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01-09-2013 | Original Paper

Religious Orientation and Health among Active Older Adults in the United States

Authors: Bradley D. Hunter, Ray M. Merrill

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

This study utilizes a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic Religious Orientation Scales to explore the connection between religion and health in a sample of physically active, older adults. The revised Religious Orientation Scale and the RAND Short Form 36 (SF-36) were adopted to relate religious orientation (intrinsic, extrinsic, pro-religious, and non-religious) and self-rated mental and physical health status. Individuals of pro-religious orientation reported significantly worse health for physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, and energy or fatigue when compared with those of all other religious orientations; however, no dose–response relationships were found between religious orientation and self-rated health. The results of this study indicate that deleterious health effects may accompany pro-religious orientation. Caution is provided for directors of religious programs for older adults.

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Title: Religious Orientation and Health among Active Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Bradley D. Hunter
Ray M. Merrill
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9530-4

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