Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 1/2011

01-03-2011 | Original Paper

Religion and Health: Making Sense of a Disheveled Literature

Author: Neal Krause

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 1/2011

Login to get access

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that religion may exert a beneficial effect on both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of this literature has made it difficult to get a clear picture of what has been accomplished. This issue is addressed by presenting a conceptual model that focuses on the needs that are satisfied by religion. In the process, an effort is made to show how this conceptual scheme can be used to add greater coherence to the field.
Literature
go back to reference Bartkowski, J. P., & Matthews, T. L. (2005). Race/ethnicity. In H. R. Ebaugh (Ed.), Handbook of religion and social institutions (pp. 163–183). New York: Springer. Bartkowski, J. P., & Matthews, T. L. (2005). Race/ethnicity. In H. R. Ebaugh (Ed.), Handbook of religion and social institutions (pp. 163–183). New York: Springer.
go back to reference Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. New York: Guilford. Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Berger, P. L. (1967). The sacred canopy: Elements of a sociological theory. New York: Doubleday. Berger, P. L. (1967). The sacred canopy: Elements of a sociological theory. New York: Doubleday.
go back to reference Blalock, H. M. (1984). Basic dilemmas in the social sciences. Beverly Hills: Sage. Blalock, H. M. (1984). Basic dilemmas in the social sciences. Beverly Hills: Sage.
go back to reference Bower, J. E., Kemeny, M. E., Taylor, S. E., & Fahey, J. L. (2003). Finding positive meaning and its association with natural killer cell cytotoxicity among participants in a bereavement-related disclosure intervention. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 25, 146–155.PubMedCrossRef Bower, J. E., Kemeny, M. E., Taylor, S. E., & Fahey, J. L. (2003). Finding positive meaning and its association with natural killer cell cytotoxicity among participants in a bereavement-related disclosure intervention. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 25, 146–155.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Coe, A. C. (1900). The spiritual life: Studies in the science of religion. New York: Eaton & Mains. Coe, A. C. (1900). The spiritual life: Studies in the science of religion. New York: Eaton & Mains.
go back to reference Cooley, C. H. (1902/2003). Human nature and the social order. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers. Cooley, C. H. (1902/2003). Human nature and the social order. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.
go back to reference Cottingham, J. (2006). What difference does it make? The nature and significance of theistic belief. Ratio, 19, 414–420.CrossRef Cottingham, J. (2006). What difference does it make? The nature and significance of theistic belief. Ratio, 19, 414–420.CrossRef
go back to reference Davidson, J. D., & Pyle, R. E. (2005). Social class. In H. R. Ebaugh (Ed.), Handbook of religion and social institutions (pp. 185–205). New York: Springer. Davidson, J. D., & Pyle, R. E. (2005). Social class. In H. R. Ebaugh (Ed.), Handbook of religion and social institutions (pp. 185–205). New York: Springer.
go back to reference Debats, D. (1999). Sources of meaning: An investigation of significant commitments in life. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 39, 30–57.CrossRef Debats, D. (1999). Sources of meaning: An investigation of significant commitments in life. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 39, 30–57.CrossRef
go back to reference Ellison, C. G., & George, L. K. (1994). Religious involvement, social ties, and social support in a southeastern community. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 33, 46–61.CrossRef Ellison, C. G., & George, L. K. (1994). Religious involvement, social ties, and social support in a southeastern community. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 33, 46–61.CrossRef
go back to reference Ellison, C. G., Lee, J., Krause, N. M., Hill, T. D., & Marcum, J. P. (2010). Faith and fitness: Religious beliefs, congregational support, and exercise in a nationwide survey of Presbyterians. In Ai, A. L. & Ardelt, M. (Eds.), The role of faith in the well-being of older adults: Linking theories and evidence in interdisciplinary inquiry (In Press). Ellison, C. G., Lee, J., Krause, N. M., Hill, T. D., & Marcum, J. P. (2010). Faith and fitness: Religious beliefs, congregational support, and exercise in a nationwide survey of Presbyterians. In Ai, A. L. & Ardelt, M. (Eds.), The role of faith in the well-being of older adults: Linking theories and evidence in interdisciplinary inquiry (In Press).
go back to reference Erikson, E. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. New York: International University Press. Erikson, E. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. New York: International University Press.
go back to reference Fetzer Institute/National Institute on Aging Working Group. (1999). Multidimensional measurement of religiousness/spirituality for use in health research. Kalamazoo: John E. Fetzer Institute. Fetzer Institute/National Institute on Aging Working Group. (1999). Multidimensional measurement of religiousness/spirituality for use in health research. Kalamazoo: John E. Fetzer Institute.
go back to reference Haig, B. D. (2005). An abductive theory of scientific method. Psychological Methods, 4, 371–388.CrossRef Haig, B. D. (2005). An abductive theory of scientific method. Psychological Methods, 4, 371–388.CrossRef
go back to reference Hedges, L. V. (1987). How hard is soft science, how soft is soft science? American Psychologist, 42, 443–455.CrossRef Hedges, L. V. (1987). How hard is soft science, how soft is soft science? American Psychologist, 42, 443–455.CrossRef
go back to reference Hill, T. D., Burdette, A. M., Ellison, C. G., & Musick, M. A. (2006). Religious attendance and health behaviors of Texas adults. Preventive Medicine, 42, 309–312.PubMedCrossRef Hill, T. D., Burdette, A. M., Ellison, C. G., & Musick, M. A. (2006). Religious attendance and health behaviors of Texas adults. Preventive Medicine, 42, 309–312.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Hoare, C. H. (2002). Erikson on development in adulthood: New insights from the unpublished papers. New York: Oxford University Press. Hoare, C. H. (2002). Erikson on development in adulthood: New insights from the unpublished papers. New York: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Hood, R. W., Hill, P. C., & Spilka, B. (2009). The psychology of religion (4th ed.). New York: Guilford. Hood, R. W., Hill, P. C., & Spilka, B. (2009). The psychology of religion (4th ed.). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Hummer, R., Rogers, R., Nam, C., & Ellison, C. G. (1999). Religious involvement and U. S. adult mortality. Demography, 36, 273–285.PubMedCrossRef Hummer, R., Rogers, R., Nam, C., & Ellison, C. G. (1999). Religious involvement and U. S. adult mortality. Demography, 36, 273–285.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Kaplan, H. B. (1975). Self-attitudes and deviant behavior. Pacific Palisades: Goodyear Publishing Company. Kaplan, H. B. (1975). Self-attitudes and deviant behavior. Pacific Palisades: Goodyear Publishing Company.
go back to reference Koenig, H. G. (1994). Aging and god. New York: Haworth Pastoral Press. Koenig, H. G. (1994). Aging and god. New York: Haworth Pastoral Press.
go back to reference Koenig, H. G., McCullough, M. E., & Larson, D. B. (2001). Handbook of religion and health. New York: Oxford University Press. Koenig, H. G., McCullough, M. E., & Larson, D. B. (2001). Handbook of religion and health. New York: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Koltko-Rivera, M. E. (2006). Rediscovering the later version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Self-transcendence and opportunities for theory, research, and unification. Review of General Psychology, 10, 302–317.CrossRef Koltko-Rivera, M. E. (2006). Rediscovering the later version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Self-transcendence and opportunities for theory, research, and unification. Review of General Psychology, 10, 302–317.CrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N. (2002). Church-based social support and health in old age: Exploring variations by race. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 57B, S332–S347. Krause, N. (2002). Church-based social support and health in old age: Exploring variations by race. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 57B, S332–S347.
go back to reference Krause, N. (2003a). Exploring race differences in the relationship between social interaction with the clergy and feelings of self-worth in late life. Sociology of Religion, 64, 183–205.CrossRef Krause, N. (2003a). Exploring race differences in the relationship between social interaction with the clergy and feelings of self-worth in late life. Sociology of Religion, 64, 183–205.CrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N. (2003b). The social foundations of personal control in late life. In S. H. Zarit, L. I. Pearlin, & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Personal control in social and life course contexts (pp. 45–70). New York: Springer. Krause, N. (2003b). The social foundations of personal control in late life. In S. H. Zarit, L. I. Pearlin, & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Personal control in social and life course contexts (pp. 45–70). New York: Springer.
go back to reference Krause, N. (2004). Stressors in highly valued roles, meaning in life, and the physical health status of older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 59B, S287–S297. Krause, N. (2004). Stressors in highly valued roles, meaning in life, and the physical health status of older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 59B, S287–S297.
go back to reference Krause, N. (2005). God-mediated control and psychological well-being in late life. Research on Aging, 27, 136–164.CrossRef Krause, N. (2005). God-mediated control and psychological well-being in late life. Research on Aging, 27, 136–164.CrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N. (2007). Social involvement in religious institutions and God-mediated control beliefs: A longitudinal investigation. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 46, 519–537.CrossRef Krause, N. (2007). Social involvement in religious institutions and God-mediated control beliefs: A longitudinal investigation. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 46, 519–537.CrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N. (2008). Aging in the church: How social relationships affect health. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Foundation Press. Krause, N. (2008). Aging in the church: How social relationships affect health. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
go back to reference Krause, N. (2009). Meaning in life and mortality. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 64B, 517–527.CrossRef Krause, N. (2009). Meaning in life and mortality. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 64B, 517–527.CrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N. (2010). The social milieu of the church and religious coping responses. A longitudinal investigation of older whites and older blacks. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 20, 109–129.PubMedCrossRef Krause, N. (2010). The social milieu of the church and religious coping responses. A longitudinal investigation of older whites and older blacks. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 20, 109–129.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N., & Ellison, C. G. (2009). The doubting process: A longitudinal study of the precipitants and consequences of religious doubt. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 48, 293–312.PubMedCrossRef Krause, N., & Ellison, C. G. (2009). The doubting process: A longitudinal study of the precipitants and consequences of religious doubt. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 48, 293–312.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N., Ellison, C. G., Shaw, B. A., Marcum, J. P., & Boardman, J. (2001). Church-based social support and religious coping. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 40, 637–656.CrossRef Krause, N., Ellison, C. G., Shaw, B. A., Marcum, J. P., & Boardman, J. (2001). Church-based social support and religious coping. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 40, 637–656.CrossRef
go back to reference Krause, N., & Shaw, B. A. (2003). Role-specific control, personal meaning, and health in late life. Research on Aging, 25, 559–586.CrossRef Krause, N., & Shaw, B. A. (2003). Role-specific control, personal meaning, and health in late life. Research on Aging, 25, 559–586.CrossRef
go back to reference Lee, B. Y., & Newberg, A. B. (2005). Religion and health: A review and critical analysis. Zygon, 40, 443–468.CrossRef Lee, B. Y., & Newberg, A. B. (2005). Religion and health: A review and critical analysis. Zygon, 40, 443–468.CrossRef
go back to reference Levenson, M. R., & Crumpler, C. (1996). Three models of adult development. Human Development, 39, 135–149.CrossRef Levenson, M. R., & Crumpler, C. (1996). Three models of adult development. Human Development, 39, 135–149.CrossRef
go back to reference Levin, J., Chatters, L. M., & Taylor, R. J. (2010). Theory in religion, aging, and health: An overview. Journal of Religion and Health (On Line First). Levin, J., Chatters, L. M., & Taylor, R. J. (2010). Theory in religion, aging, and health: An overview. Journal of Religion and Health (On Line First).
go back to reference Mahoney, A., Carels, R. A., Pargament, K. I., Wachholtz, A., Leeper, L. E., Kaplar, M., et al. (2005). The sanctification of body and behavioral health: Patterns of college students. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 15, 221–238.CrossRef Mahoney, A., Carels, R. A., Pargament, K. I., Wachholtz, A., Leeper, L. E., Kaplar, M., et al. (2005). The sanctification of body and behavioral health: Patterns of college students. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 15, 221–238.CrossRef
go back to reference Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. New York: Harper. Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. New York: Harper.
go back to reference McCullough, M. E., Pargament, K. I., & Thoresen, C. E. (2000). Forgiveness: Theory, research, and practice. New York: Guilford. McCullough, M. E., Pargament, K. I., & Thoresen, C. E. (2000). Forgiveness: Theory, research, and practice. New York: Guilford.
go back to reference McEwen, B., & Lasley, E. N. (2002). The end of stress as we know it. Washington, DC: Joseph Henry. McEwen, B., & Lasley, E. N. (2002). The end of stress as we know it. Washington, DC: Joseph Henry.
go back to reference McFadden, S. H. (2005). Points of connection: Gerontology and the psychology of religion. In R. F. Paloutzian & C. L. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality (pp. 162–176). New York: Guilford. McFadden, S. H. (2005). Points of connection: Gerontology and the psychology of religion. In R. F. Paloutzian & C. L. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality (pp. 162–176). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference McPherson, M., Smith-Lovin, L., & Cook, J. M. (2001). Birds of a feather: Homophily in social networks. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 415–444.CrossRef McPherson, M., Smith-Lovin, L., & Cook, J. M. (2001). Birds of a feather: Homophily in social networks. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 415–444.CrossRef
go back to reference Merton, R. L. (1968). Social theory and social structure. New York: Free Press. Merton, R. L. (1968). Social theory and social structure. New York: Free Press.
go back to reference Moberg, D. O. (1953). Church membership and personal adjustment. Journal of Gerontology, 8, 207–211.PubMed Moberg, D. O. (1953). Church membership and personal adjustment. Journal of Gerontology, 8, 207–211.PubMed
go back to reference Pargament, K. I. (1997). The psychology of religious coping: Theory, research, and practice. New York: Guilford. Pargament, K. I. (1997). The psychology of religious coping: Theory, research, and practice. New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Pargament, K. I., Koenig, H. G., & Perez, L. M. (2000). The many methods of religious coping: Development and initial validation of the RCOPE. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56, 519–543.PubMedCrossRef Pargament, K. I., Koenig, H. G., & Perez, L. M. (2000). The many methods of religious coping: Development and initial validation of the RCOPE. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56, 519–543.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Park, C. (2007). Religiousness/spirituality and health: A meaning systems approach. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30, 319–328.PubMedCrossRef Park, C. (2007). Religiousness/spirituality and health: A meaning systems approach. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30, 319–328.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. New York: Free Press. Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. New York: Free Press.
go back to reference Pittman, T. S., & Zeigler, K. R. (2007). Basic human needs. In A. W. Kruglanski & E. Tory Higgins (Eds.), Social psychology: Handbook of basic principles (2nd ed., pp. 473–489). New York: Guilford. Pittman, T. S., & Zeigler, K. R. (2007). Basic human needs. In A. W. Kruglanski & E. Tory Higgins (Eds.), Social psychology: Handbook of basic principles (2nd ed., pp. 473–489). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Reker, G. T. (2000). Theoretical perspective, dimensions, and measurement of existential meaning. In G. T. Reker & K. Chamberlain (Eds.), Exploring existential meaning: Optimizing human development across the life span (pp. 39–55). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Reker, G. T. (2000). Theoretical perspective, dimensions, and measurement of existential meaning. In G. T. Reker & K. Chamberlain (Eds.), Exploring existential meaning: Optimizing human development across the life span (pp. 39–55). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Reynolds, P. D. (1971). A primer in theory construction. New York: Bobbs-Merrill. Reynolds, P. D. (1971). A primer in theory construction. New York: Bobbs-Merrill.
go back to reference Royce, J. (1912/2001). The sources of religious insight. Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press. Royce, J. (1912/2001). The sources of religious insight. Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press.
go back to reference Schieman, S., Pudrovska, T., & Milkie, M. A. (2005). The sense of divine control and the self-concept. Review of Religious Research, 27, 165–196. Schieman, S., Pudrovska, T., & Milkie, M. A. (2005). The sense of divine control and the self-concept. Review of Religious Research, 27, 165–196.
go back to reference Schieman, Sl. H., Pudrovska, T., Pearlin, L. I., & Ellison, C. G. (2006). The sense of divine control and mental health in late life: Moderating effects of race and socioeconomic status. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 45, 529–549.CrossRef Schieman, Sl. H., Pudrovska, T., Pearlin, L. I., & Ellison, C. G. (2006). The sense of divine control and mental health in late life: Moderating effects of race and socioeconomic status. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 45, 529–549.CrossRef
go back to reference Simmel, G. (1898/1997). A contribution to the sociology of religion. In H. J. Helle (Ed.), Essays on religion–Georg Simmel (pp. 101–120). New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. Simmel, G. (1898/1997). A contribution to the sociology of religion. In H. J. Helle (Ed.), Essays on religion–Georg Simmel (pp. 101–120). New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
go back to reference Smith, H. (2000). The meaning of life in the world’s religions. In J. Runzo & N. M. Martin (Eds.), The meaning of life in the world religions (pp. 255–266). Oxford, UK: Oneworld Press. Smith, H. (2000). The meaning of life in the world’s religions. In J. Runzo & N. M. Martin (Eds.), The meaning of life in the world religions (pp. 255–266). Oxford, UK: Oneworld Press.
go back to reference Stone, G. C. (1994). Religious beliefs and health. In J. P. Dauwalder (Ed.), Psychology and promotion of health (pp. 41–56). Seattle: Hogrefe & Huber. Stone, G. C. (1994). Religious beliefs and health. In J. P. Dauwalder (Ed.), Psychology and promotion of health (pp. 41–56). Seattle: Hogrefe & Huber.
go back to reference Tornstam, L. (2005). Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive aging. New York: Springer. Tornstam, L. (2005). Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive aging. New York: Springer.
go back to reference Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Robins, R. W. (2003). Stability of self-esteem across the lifespan. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 205–220.PubMedCrossRef Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Robins, R. W. (2003). Stability of self-esteem across the lifespan. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 205–220.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Turner, S. (2009). Many approaches, but few arrivals: Merton and the Columbia model fo theory construction. Philosophy of the Social Sciences, 39, 174–211.CrossRef Turner, S. (2009). Many approaches, but few arrivals: Merton and the Columbia model fo theory construction. Philosophy of the Social Sciences, 39, 174–211.CrossRef
go back to reference Zinnbauer, B. J., & Pargament, K. I. (2005). Religiousness and spirituality. In R. F. Paloutzian & C. L. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality (pp. 21–42). New York: Guilford. Zinnbauer, B. J., & Pargament, K. I. (2005). Religiousness and spirituality. In R. F. Paloutzian & C. L. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality (pp. 21–42). New York: Guilford.
Metadata
Title
Religion and Health: Making Sense of a Disheveled Literature
Author
Neal Krause
Publication date
01-03-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-010-9373-4

Other articles of this Issue 1/2011

Journal of Religion and Health 1/2011 Go to the issue