Assessing the Relationship Between Religious Involvement and Health Behaviors. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krause, Neal; Hill, Peter C.; Emmons, Robert; Pargament, Kenneth I.; Ironson, Gail
• Is Part Of: Health education & behavior. Volume 44:Number 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: God-mediated control -- health behavior -- sacred body view; Health education -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1090198116655314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-1981

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that people who are more deeply involved in religion may be more likely to adopt beneficial health behaviors. However, religion is a complex phenomenon, and as a result, religion may affect health behaviors in a number of ways. The purpose of the current study was to see whether a sacred view of the body (i.e., belief that the body is the temple of God) is associated with better health behavior. It was proposed that the relationship between a sacred body view and health behavior will emerge only among study participants who have a stronger sense of religiously oriented control (i.e., stronger God-mediated control beliefs). Five positive health behaviors were evaluated: more frequent strenuous exercise, more frequent moderate exercise, more frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, higher quality sleep, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Data from a recent nationwide sample reveal that a sacred body view is associated with each health behavior, but only among study participants who have a strong religiously oriented sense of control.