Length and Locus of Friendship Influence Church Members' Sense of Social Support and Comfort with Sharing Emotions

McFadden, Susan H.; Knepple, Amy M.; Ba, Jessica A. Armstrong

doi:10.1300/j078v15n04_04

Cited by 30 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…It is possible, however, to speculate on the factors that may be at work. McFadden et al (2003) studied friendships that arise in church and in the process, they examined spiritual support. These investigators argue that spiritual support is likely to be beneficial if it is provided by a close friend, but they go on to note that, ''… some people might be offended if they are offered spiritual support from people they do not consider to be friends'' (McFadden et al 2003, p. 43).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Benevolent Images of God, Gratitude, and Physical Health Status

2015

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This study has two goals. The first is to assess whether a benevolent image of God is associated with better physical health. The second goal is to examine the aspects of congregational life that is associated with a benevolent image of God. Data from a new nationwide survey (N = 1774) are used to test the following core hypotheses: (1) people who attend worship services more often and individuals who receive more spiritual support from fellow church members (i.e., informal assistance that is intended to increase the religious beliefs and behaviors of the recipient) will have more benevolent images of God, (2) individuals who believe that God is benevolent will feel more grateful to God, (3) study participants who are more grateful to God will be more hopeful about the future, and (4) greater hope will be associated with better health. The data provide support for each of these relationships.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Benevolent Images of God, Gratitude, and Physical Health Status

2015

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“…Two closely-related explanations come to mind. First, McFadden and her colleagues point out that some individuals may feel that spiritual support from fellow church members is intrusive and unwanted (McFadden, Knepple, and Armstrong 2003). This is noteworthy because research reveals that unwanted advice is a form of negative interaction that may exert a deleterious effect on health (Newsom et al 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Religious Involvement, Humility, and Self-Rated Health

Krause

2009

Soc Indic Res

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The purpose of this study is to develop and test a conceptual model that assesses the following theoretical linkages: (1) people who go to church more often tend to receive more spiritual support from fellow church members (i.e., encouragement to adopt religious teachings and principles); (2) individuals who get more frequent spiritual support are more likely to be humble; and (3) people with greater humility tend to rate their health more favorably. The data come from the third wave of a nationwide longitudinal survey of older adults. The data provide support for each of the conceptual linkages identified above.

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“…Instead, spiritual support is more likely to be provided when two individuals have a longer history of coming into contact with each other because developing a sound relationship history may be especially important for the successful delivery of this particular type of assistance. As McFadden, Knepple, and Armstrong (2003) point out, discussing personal spiritual matters can be a sensitive issue and as a result, a person may feel put-off or resentful if someone they do not know well attempts to broach these issues with them. As these insights reveal, spiritual support is more likely to successfully take root when both the provider and the recipient feel comfortable in the relationship they have developed.…”

Section: Church Attendance and Spiritual Supportmentioning

confidence: 99%