during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for future research to replicate our findings and to consider whether other dimensions of religiosity might also contribute to the likelihood of sexting in an increasingly digital world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, 97326 One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
| | - Rudra Chakraborty
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, 97326 One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Terrence D Hill
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
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Upenieks L, Bounds EM, Melton KK, Glanzer P, Schnitker SA. Trait Courage, Attachment to God, and Mental Well-Being Among U.S. Collegiate Athletes. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:2941-2962. [PMID: 38761338 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02054-z] [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: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, scholars and practitioners alike have devoted increased attention to the psychological well-being of student-athletes. However, to date, far less research has examined the role of virtues, religion, and spirituality in contributing to well-being in student-athlete populations. In this study, we attempt to address these gaps by (a) assessing the association between trait courage, an understudied virtue in the sporting realm, and mental well-being, and then (b) considering how student-athletes' attachment to God might moderate the association between trait courage and depressive symptoms. Drawing on a sample of 415 student-athletes from the USA, regression results illustrate that courage was not significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms among student-athletes. However, a secure attachment to God appeared to function as a compensatory resource for student-athletes lacking in courage. On the contrary, athletes with low trait courage but who reported greater avoidant attachment to God reported greater depressive symptoms. Taken together, a more positive relationship with God could help provide athletes with lower trait courage a way to find meaning and strength that helps them with emotion-regulation strategies to deal with the pressures within and beyond their sport. This study clearly shows that greater attention should be paid to the religious and spiritual development of student-athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, 97326 One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
| | - Elizabeth M Bounds
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Karen K Melton
- Department of Human Sciences and Design, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Perry Glanzer
- Department of Educational Leadership, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Schnitker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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DeAngelis R, Upenieks L, Louie P. Religious Involvement and Allostatic Resilience: Findings from a Community Study of Black and White Americans. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:137-149. [PMID: 36598753 PMCID: PMC10754255 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Wide inequities in stress and health have been documented between Black and White women and men in the United States. This study asks: How does religion factor into these inequities? We approach this open question from a biopsychosocial perspective, developing three hypotheses for the stress-coping effects of religiosity between groups. We then test our hypotheses with survey and biomarker data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011-2014), a probability sample of Black and White women and men from Davidson County, Tennessee. We find that Black women score the highest on all indicators of religiosity, followed by Black men, White women, and White men. We also find that increased divine control and religious coping predict higher levels of resiliency biomarkers for Black women only and lower levels for White respondents, especially White men. We discuss how our findings inform broader population health inequities and outline several avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed DeAngelis
- Department of Sociology and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 155 Pauli Murray Hall CB #3210, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Patricia Louie
- Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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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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Upenieks L, Ellison CG. Changes in Religiosity and Reliance on God During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Protective Role Under Conditions of Financial Strain? REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH 2023; 64:853-881. [PMID: 36618767 PMCID: PMC9807095 DOI: 10.1007/s13644-022-00523-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most devastating disasters of the twenty-first century and has exacted a steep health and economic toll. During times of suffering caused by the pandemic, religion/spirituality may prove to be a consistent and valuable coping resource. PURPOSE We situate changes in religious importance and reliance on God as key aspects of religious life that may be important coping mechanisms in response to pandemic-related financial hardship, addressing a gap in the literature on religious coping during the pandemic and considering self-reported changes in religiosity. METHODS We use data from a nationally representative sample of Americans that was collected in 2021 (N = 1704) and employ a series of OLS Regression Models. RESULTS Our results suggest that relying more heavily on God was associated with lower psychological distress, and a stronger reliance on God buffered the deleterious consequences of financial strain on psychological distress. No such patterns were documented for religious importance. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We discuss our findings within the broader religion and health literature as to whether secondary control via a divine power reduces or enhances individual agency and discuss religion/spirituality may be a consistent and valuable coping resource through adversity and suffering. Though it may be challenging to maintain, or increase, religious/spiritual beliefs in the face of adversity, that there were observed benefits to well-being for doing so could serve as insightful guidance for both religious leaders and R/S individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97326, Waco, TX 76798 USA
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Hill TD, Bostean G, Upenieks L, Bartkowski JP, Ellison CG, Burdette AM. (Un)holy Smokes? Religion and Traditional and E-Cigarette Use in the United States. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 62:906-931. [PMID: 36520262 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study employed national cross-sectional survey data from the 2021 Crime, Health, and Politics Survey (n = 1578 to 1735) to model traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use as a function of religious affiliation, general religiosity, biblical literalism, religious struggles, and the sense of divine control. Although the odds of abstaining from cigarettes and e-cigarettes were comparable for conservative Protestants and non-affiliates, conservative Protestants were more likely to cut down on cigarettes and e-cigarettes during the pandemic. Religiosity increased the odds of abstaining from cigarettes (not e-cigarettes) and reduced pandemic consumption of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Biblical literalism was unrelated to abstaining from cigarettes and pandemic changes in cigarette use; however, biblical literalists were more likely to cut e-cigarette use during the pandemic. While the sense of divine control was unrelated to abstaining from cigarettes and e-cigarettes, these beliefs increased the odds of cessation from traditional and e-cigarette use. Finally, our religious struggles index was unrelated to smoking behavior. Our study is among the first to report any association between religion and lower e-cigarette use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence D Hill
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249-1644, USA.
| | - Georgiana Bostean
- Department of Sociology and Environmental Science & Policy Program, Chapman University, Orange, USA
| | | | - John P Bartkowski
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | | | - Amy M Burdette
- Department of Sociology and Public Health Program, Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA
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Upenieks L. Perceptions of Dignity, Attachment to God, and Mental Health in a National US Sample. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:3615-3636. [PMID: 35426543 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dignity is a human characteristic equated with real worth, a sense of moral and social personhood, and should have clear links to mental well-being. Empirical work on perceived dignity is relatively scant, but it stands to reason that one source of dignity might be gathered through religion/spirituality, especially through one's relationship with God or a divine power. In this study, we test whether attachment to God may protect against the hypothesized negative mental health consequences of having low perceptions of dignity. Using nationally representative data from the 2017 Baylor Religion Survey (N = 1375), we find that lower perceptions of dignity were associated with higher depression and anxiety. We found that for respondents with low self-perceptions of dignity, stronger feelings of secure attachment to God attenuated (weakened) the otherwise positive association between low dignity and greater depression and anxiety. Taken together, a secure attachment to God could lead believers to confront challenges and problems, including one's dignity being undermined, with confidence and security. We offer future directions for research on an understudied concept in the religion and health literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, 97326 One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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Upenieks L. Spiritual support and well-being in later life: revisiting the role of god-mediated control. JOURNAL OF RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY & AGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15528030.2022.2045664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Louie P, Upenieks L, Erving CL, Thomas Tobin CS. Do Racial Differences in Coping Resources Explain the Black-White Paradox in Mental Health? A Test of Multiple Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 63:55-70. [PMID: 34549645 PMCID: PMC10624509 DOI: 10.1177/00221465211041031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A central paradox in the mental health literature is the tendency for black Americans to report similar or better mental health than white Americans despite experiencing greater stress exposure. However, black Americans' higher levels of certain coping resources may explain this finding. Using data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (n = 1,186), we examine whether black Americans have higher levels of self-esteem, social support, religious attendance, and divine control than white Americans and whether these resources, in turn, explain the black-white paradox in mental health. In adjusted models, the black-white paradox holds for depressive symptoms and any DSM-IV disorder. Findings indicate that black Americans have higher levels of self-esteem, family social support, and religiosity than white Americans. Causal mediation techniques reveal that self-esteem has the largest effect in explaining black-white differences in depressive symptoms, whereas divine control has the largest effect in explaining differences in disorder.
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Upenieks L. Resilience in the Aftermath of Childhood Abuse? Changes in Religiosity and Adulthood Psychological Distress. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:2677-2701. [PMID: 33405092 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Of all the forms of adversity experienced during childhood, childhood abuse is known to have the largest impacts on mental health. Yet, we have a limited understanding of factors that may cushion the blow of these early insults, and it remains unclear whether stability or increases/decreases in religiosity facilitate or hinder the ability of religion/spirituality to act as a buffer. Using two waves of MIDUS data, results suggest that increases in positive religious coping (seeking comfort through religion/spirituality) during adulthood buffer the association between childhood physical and emotional abuse on psychological distress, while decreases in religious comfort exacerbate it. Religious attendance had no discernible buffering effect. Taken together, results show that the stress-moderating effects of religion depend on changes in religious coping processes over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Upenieks
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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Jung JH. Do positive reappraisals moderate the association between childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health? J Ment Health 2021; 30:341-348. [PMID: 33502922 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.1875411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-established that childhood emotional abuse is associated with poor mental health in adulthood. Yet, less is known about the ways that this association is contingent upon psychological resources. AIMS The purpose of this study is to examine whether positive reappraisals moderate the association between childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health. METHODS This study employs regression analyses using nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 1995-1996 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (N = 3,034). RESULTS The analysis shows that childhood emotional abuse is positively associated with negative affect whereas it is negatively associated with positive affect in adulthood. Yet, positive reappraisals reduce the positive association between childhood emotional abuse and negative affect. Similarly, positive reappraisals weaken the negative association between childhood emotional abuse and positive affect. CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that positive reappraisals act as a countervailing mechanism that buffers the deleterious association of childhood emotional abuse with adult mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyun Jung
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Schuurmans-Stekhoven JB. Auspicious or suspicious - Does religiosity really promote elder well-being? Examining the belief-as-benefit effect among older Japanese. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2018; 81:129-135. [PMID: 30554036 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that the belief-as-benefit effect (BABE) - the positive association between religiosity and health/well-being - is a spurious correlation voided by personality traits. The current paper investigates the cross-sectional relationships among personality, religiosity and psychological well-being in an older adult sample randomly-selected from Tokyo, Japan. Correlation and Hierarchical Regression Modelling (HRM)-with a two one-sided test (TOST) of equivalence-is utilized. The standard BABE correlation is reproduced. However, HRM utilizing a meaningful benchmark of effect (β ≥ .15) largely neuters the result after controlling for trait agreeableness and conscientiousness. Religiosity does remain statistically related to the purpose in life and positive relationships sub-scales; though it explains just a sliver of variance in both instances. Compared to religiosity, agreeableness, conscientiousness and education level were more substantial and consistent well-being predictors. Whether religiosity auspices the psychological health of older Japanese adults thus remains to be established.
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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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Does Religious Involvement Mitigate the Effects of Major Discrimination on the Mental Health of African Americans? Findings from the Nashville Stress and Health Study. RELIGIONS 2017; 8. [PMID: 35991943 PMCID: PMC9390084 DOI: 10.3390/rel8090195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several decades of scholarly research have revealed the significant toll of discrimination experiences on the well-being of African Americans. Given these findings, investigators have become increasingly interested in uncovering any potential resources made available to African Americans for mitigating the psychosocial strains of discrimination. The current study contributes to this literature by testing whether various indicators of religious involvement—e.g., church attendance, prayer, and religious social support—buffer the noxious effects of major discrimination experiences on the mental health outcomes (i.e., depression and life satisfaction) of African Americans. We analyze data from the African American subsample (n = 627) of Vanderbilt University’s Nashville Stress and Health Study, a cross-sectional probability sample of adults living in Davidson County, Tennessee between the years 2011 and 2014. Results from multivariate regression models indicated (1) experiences of major discrimination were positively associated with depression and negatively associated with life satisfaction, net of religious and sociodemographic controls; and (2) religious social support offset and buffered the adverse effects of major discrimination on both mental health outcomes, particularly for those respondents who reported seeking support the most often. We discuss the implications and limitations of our study, as well as avenues for future research.
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