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Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 6/2017

01-12-2017 | Original Paper

The Prevalence and Antecedents of Religious Beliefs About Health Control in the US Population: Variations by Race and Religious Background

Authors: R. David Hayward, Neal Krause, Kenneth Pargament

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 6/2017

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Abstract

The ways in which religious beliefs influence beliefs about health have important implications for motivation to engage in positive health behaviors and comply with medical treatment. This study examines the prevalence of two health-related religious beliefs: belief in healing miracles and deferral of responsibility for health outcomes to God. Data came from a representative nationwide US survey of religion and health (N = 3010). Full-factorial ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences in both dimensions of belief by race, by religious background, and by the interaction between the two. Black people believed religion played the largest role in health regardless of religious background. Among White and Hispanic groups, Evangelical Protestants placed more responsibility for their health on God in comparison with other religious groups. ANCOVA controlling for background factors socioeconomic status, health, and religious involvement partially explained these group differences.
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Metadata
Title
The Prevalence and Antecedents of Religious Beliefs About Health Control in the US Population: Variations by Race and Religious Background
Authors
R. David Hayward
Neal Krause
Kenneth Pargament
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0391-3

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