Religious participation as a predictor of mental health status and treatment outcomes in older persons

Abstract

Religious participation is positively associated with older adults' mental health status and treatment effects, but results regarding mental health service utilization were inconclusive.

Religion, health beliefs and the use of mental health services by the elderly

“…We found that, compared to those with no religious affiliation, elderly persons of all religious affiliations showed higher prevalence of mental health problems, yet reported less frequent treatment by healthcare professionals. This differs from studies in Western countries which found no significant differences in mental service use by the elderly based on their religious affiliation (Pickard, 2006) or no association of frequency of attendance at religious services with mental health service utilization (Chen et al, 2007).…”

“…In particular, relatively few studies have investigated whether elderly people of particular religious affiliations were more or less likely to seek treatment for mental illness. Recent studies in Western countries suggest that there was no significant differences in mental service use by elderly, based on their religious affiliation (Pickard, 2006) and no association of frequency of attendance at religious services with mental health service utilization (Chen, Cheal, Elizabeth, Cynthia, & Levkoff Sue, 2007).…”

Religious Coping and Working Past Retirement Age: A Review of the Literature

“…Koenig, McCullough, and Larson (2001) suggest active religious participation helps older adults decrease their chances of acquiring severe mental disorders. In a study of 25,000 older adults aged 65 and over, when asked about their religious affiliation, frequency of religious participation, and behavior toward seeking help for mental health problems, results suggested those who attended religious activities consistently had fewer cases of depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety compared to those who did not (Chen, Cheal, McDonel, Zubritsky, & Levkoff, 2007). It appears those who are religious are more likely to seek help when experiencing mental distress; however; it is uncertain if positive mental health behaviors are a result of religious participation or the social support within a congregation and accompanying social interactions.…”

Reconfiguring Spirituality and Sexual/Gender Identity: “It's a Feeling of Connection to Something Bigger, It's Part of a Wholeness.”

“…More pointedly, a number of studies have shown spirituality to be an effective means of managing stress (Kim & Seidlitz, 2002;Tuck, Alleyne, & Thinganjana, 2006). This can be particularly evident among members of socially marginalized groups (Iwasaki, Bartlett, MacKay, Mactavish, & Ristock, 2005), where religion and spirituality have been correlated with improved coping, reduced depression and anxiety, and higher life satisfaction (Chen, Cheal, Herr, Zubritsky, & Levkoff, 2007;Mela et al, 2008;Meltzer, Dogra, Vostanis, & Ford, 2011). For example, spirituality and religion have been shown to have significant mediating effects on racism-related stress for African Americans.…”