An extensive analysis of data from the British Household Panel Survey has cast doubt on the widely held belief that attending religious services significantly boosts mental health. This study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that the relationship between religious-service attendance and mental health is more complex than previously thought. While earlier research often reported a positive correlation, this new study found no consistent association. In some instances, increased attendance even coincided with worsening mental health symptoms.
Religious-service attendance, a key indicator of religiosity, involves participation in organized gatherings at places like churches, mosques, synagogues, or temples. Historically, studies have linked regular attendance with improved mental health outcomes, citing benefits such as reduced depression and anxiety, and lower substance abuse rates. These benefits are often attributed to the social support and sense of belonging that religious communities can provide.
Exploring the Complex Relationship
Attending religious services is thought to promote positive coping mechanisms, including hope, forgiveness, and meaning-making during challenging times. Additionally, religious involvement is frequently associated with healthier lifestyles, indirectly supporting mental well-being. However, the impact of religious attendance on mental health can vary based on personal belief and cultural context. For some, religious environments may be stressful or stigmatizing, with benefits being more pronounced when attendance is voluntary and personally meaningful.
Study author Gabriele Prati sought to delve deeper into this relationship by examining both within-person and between-person processes. Her analysis focused on how changes in an individual’s religious attendance related to changes in their mental health over time, as well as how individuals who attend services more or less frequently differ in terms of mental health.
Methodology and Findings
Prati analyzed data from the Understanding Society—British Household Panel Survey, which includes a nationally representative sample of British households. The dataset comprised responses from 18 annual survey waves conducted between 1991 and 2009, involving 29,298 individuals. At the study’s outset, the average participant age was 44, with 53% being female.
The study assessed participants’ self-reported mental health symptoms and frequency of religious-service attendance. Attendance was measured during 10 of the 18 survey waves with the question: “How often, if at all, do you attend religious services or meetings?” Response options ranged from weekly attendance to only attending for special occasions like weddings or funerals. Mental health symptoms were evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire, and life satisfaction was gauged with a simple satisfaction question.
Results indicated that religious-service attendance at one time point was generally not associated with mental health outcomes at a later time point. Notably, even when participants reported higher-than-usual attendance, improvements in mental health were not observed. In some cases, increased attendance was followed by worse mental health symptoms.
Challenging Assumptions
The findings challenge the assumption that religious-service attendance inherently provides mental health benefits. The study authors concluded, “The results suggest that there is a need to question the assumption that religious-service attendance provides mental health benefits.”
While the study offers new insights, it’s crucial to recognize that the findings are based on a British sample, and outcomes may differ in other cultural or religious contexts. The paper, titled “Does Religious-Service Attendance Increase Mental Health? A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis Across 18 Years,” was authored by Gabriele Prati.
Implications and Future Research
This study opens the door for further research into the nuanced relationship between religiosity and mental health. Experts suggest that future studies could explore how different religious practices and cultural contexts influence this relationship. Additionally, understanding the role of personal belief and voluntary participation in religious activities could provide deeper insights into how religiosity affects mental well-being.
As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, this study highlights the importance of questioning long-held assumptions and encourages a more nuanced approach to understanding the factors that contribute to mental health outcomes.
