Faculty Publications

Religion And Health Connection: A Study Of African American, Protestant Christians

Document Type

Article

Keywords

African Americans, Health behavior, Psychosocial factors, Religion and psychology

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved

Volume

19

Issue

1

First Page

193

Last Page

199

Abstract

The roles religious and health promoting behaviors may play in bolstering positive physical and emotional health were assessed using structured, face-to-face interviews conducted using a non-random community sample of 105 adult African American, Protestant Christians in a small city in a rural state in the Midwest. The interview measured health promotion, health locus of control beliefs, emotional health, physical health, religious practices, and demographics. Health promotion, church attendance, or both were related to decreased prevalence of loneliness, depression, trouble sleeping, and family problems. More than 80% of those interviewed ascribed healing power to God and prayer. There was an apparent lack of connection between respondents' attitudes about faith and healing and their actual experiences.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

2-1-2008

DOI of published version

10.1353/hpu.2008.0020

Link to Full Text

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