The effect of religion on individual wellbeing
The effect of religion on individual wellbeing.
Teleios evaluated the benefit of religion on general well-being and specific aspects of daily living in healthy populations. Religion, and Christianity in particular, provides enhanced well-being across various age and ethnic groups for general well-being and specifically in relationships and career.
Benefit of Christianity Summary
Teleios Research has shown the benefit of the Christian faith to personal wellbeing in healthy populations and in those suffering from a variety of illnesses or addictive behaviors (prior study referenced below). However, few sources summarize clinical studies to provide a greater understanding of the impact of Christianity on daily life to medical and psychological professionals.
As a result, Teleios Research recently explored the benefit of religion on general wellbeing and specific aspects of daily living in healthy populations. Parameters evaluated were: general wellbeing, church attendance, frequency of prayer, Bible instruction, expression of praise, Christian service, family life and career. Forty peer-reviewed medical articles on religion were identified and assessed, all of which were performed in historically Christian countries.
Teleios Research found religion generally has a positive effect in the lives of healthy individuals, seen in all age groups (10 years+), both genders, and African-American and Caucasian races, and included improvements in general wellbeing, sense of community, purpose, satisfaction, hope, social relationships and ability to forgive. Benefits were observed in specific areas of life such as family, career and socialization (P<0.05).
This research also suggested that measures typically used by individuals to adhere and grow in their religious faith also increased wellbeing including: socialization with other believers, Bible study, prayer, praise and outreach in the local community (P<0.05).
Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios Research, commented “This review may help physicians and psychologists recognize that Christianity has a beneficial role in an individual’s wellbeing generally, but also extends to specific areas of their life such as career satisfaction, marriage, family and socialization.”
This research suggests that the practice of religion, and especially Christianity, may improve wellbeing in both healthy individuals and patients suffering from disease. Further research would provide better understanding of religious practices across cultures to enhance how clinicians can use this important aspect of patients’ lives to help treat their patients.
Stewart, W.C., Adams, M.P., Stewart, J.A., & Nelson, L.A. (2013). Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health, 52, 91-106. doi: 10.1007/s10943-012-9578-9
