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Lassiter JM, Mims I. "The Awesomeness and the Vastness of Who You Really Are:" A Culturally Distinct Framework for Understanding the Link Between Spirituality and Health for Black Sexual Minority Men. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:3076-3097. [PMID: 34138442 PMCID: PMC9314292 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01297-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite health inequities, many Black sexual minority men are resilient and often utilize spirituality as a culturally distinct self-protective and self-enhancing resource to maintain their health. However, little is known about how spirituality impacts health within a cultural framework that is specific to Black sexual minority men. We conducted 10 individual in-depth interviews, reaching code saturation, with Black sexual minority men across the USA. Our study was guided by grounded theory and a Black psychology theoretical framework. Seven themes were discovered and revealed that participants' level of spiritual consciousness influenced their engagement in psychological and behavioral processes that were related to mental and physical health. These themes were: (a) suboptimal worldview, (b) emotional revelation, (c) emotional emancipation, (d) emotional regulation, (e) health motivations, (f) health behaviors, and (g) links between spiritual consciousness, mental health, and physical health. Implications of these findings for clinicians and researchers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivie Mims
- Department of Psychology, Muhlenberg College, 2400 W. Chew Street, Allentown, PA, 18104, USA
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2
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Taylor RJ, Skipper AD, Ellis JM, Chatters LM. Church-Based Emotional Support and Negative Interactions Among Older African Americans and Black Caribbeans. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:2006-2015. [PMID: 35218658 PMCID: PMC9683488 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates church-based informal social support among older African Americans and Black Caribbeans. In particular, we examine the correlates of receiving emotional support as well as negative interactions (e.g., criticisms) from church members. METHODS The analysis is based on the older African American (n = 829) and Black Caribbean (n = 271) subsample of the National Survey of American Life. The analysis utilizes multiple group structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a model of church support networks. RESULTS There were no significant differences between older African Americans and older Black Caribbeans in the frequency of service attendance, contact with church members (seeing, writing, talking), emotional support from church members, or negative interactions with church members. However, a comparison of SEM analysis indicates that the number and pattern of relationships are different. For instance, among African Americans church attendance was associated with emotional support, but among Black Caribbeans attendance did not have a direct or indirect effect on emotional support. Our findings also indicate that among older African Americans, women attend religious services more frequently and both receive emotional support and engage in negative interactions with church members more frequently than men. Among Black Caribbeans, however, men attend religious services less frequently than women but also have more negative interactions with church members. DISCUSSION For both African American and Black Caribbean older adults, church members are an important element of their social support networks. Our analysis also underscores the importance of contact with church members for receiving emotional support for both populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Joseph Taylor
- Address correspondence to: Robert Joseph Taylor, PhD, MSW, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. E-mail:
| | - Antonius D Skipper
- The Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James M Ellis
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA,Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Finch AJ, Ringel JB, Dargar S, Halladay J, Cene C, Cherrington A, Cummings D, Safford MM. Greater Social Functioning Associated With Lower Depressive Symptomatology Among Black Belt African Americans Enrolled in the Southeastern Collaboration to Improve Blood Pressure Control Study. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2022; 24:21m02988. [PMID: 35114739 PMCID: PMC10038214 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.21m02988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In many populations, higher social functioning is associated with lower depressive symptomatology, which in turn is associated with improved cardiovascular health. This study aimed to establish an association between social functioning and depressive symptomatology, which has not yet been demonstrated in the African American Black Belt. This would be an important finding in a region with high cardiovascular morbidity. Methods: This observational study used baseline data from 1,225 African American Black Belt residents with uncontrolled hypertension in the Southeastern Collaboration to Improve Blood Pressure Control (SEC) trial. Three Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires-the emotional support, instrumental support, and social isolation questionnaires-and marital status assessed social functioning. The 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire assessed depressive symptomatology. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between social functioning and depressive symptomatology separately and then simultaneously. Data were collected from May 2017 to April 2021. Results: Social functioning was higher than US-reported averages, and the prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptomatology was low (20.8%) among primary care populations. In a separate model, lower emotional support, lower instrumental support, and increased social isolation were significantly associated with greater depressive symptomatology (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% CI, 1.20-2.02; OR = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.01-1.77; and OR = 2.39, 95% CI, 1.81-3.16, respectively). In a simultaneous model, only increased perceived social isolation remained significantly associated with greater depressive symptomatology (OR = 2.24, 95% CI, 1.67-3.00). Conclusions: Greater social functioning is associated with lower depressive symptom burden in the Black Belt region. Future research into the directionality of this association could assist in the development of interventions to improve regional mental and cardiovascular health. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02866669.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Finch
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Corresponding author: Anthony J. Finch, MD, 525 East 68th St, New York, NY 10065
| | - Joanna Bryan Ringel
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Savira Dargar
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Crystal Cene
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Monika M Safford
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Okruszek Ł, Piejka A, Żurek K. Take Me to (the Empty) Church? Social Networks, Loneliness and Religious Attendance in Young Polish Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:722-740. [PMID: 35041126 PMCID: PMC8764885 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A significant body of research supports the relationship between religious attendance, objective and subjective social networks characteristics, and mental well-being. This trajectory may be particularly important in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Thus, the current study examined the relationship between religious attendance, social network characteristics, loneliness, and mental well-being in a sample of 564 young adults (aged 18-35 years) soon after the first COVID-19-related restrictions were imposed in Poland. In line with previous findings, both frequent (FAs) and infrequent religious attenders (IAs) reported more people in their social networks compared to non-attenders (NAs). Further analysis revealed full mediation of religious attendance (FAs vs. NAs) via social network size on loneliness and mental well-being. This pattern of results was still observed after the exclusion of worship-based affiliates from the social network score. A follow-up survey carried out one year later (N = 94) showed that all three groups of participants (FAs, IAs, and NAs) reported increased loneliness and decreased mental well-being. Taken together, these findings show that the influence of religious attendance on social functioning cannot be attributed solely to congregational relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ł Okruszek
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 1 Jaracza Street, 00-387, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - A Piejka
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 1 Jaracza Street, 00-387, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Żurek
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 1 Jaracza Street, 00-387, Warsaw, Poland
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Salusky I, Tull M, Case AD, Soto-Nevarez A. Fostering Well-being through Social Support: The Role of Evangelical Communities in the Lives of Dominican Women of Haitian Descent. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 67:205-219. [PMID: 33078861 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Women of Haitian descent living in the Dominican Republic experience oppression due to their gender, ethnicity, and economic status. They also exhibit high rates of participation in evangelical Christian communities, a paradoxical finding given the restricted roles women have traditionally played in these settings. The goals of this study were to explore the perceived benefits of participation in evangelical communities and the setting characteristics that lead to these benefits. The research team interviewed 19 current and former church participants aged 18-59. Thematic analysis revealed three perceived benefits of congregational life. Participants viewed their participation as: (a) an opportunity for personal growth and development; (b) protective against negative social influences; and (c) providing social support in the face of life challenges. In addition, dependable, expected, and reciprocal relational support was a key characteristic of evangelical communities. Findings extend the current understanding of how religious communities enhance well-being for marginalized women through social support networks. Findings also explore the dialectical nature of settings as both empowering and disempowering. Implications for future interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Salusky
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary Tull
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D Case
- Department of Psychological Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
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Berkley-Patton J, Bowe Thompson C, Bauer AG, Berman M, Bradley-Ewing A, Goggin K, Catley D, Allsworth JE. A Multilevel Diabetes and CVD Risk Reduction Intervention in African American Churches: Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT) Feasibility and Outcomes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 7:1160-1171. [PMID: 32329033 PMCID: PMC7581562 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00740-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wide-reaching health promotion interventions are needed in influential, accessible community settings to address African American (AA) diabetes and CVD disparities. Most AAs are overweight/obese, which is a primary clinical risk factor for diabetes/CVD. Using a faith-community-engaged approach, this study examined feasibility and outcomes of Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT), a diabetes/CVD screening, prevention, and linkage to care pilot intervention to increase weight loss in AA church-populations at 8 months. Six churches were matched and randomized to multilevel FIT intervention or standard education control arms. Key multilevel religiously tailored FIT intervention components included: (a) individual self-help materials (e.g., risk checklists, pledge cards); (b) YMCA-facilitated weekly group Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) weight loss classes; (c) church service activities (e.g., sermons, responsive readings); and (d) church-community text/voice messages to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Health screenings (e.g., weight, blood pressure, blood glucose) were held during church services to identify participants with diabetes/CVD risks and refer them to their church's DPP class and linkage to care services. Participants (N = 352 church members and community members using churches' outreach ministries) were primarily female (67%) and overweight/obese (87%). Overall, FIT intervention participants were significantly more likely to achieve a > 5 lb weight loss (OR = 1.6; CI = 1.24, 2.01) than controls. Odds of intervention FIT-DPP participants achieving a > 5 lb weight loss were 3.6 times more than controls (p < .07). Exposure to sermons, text/email messages, brochures, commitment cards, and posters was significantly related to > 5 lb. weight loss. AA churches can feasibly assist in increasing reach and impact of diabetes/CVD risk reduction interventions with intensive weight loss components among at risk AA church-populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannette Berkley-Patton
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, and Psychology Department, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Carole Bowe Thompson
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Alexandria G Bauer
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, and Psychology Department, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Marcie Berman
- The Institute for Community Research, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Andrea Bradley-Ewing
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City; Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Delwyn Catley
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Children's Mercy Kansas City; Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jenifer E Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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7
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Forbes TH, Hodgson J, Crespo J, Jones E, Hardee S. Putting the Pieces Together: An Exploration of Diabetes Ketoacidosis Readmissions. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-020-09551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Salma J, Salami B. "Growing Old is not for the Weak of Heart": Social isolation and loneliness in Muslim immigrant older adults in Canada. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:615-623. [PMID: 31750986 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increase in global migration means more immigrants are ageing in host countries with unique experiences and needs. Muslim immigrants in Canada are from diverse ethnocultural communities and experience unmet health and social needs in older age. A community-based participatory research project was conducted in Alberta, Canada, in 2017-2018 to understand the experiences and needs of healthy ageing in this population. A community advisory committee participated in all phases of the research project including initial framing of the research focus, recruitment, data collection and data analysis. In total, 67 older adults and stakeholders from South Asian, Arab and African Muslim communities participated in one of 23 individual interviews or seven focus group discussions over a 1-year period. Participants were asked about their experiences of growing old in Canada, unmet health and social needs, and community perspectives on healthy ageing. All data were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Interpreters were used for non-English speaking participants. Data were thematically analysed with a focus on social isolation and loneliness. Using an exclusion lens two major themes were identified: (a) intersections of exclusion: ageism, sexism, racism, and; (b) strategies for inclusion: local, national, transnational. Findings highlight both the vulnerability of Muslim immigrant older adults and their capacity for agency. The study findings point to the intersecting influences of exclusionary practices on social isolation and loneliness in immigrant older adults and the need to incorporate an exclusion lens in developing social policies and programs for healthy ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Salma
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Hope MO, Taggart T, Galbraith-Gyan KV, Nyhan K. Black Caribbean Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review of Religion and Health. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:431-451. [PMID: 31828596 PMCID: PMC7722983 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00932-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Religion, a prominent factor among Black diasporic communities, influences their health outcomes. Given the increase in Black Caribbeans living in the United States, it is important to understand how religion's function among different ethnic groups of Black Americans. We systematically reviewed four databases and included articles of any study design if they (a) focused on the religious experiences of emerging adults (18-29 years) identifying as Black Caribbean in the United States, in light of medical, public health, or mental health outcomes, and (b) were published before November 30, 2018. Study results contribute to future studies' conceptualization and measurement of religion among Black Caribbean emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith O Hope
- National Center for Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan, 610 East University Avenue, Suite 3338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Tamara Taggart
- Department of Prevention & Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kayoll V Galbraith-Gyan
- School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Robinson Hall, 336 Huntingdon Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, P.O. Box 208014, New Haven, CT, 06520-8014, USA
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10
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A Qualitative Exploration of Religion, Gender Norms, and Sexual Decision-Making within African American Faith-Based Communities. SEX ROLES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-019-01047-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Salma J, Salami B. “We Are Like Any Other People, but We Don’t Cry Much Because Nobody Listens”: The Need to Strengthen Aging Policies and Service Provision for Minorities in Canada. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:279-290. [DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
This study explores the aging experiences and needs of immigrant Muslim communities in an urban center in Alberta, Canada. Over one million Muslims live in Canada, with the majority being immigrants and visible minorities. Aging-focused policies and services have yet to address the needs of this population as larger cohorts begin to enter older age.
Research Design and Methods
A community-based participatory research approach was adopted with a community advisory committee co-leading all aspects of the research process. Sixty-seven older adults and stakeholders from diverse ethnocultural immigrant Muslim communities participated in either individual interviews or one of the seven focus groups (2017–2018). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with a focus on factors that support or hinder positive aging experiences in this population.
Results
Participants not only described the benefits of growing old in Canada but also identified unique challenges stemming from their social positioning as religious minorities, immigrants, and older adults. We highlight these experiences in three themes: (a) aging while living across places, (b) negotiating access to aging-supportive resources in a time of scarcity, and (c) re-envisioning Islamic approaches to eldercare.
Discussion and Implications
Immigrant Muslim communities report inequities experienced by older community members. There is a need for an in-depth analysis of the ways aging and migration policies intersect to influence the resources that immigrant minorities have access to as they grow old in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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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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Park CL, Holt CL, Le D, Christie J, Williams BR. Positive and Negative Religious Coping Styles as Prospective Predictors of Well-Being in African Americans. PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY 2018; 10:318-326. [PMID: 30505376 PMCID: PMC6261495 DOI: 10.1037/rel0000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on religious coping has proliferated in recent years, but many key questions remain, including the independent effects of positive and negative religious coping styles on well-being over time. Further, little research on religious coping styles has been conducted with African Americans in spite of their documented importance in this population. The present study examined the independent prospective effects on well-being of positive and negative religious coping styles over the subsequent 2.5 years in a national sample of African American community-dwelling adults. Well-being indicators included depressive symptoms and positive and negative affect as well as self-esteem and meaning in life. Results indicated that when considering positive and negative religious coping styles together, baseline positive religious coping consistently and positively predicted the well-being indicators 2.5 years later, while negative religious coping consistently and negatively predicted the well-being indicators 2.5 years later. These effects remained when examining change in well-being levels over time, although they attenuated in magnitude. Finally, negative religious coping more strongly predicted the negative aspects of well-being (e.g., depressive symptoms, negative affect) 2.5 years later than did positive religious coping, an effect that also remained but was attenuated when controlling for baseline levels of well-being. These results highlight the nuanced relationships between both positive and negative religious coping styles and positive and negative aspects of well-being over time among African Americans. Future research might usefully examine how to minimize negative effects and capitalize on the salutary effects of positive religious coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
| | - Cheryl L Holt
- Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Daisy Le
- Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Juliette Christie
- Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park
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Malinakova K, Madarasova Geckova A, van Dijk JP, Kalman M, Tavel P, Reijneveld SA. Adolescent religious attendance and spirituality-Are they associated with leisure-time choices? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198314. [PMID: 29912957 PMCID: PMC6005561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spirituality and religious attendance (RA) have been associated with personal attitudes and values, and this may affect lifestyle. The aim of this study was to explore their association with adolescent leisure-time choices in a highly secular environment. METHODS A nationally representative sample of adolescents (n = 4,182, 14.4±1.1 years, 48.6% boys) participated in the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children cross-sectional study. We measured RA, spirituality (adjusted shortened version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale), excessive television, computer games, and internet use, as well as participation in organized leisure-time activities. RESULTS Compared to non-attending and non-spiritual respondents, respectively, both attending respondents and spiritual respondents were less likely to watch television and play computer games excessively, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 0.6 (95% confidence interval 0.5-0.8) to 0.92 (0.9-0.99). Only attending and only spiritual respondents were more likely to use the internet excessively, but this was not the case for those that were both attending and spiritual. Moreover, religious and spiritual respondents were more likely to be involved in at least one organised activity. ORs were 2.9 (1.9-4.3) for RA and 1.3 (1.2-1.4) for spirituality compared to their counterparts. The same pattern was observed for sporting and non-sporting activities combined (ORs 4.6 (3.0-7.1) and 1.5 (1.4-1.7), respectively) and regularly reading books or playing a musical instrument. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent RA and spirituality are associated with a more active way of spending leisure-time. Further research should focus on understanding potential mechanisms that underlie these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Madarasova Geckova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Active Living, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jitse P. van Dijk
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kalman
- Institute of Active Living, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Sijmen A. Reijneveld
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Story CR, Knutson D, Brown JB, Spears-Laniox E, Harvey IS, Gizlice Z, Whitt-Glover MC. Changes in social support over time in a faith-based physical activity intervention. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2017; 32:513-523. [PMID: 29126170 PMCID: PMC5914453 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyx062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
African-American women report higher levels of chronic conditions and church attendance relative to the overall US population. Therefore, efforts have increased over the past decade to design church-based health promotion programs. The present study compared changes in religiosity, religious social support and general social support across time within a church-based physical activity study. In a clustered randomized controlled trial, 31 churches and ∼15 African-American women per church were recruited to participate. Churches were randomized to one of three 10-month programs to promote physical activity: faith-integrated (FI), non-faith integrated (NFI) or self-guided control program (C). Comparisons were made between baseline and 10-month time points to assess differences over time. A significant reduction in general social support was observed across all groups. Private religious practices and religious emotional support received increases in C and FI, respectively. Prior research findings and the current study highlight difficulty in demonstrating strong, unilateral changes in religiosity, social support and health. Additional research is needed to identify more accurate measures of these concepts. Findings from the current study have implications for the role of social support in future church-based health promotion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra R Story
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Douglas Knutson
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Jameisha B Brown
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Erica Spears-Laniox
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Idethia Shevon Harvey
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ziya Gizlice
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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16
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Holt CL, Roth DL, Huang J, Clark EM. Role of religious social support in longitudinal relationships between religiosity and health-related outcomes in African Americans. J Behav Med 2017; 41:62-73. [PMID: 28776192 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-017-9877-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study tested a longitudinal model of religious social support as a potential mediator of the relationship between religious beliefs and behaviors, and multiple health-related outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, functioning, diet, alcohol use, cancer screening). A national probability sample of African Americans enrolled in the religion and health in African Americans study completed three waves of telephone interviews over a 5-year period (N = 766). Longitudinal structural equation models indicated that religious behaviors, but not beliefs, predicted the slowing of a modest overall decline in positive religious social support, while negative interactions with congregational members were stable. Positive religious support was associated with lower depressive symptoms and heavy drinking over time, while negative interaction predicted increases in depressive symptoms and decreases in emotional functioning. Positive religious support mediated the relationship between religious behaviors and depressive symptoms and heavy drinking. Findings have implications for mental health interventions in faith-based settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Holt
- School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, 1234W School of Public Health Building (255), College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - David L Roth
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jin Huang
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eddie M Clark
- Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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17
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Hope MO, Assari S, Cole-Lewis YC, Caldwell CH. Religious Social Support, Discrimination, and Psychiatric Disorders among Black Adolescents. RACE AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS 2017; 9:102-114. [PMID: 32089748 PMCID: PMC7034935 DOI: 10.1007/s12552-016-9192-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Discrimination is a common experience for Black youth that can jeopardize their mental health. However, research suggests that various dimensions of religion have positive effects on youths' mental health and well-being. Additionally, exposure to discrimination may vary by youths' socio-demographic factors, such as gender and ethnicity. Numerous studies identify the protective effects of emotional and tangible religious social support on the mental health of Black adults reporting discrimination. Conversely, fewer studies address the influence of emotional and tangible religious social support on mental health for Black adolescents experiencing discrimination, while also accounting for socio-demographic heterogeneity among Black adolescents. Historically, religion has played an instrumental role in the diverse narratives of the Black Diaspora in the United States. It is important to account for its potential protective effects for Black youth. Examining these factors using a compensatory risk and resilience model, our study finds that Black adolescents who experience discrimination are also more likely to meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Additionally, those who report experiencing religious social support are less likely to meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. These findings were not moderated by the sociodemographic factors of race or ethnicity. To date, this investigation is one of the first to examine the effect of different types of religious social support in the presence of discrimination on psychiatric illness among African American and Caribbean Black adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture, and Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health
| | - Yasmin C. Cole-Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
| | - Cleopatra Howard Caldwell
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture, and Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health
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