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Lynn CD, Schell LM. Why religion and spirituality are important in human biological research. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24106. [PMID: 38767192 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of human biology includes exploration of all the genetic and environmental influences on human variation and life history, including impacts of sociocultural and physical environments. Religious practice and spirituality may be one of these influences. There are more than 5.8 billion religiously affiliated adults and children, accounting for 84% of the world's 6.9 billion people. Furthermore, 70% of Americans consider themselves spiritual in some way, including 22% who do not consider themselves religious, and the numbers for Europe are lower but proportionally similar. Such a high rate of religious affiliation and spiritual belief suggests that religion and spirituality could be sociocultural influences on human variation, but human biologists have scarcely attended to their impacts, as indicated by the limited numbers of relevant articles in the two flagship human biology journals. In this article, we discuss why human biologists may have overlooked this important force for human variability and highlight foundational work from human biology and other disciplines that can give our colleagues directions forward. We review the impacts of religion and spirituality at population and individual levels and call for human biologists to attend to the many aspects of religion and spirituality that can impact human biology and are much more than simply influences of denominational affiliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Lynn
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Lawrence M Schell
- Department of Anthropology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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Dominguez LJ, Veronese N, Barbagallo M. The link between spirituality and longevity. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:32. [PMID: 38341843 PMCID: PMC10859326 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02684-5] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
We are facing an inverted demographic pyramid with continuously growing aged populations around the world. However, the advances that prolong physical life not always contemplate its psychological and social dimensions. Longevity is a complex outcome influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, socio-economic conditions, and other environmental factors. These factors have been generally considered in the compelling research that seeks the determinants of longevity, particularly those concerning personal lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, and molecular mechanisms proposed to mediate these effects. Nonetheless, fundamental aspects that can affect health and well-being, such as spirituality and religiosity, have been somehow left aside despite numerous epidemiological studies showing that higher levels of spirituality/religiosity are associated with lower risk of mortality, even after adjusting for relevant confounders. Because spirituality/religiosity are dimensions of great value for patients, overlooking them can leave them with feelings of neglect and lack of connection with the health system and with the clinicians in charge of their care. Integrating spirituality and religiosity assessment and intervention programs into clinical care can help each person obtain better and complete well-being and also allowing clinicians to achieve the highest standards of health with holistic, person-centered care. The present narrative review aims to explore the available evidence of a relationship between spirituality/religiosity and longevity and discusses the possible mechanisms that can help explain such relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Barbagallo
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Upenieks L, Hill TD, Ford-Robertson J. Religion and Pandemic Weight Gain: A Refuge from the Storm? JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND THEOLOGY 2023; 51:392-411. [PMID: 38602957 PMCID: PMC10183346 DOI: 10.1177/00916471231167225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was an inherently stressful global crisis that was associated with weight gain for over 40% of the American public. Building on previous research, we draw on recently collected national survey data from the United States to examine the effects of religious attendance (both in-person and virtual), the sense of divine control, and religious/spiritual (R/S) struggles on pandemic weight gain. A series of logistic regression models were conducted. Our findings suggest that divine control and monthly in-person religious attendance were associated with a lower risk of pandemic weight gain, while R/S struggles were associated with a higher risk of weight gain. Our results reveal the complex role that religiosity can play with respect to pandemic weight gain.
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Sánchez-Rodríguez MA, Zacarías-Flores M, Correa-Muñoz E, Mendoza-Núñez VM. Advanced Activities of Daily Living in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS 2018). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2107. [PMID: 37510550 PMCID: PMC10378797 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) in old age is a key indicator of the mobility domain for the intrinsic capacity of older adults living in the community; for this reason, it is relevant to know the prevalence and risk factors related to performing fewer AADLs in different populations. AIM To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the ability to perform AADLs in older adults reported in the Mexican Study of Health and Aging (MSHA 2018). METHODS A secondary cross-sectional analysis of the MSHA 2018 data was carried out, including a convenience sample of 6474 subjects ≥ 60 years of age, for both sexes, without cognitive deficits. Nine questions related to AADLs were selected from the database. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with <3 AADLs, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health status factors. RESULTS The prevalence of the ability to perform <3 AADLs was 63%. Age is the most important risk factor for <3 AADLs, which increases by the decade, followed by sedentary lifestyle (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.91-2.42, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that age, schooling, urban residence, sedentary lifestyle, and comorbidity are the main risk factors for <3 AADLs in older Mexican adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Mariano Zacarías-Flores
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Gustavo Baz Prada, Institute of Health of the State of Mexico, Nezahualcóyotl 57300, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Elsa Correa-Muñoz
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
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Zafari M, Sadeghipour Roudsari M, Yarmohammadi S, Jahangirimehr A, Marashi T. Investigating the relationship between spiritual well-being, resilience, and depression: a cross-sectional study of the elderly. Psychogeriatrics 2023; 23:442-449. [PMID: 36892004 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12952] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health of the elderly is one of the health problems in most societies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being (SWB), resilience, and depression among the elderly. METHODS This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 384 elderly selected by convenience-sampling method. Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), SWB, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were used to collect the data. Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. A path analysis was also run to test the direct and indirect effects of SWB and resilience on the depression variable. RESULTS The results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between SWB and resilience (r = 0.458, P < 0.001), a statistically significant negative correlation between SWB and depression (r = -0.471, P < 0.001) and between resilience and depression (r = -0.371, P < 0.001). Path analysis showed that SWB and resilience directly affected depression while SWB indirectly affected depression. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated there was an inverse relationship between SWB and resilience with depression. Religious programs and appropriate educational programs can help improve SWB and promote resilience in the elderly, which will reduce their depression symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Zafari
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Sadeghipour Roudsari
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Tayebeh Marashi
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Upenieks L, Thomas PA. Matters of the Heart: Childhood Maltreatment, Religious Transitions, and Cardiovascular-Related Problems over the Life Course. J Aging Health 2022; 35:405-418. [PMID: 36321397 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221135689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Childhood maltreatment is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular-related problems, the leading cause of death in the United States. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, this study considers whether transitions in religious attendance moderate the deleterious impact of childhood maltreatment on long-term cardiovascular risk. Methods: We utilize over 35 years of prospective panel data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth from the United States (1979–2015). Results: Our findings suggest that decreases in religious attendance between adolescence and adulthood (from high to low, and high to moderate attendance) were associated with elevated cardiovascular-related risk for those abused as children. Neither stable high attendance nor increases in attendance buffered against the impact of childhood abuse on cardiovascular-related problems. Discussion: We illustrate the importance of incorporating the role of stability and change in religious attendance across the life course and suggest directions for future research.
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Wickrama KAS, Ralston PA. Religiosity and Physical Health of Middle–Old Aged African Americans: The Linking Role of Self-Control. J Aging Health 2022; 35:311-324. [PMID: 36154500 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221128653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined a psychological process (i.e., sense of control) that links religiosity to self-reported physical health in older African Americans. Methods: Two waves of data from 231 middle–old aged African Americans (AAs) were used to test two specific hypotheses: (a) religiosity influences changes in sense of control middle–old aged AAs, and (b) sense of control influences changes in global physical health in middle–old aged AAs. The analysis used two modeling approaches: (a) an autoregressive cross-lagged modeland (b) a parallel growth/change model. Results: The results of both types of models showed that religiosity positively influenced changes in sense of control and that sense of control positively influenced changes in physical health in middle–old aged AAs over time. Discussion: These findings provide evidence that sense of control links religiosity to physical health in older African Americans. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Penny A. Ralston
- Center on Better Health and Life for Underserved Populations, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Durmuş M, Öztürk Z. The Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Older Adults' Hopelessness, Loneliness and Spiritual Well-Being in Turkey. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:851-865. [PMID: 34997453 PMCID: PMC8740876 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the hopelessness, loneliness and spiritual well-being of older adults and the relationship between these three concepts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research used a cross-sectional, descriptive approach. Data were collected between October 13 and November 13, 2020, with 476 individuals over 65 years living in three different cities in Turkey. Data were collected using a demographic information form, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) and Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp). During the COVID-19 outbreak, it was found that there was a significant negative relationship between hopelessness, loneliness and spiritual well-being of older adults. In this study, it was found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of hopelessness and loneliness among older adults was below the average score, and their spiritual well-being levels were moderate. Based on the findings of the present study, it is recommended that practices which increase hope, strengthen social ties and spiritual support, should be implemented for older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period or any other times during which social distancing is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Durmuş
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mus Alparslan University, 49100, Muş, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Öztürk
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
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Guidi J, Lucente M, Sonino N, Fava GA. Allostatic Load and Its Impact on Health: A Systematic Review. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 90:11-27. [PMID: 32799204 DOI: 10.1159/000510696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allostatic load refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events. It involves the interaction of different physiological systems at varying degrees of activity. When environmental challenges exceed the individual ability to cope, then allostatic overload ensues. Allostatic load is identified by the use of biomarkers and clinical criteria. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on allostatic load and overload and its clinical implications based on a systematic review of the literature. METHODS PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to December 2019. A manual search of the literature was also performed, and reference lists of the retrieved articles were examined.We considered only studies in which allostatic load or overload were adequately described and assessed in either clinical or non-clinical adult populations. RESULTS A total of 267 original investigations were included. They encompassed general population studies, as well as clinical studies on consequences of allostatic load/overload on both physical and mental health across a variety of settings. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that allostatic load and overload are associated with poorer health outcomes. Assessment of allostatic load provides support to the understanding of psychosocial determinants of health and lifestyle medicine. An integrated approach that includes both biological markers and clinimetric criteria is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
| | | | - Nicoletta Sonino
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Hill TD, Saenz JL, Rote SM. Religious Participation and Mortality Risk in Mexico. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 75:1053-1061. [PMID: 30590854 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although research suggests that religious involvement tends to favor longevity, most of this work has been conducted in the United States. This article explores the association between religious participation and all-cause mortality risk in Mexico. METHODS We used data from the 2003-2015 Mexican Health and Aging Study (n = 14,743) and Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess the association between religious participation and all-cause mortality risk. RESULTS Our key finding is that older Mexicans who participate once or more per week in religious activities tend to exhibit a 19% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality than those who never participate. This estimate persisted with adjustments for health selection (chronic disease burden, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive functioning, and depressive symptoms), several potential mediators (social support, smoking, and drinking), and a range of sociodemographic characteristics. Although we observed considerable health selection due to physical health and cognitive functioning, we found no evidence of mediation. DISCUSSION Our results confirm that religious participation is associated with lower all-cause mortality risk among older adults in Mexico. Our analyses contribute to previous research by replicating and extending the external validity of studies conducted in the United States, Israel, Denmark, Finland, and Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph L Saenz
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Sunshine M Rote
- Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Kentucky
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Bentley-Edwards KL, Blackman Carr LT, Robbins PA, Conde E, Zaw K, Darity WA. Investigating Denominational and Church Attendance Differences in Obesity and Diabetes in Black Christian Men and Women. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:3055-3070. [PMID: 31359241 PMCID: PMC6986996 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00888-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Prior investigations of the relationships between religious denomination and diabetes and obesity do not consider the nuance within black faith traditions. This study used data from the National Survey of American Life (n = 4344) to identify denominational and religious attendance differences in obesity and diabetes among black Christian men and women. Key findings indicated that black Catholics and Presbyterians had lower odds of diabetes than Baptists. Black men that attended church almost daily were nearly twice as likely to be obese than those that never attend services. These results indicate that denomination and gender should inform faith-based and placed health promotion approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisha L Bentley-Edwards
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, 2024 West Main Street, Box 104407, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- General Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Loneke T Blackman Carr
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, 2024 West Main Street, Box 104407, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Paul A Robbins
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, 2024 West Main Street, Box 104407, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Eugenia Conde
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, 2024 West Main Street, Box 104407, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Khaing Zaw
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, 2024 West Main Street, Box 104407, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - William A Darity
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, 2024 West Main Street, Box 104407, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Samuel DuBois Cook Professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies, and Economics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Hoke MK, Schell LM. Doing biocultural anthropology: Continuity and change. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 32:e23471. [PMID: 32681558 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biocultural anthropology has long represented an important approach in the study of human biology. However, despite demonstrated utility, its somewhat amorphous identity leaves some scholars questioning just what it means to be biocultural. In this article, rather than providing proscriptive doctrine, we contribute to these conversations about the nature of biocultural anthropology by considering what biocultural research does. We begin with a consideration of some of the foundational themes of biocultural work including recognition of the dialectical nature of sociocultural and biological forces, interest in inequality, and incorporation of both evolutionary and political economic perspectives. To emphasize the consistency of biocultural work over time, we also trace these themes from originating work to their appearance in current research. We then identify some of the key actions of the biocultural approach, noting that biocultural work can execute any number though rarely all of these actions simultaneously. We then offer brief introductions to the articles that make up this special issue, highlighting the ways in which each piece undertakes key biocultural actions. Following these introductions, we provide a discussion of some of the types of biocultural work that are not present in this special issue, recognizing the breadth of biocultural research across multiple subfields of anthropology. Finally, we point to some potentially fruitful directions for future biocultural research. In the end, we conclude that while biocultural anthropology may not have a cohesive or set agenda, it does have a clear and recognizable form of content and methodology illuminated by its actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan K Hoke
- Department of Anthropology & Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lawrence M Schell
- Department of Anthropology, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, & the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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Shattuck EC, Muehlenbein MP. Religiosity/Spirituality and Physiological Markers of Health. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:1035-1054. [PMID: 29978269 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0663-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The long-standing interest in the effects of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) on health outcomes has given rise to a large and diverse literature. We conducted a meta-analysis on research involving R/S and physiological markers of health to elucidate both the scope and mechanism(s) of this phenomenon. A combined analysis found a significant, but small, beneficial effect. Subgroup analyses found that some measures of both extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity were significantly associated with health. Several outcome measures, including blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and cardiovascular health markers, were significantly associated with R/S. Our findings suggest that R/S benefits health, perhaps through minimizing the disruptive effects of stress/depression on inflammation. We hope that researchers can use these results to guide efforts aimed at elucidating the true mechanism(s) linking religious/spiritual beliefs and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Shattuck
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, One Bear Place 97173, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Institute for Health Disparities Research, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Michael P Muehlenbein
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, One Bear Place 97173, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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Suh H, Hill TD, Koenig HG. Religious Attendance and Biological Risk: A National Longitudinal Study of Older Adults. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2019; 58:1188-1202. [PMID: 30334184 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies suggest that religious involvement is associated with healthier biological functioning in later life, most of this work is cross-sectional. We extend previous research by employing a longitudinal design. Our analysis of Health and Retirement Study (2006/2010) data suggests that older adults who attended religious services weekly or more in 2006 tend to exhibit fewer high-risk biomarkers in 2010 and greater reductions in allostatic load over the 4-year study period than respondents who attended yearly or not at all. These patterns persisted with adjustments for baseline allostatic load and a range of background variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungjun Suh
- School of Sociology, The University of Arizona, Social Sciences Building, Room 400, 1145 E. South Campus Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Terrence D Hill
- School of Sociology, The University of Arizona, Social Sciences Building, Room 400, 1145 E. South Campus Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Godbolt D, Vaghela P, Burdette AM, Hill TD. Religious Attendance and Body Mass: An Examination of Variations by Race and Gender. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:2140-2152. [PMID: 28856558 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the association between religious attendance and body mass have yielded mixed results. In this paper, we consider intersectional variations by race and gender to advance our understanding of these inconsistencies. We use data from the 2006-2008 Health and Retirement Study to examine the association between religious attendance and three indicators of body mass: overall body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (n = 11,457). For White women, attendance is either protective or unrelated to body mass. For Black women, attendance is consistently associated with increased body mass. We find that religious attendance is not associated with body mass among the men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Godbolt
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, 526 Bellamy Building, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-2240, USA
| | - Preeti Vaghela
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, 526 Bellamy Building, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-2240, USA
| | - Amy M Burdette
- Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy and Department of Sociology, Florida State University, 526 Bellamy Building, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-2240, USA.
| | - Terrence D Hill
- School of Sociology, University of Arizona, Social Sciences Building, Room 400, 1145 E. South Campus Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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Page RL, Peltzer JN, Burdette AM, Hill TD. Religiosity and Health: A Holistic Biopsychosocial Perspective. J Holist Nurs 2018; 38:89-101. [PMID: 29957093 DOI: 10.1177/0898010118783502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The resurgence of interest in the influence of religion and spirituality on health is examined within the context of the holistic paradigm and historical connection between nursing and spirituality. While nursing and spirituality often intersect with end-of-life considerations, this article presents findings from studies that demonstrate that religious involvement favors health and longevity across the life course. Examples include protective associations with stress, depression, self-rated health, and infant birth weight. Theoretical and empirical explanations for this relationship are offered, such as social and psychological resources and healthy behaviors. The effects of religion on biological functioning, including allostatic load and telomere length, are also discussed, although this area is understudied. Considerations for the "dark-side" of religious involvement are also offered. Suggestions for nurses wishing to protect and promote the health of their patients using a holistic approach include expanding knowledge of research on religion and health and advocating for patients' spiritual needs by conducting a comprehensive spiritual assessment in primary, secondary, and tertiary clinical settings.
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