Mechanisms Behind Religiosity and Spirituality's Effect on Mental Health, Quality of Life and Well-Being

J Relig Health. 2018 Oct;57(5):1842-1855. doi: 10.1007/s10943-017-0400-6.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the role of meaning, peace, faith and religiosity on mental health, quality of life (QOL) and well-being in 782 adults. We found associations between (a) meaning and peace with less depression and more QOL, (b) peace with less stress and (c) faith and religiousness with more psychological QOL. Meaning and peace were more strongly associated with health outcomes, and those with high levels of intrinsic religiosity but low levels of meaning/peace have worse outcomes than those with low religiousness and high meaning/peace. However, religious participants found great meaning and peace than nonreligious participants.

Keywords: Meaning; Mental health; Optimism; Quality of life; Religion and medicine; Spirituality.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*
  • Middle Aged
  • Optimism
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires