The relationship between Americans’ spiritual/religious beliefs and behaviors and mental health: New evidence from the 2016 General Social Survey

Abstract

This study uses 2016 General Social Survey (GSS) data to examine the relationship between Americans’ religious and spiritual beliefs and behaviors and their mental health. Mental health is measured by days of poor mental health, depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression subscale score), and general happiness. Spiritual/religious beliefs and behaviors measured include afterlife beliefs, belief in God, prayer, service attendance, and self-perceived religiosity and spirituality. More frequent service attendance was the most consistent predictor of enhanced mental health and well-being. Findings are consistent with those of prior studies using GSS data, which showed associations between Americans’ religious/spiritual beliefs and behaviors, especially service attendance, and mental health.