TARGET ARTICLE: Explaining the Relationships Between Religious Involvement and Health

TLDR

Research shows that religious involvement is consistently linked to better physical and mental health and longer survival, even after controlling for other risk factors. The article reviews social and psychological factors hypothesized to explain the health benefits of religious involvement. The authors examine four psychosocial mechanisms—health practices, social support, self‑esteem/self‑efficacy, and belief structures such as sense of coherence—and discuss additional possible explanations. Evidence on these mediators is mixed and inconsistent, indicating that the pathways linking religion to health remain unclear.

Abstract

There is increasing research evidence that religious involvement is associated both cross-sectionally and prospectively with better physical health, better mental health, and longer survival. These relationships remain substantial in size and statistically significant with other risk and protective factors for morbidity and mortality statistically controlled. In this article, we review the social and psychological factors that have been hypothesized to explain the health-promoting effects of religious involvement. The four potential psychosocial mechanisms that have received empirical attention are health practices, social support, psychosocial resources such as self-esteem and self-efficacy, and belief structures such as sense of coherence. Evidence concerning these potential mediators is mixed and inconsistent, suggesting there is more to be learned about the pathways by which religion affects health. Other possible explanations for the salubrious effects of religious involvement on health and longevity are discussed.