The mismeasurement of religion in mortality research

The Association Between Spirituality and Depression in Parents Caring for Children with Developmental Disabilities: Social Support and/or Last Resort

“…For example, religious involvement is strongly correlated with health-related factors, such as functional status, lifestyle and social support, which may confound associations between religious observance and beliefs and health (Sloan & Ramakrishnan, 2006). Further, although religiosity is a widespread characteristic, it is often poorly measured in public health research (McCullough et al, 1999;Thune-Boyle, Stygall, Keshtgar, & Newman, 2006) and little account is taken of spiritual beliefs that are not tied to personal or public religious practice (King & Dein, 1998). In addition, some have argued that it is important to distinguish the social factors associated with religious ceremony from the more personal spiritual belief itself (Chatters, Levin, & Taylor, 1992).…”

“…Even though the vast majority of studies report a beneficial effect of religion on health (Hummer, Rogers, Nam, & Ellison, 1999;Koenig, McCullough, & Larson, 2001;McCullough, Larson, Koenig, & Lerner, 1999), this research has been the subject of considerable controversy (Sloan, Bagiella, & Powell, 1999). For example, religious involvement is strongly correlated with health-related factors, such as functional status, lifestyle and social support, which may confound associations between religious observance and beliefs and health (Sloan & Ramakrishnan, 2006).…”

The God factor: the role of religious involvement on depression, health, and well-being

“…For example, religious involvement is negatively related with the use of drugs and alcohol (see section on Good Health Practices Prescribed by Religious Doctrine ). One possible explanation for the incidence of drug and alcohol use among people high in religious involvement may be adherence to strict proscriptions against their use by some Christian groups (e.g., Latter-Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventists, Amish, Hutterites;McCullough, Larson, Koenig, & Lemer, 1999). However, it should be noted that the incidence of drug and alcohol use tends to be low among people who belong to religious groups/organizations that do not prohibit their use.…”