Subscribe
Religion/ Spirituality

The positive link between religiosity and health

JR

Religion is a formal structured way in which people in groups worship God. Most articles show a positive link (first listing) between religiosity and health outcomes, says Margot Trotter Davis from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.

For example.

  • Attendance at religious services decreased the rate of violent acts.
  • Religious beliefs have a strong influence on whether adolescent girls have sex. (It has a minor effect on boys, however.)
  • Religious involvement is significantly associated with lower death rates.
  • Those who pray live longer.
  • A religious commitment in life is associated with lower rates of crime and drug use.
  • There’s a strong association between religious practice and reduced health risks.

I guess that’s why when it’s included in surveys of CAM options, prayer is the most commonly cited CAM practice.

11/25/06 14:18 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

Related Posts