Articles tagged with Religion
A study of 835 public-housing residents in Baltimore found that strong religious and social support were key 'protective' factors against suicidal thoughts, with 90% reporting comfort from religion. These findings may inform interventions to prevent suicide among older African Americans.
A new set of patient interview questions has been developed to improve understanding of Hmong culture and traditions. The study found that many patients use both shamans and physicians for their health care, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to patient care.
A new study by Pamela Paxton found that organizations with strong connections to the larger community promote democracy, while isolated groups have a negative impact. Countries with more of these connected groups tend to score higher on measures of democracy.
A study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found little to no empirical support for claims that religious involvement leads to better physical and mental health. The researchers analyzed the medical literature and found that most studies on religion and health were irrelevant or had significant methodological flaws.
A collaborative study found that lifetime exposure to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be associated with better maintenance of cognitive function in older women free of dementia. The study included over 2,000 women aged 65 and older, who were followed for three years to assess changes in cognition and depression status.
A Mayo Clinic study investigated the impact of intercessory prayer on patients' medical outcomes, finding no significant difference between the intervention group and control group. The study highlights the importance of addressing spiritual needs in patients, which may facilitate recovery from illness.
A new study finds that participating in religious holiday rituals can make couples more satisfied with their marriages. Researchers discovered that the meaning created in shared rituals has a stronger impact on marital satisfaction than just practicing these routines or the importance of religion in the family.
Researchers found that people who felt a sense of purpose in life were more likely to experience well-being and less fearful of death. In contrast, extrinsically religious participants tended to fear death and avoid thinking about it. The study suggests the need for intrinsic motivation through spiritual nurturing and self-reflection.
A GSA panel will explore critical questions about water usage, including who owns a given resource and how to prioritize uses. The dialogue aims to integrate scientific and religious perspectives on global sustainability.
A recent study found that physicians often avoid discussing spirituality with patients due to concerns about opening Pandora's box. Despite 78% believing in a connection between religion and health, only 8% have discussions with patients on spiritual topics.
A study of 199 women planning in vitro fertilization found that a 50% pregnancy rate was significantly higher for those who had people praying for them compared to the non-prayer group. The researchers acknowledge the results are incredible and hope to provoke discussion on potential biological or other factors at play.
Experts analyze a study finding that religious involvement has the largest impact on early adolescent self-esteem. They caution against overlooking practical implications and highlight limitations of the study's explanations.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that feelings of abandonment, punishment, and alienation from God can increase mortality risk among the elderly. The research highlights the need for spiritual assessment and pastoral interventions to address chronic religious struggles in patients with major medical illnesses.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that African-Americans who report higher levels of religious belief have lower blood pressure. The study measured blood pressure and 'religious coping' in 155 participants and found a significant relationship between the two, with African-Americans experiencing lower blood pressure.
A study of 558 students and professionals found that religious individuals value interdependence with others, whereas non-religious people prioritize self-reliance. This contradicts common criticisms that religious dependence is a sign of weakness.
A recent Purdue University study discovered that parents' influence on their children's religious beliefs is largely shaped by verbal communication rather than actual practice. The research found that students who had open discussions with their parents about religious beliefs were more likely to accurately perceive their parents' views.
Research at Ohio State University found that Americans' trust in individuals has declined by about 10% between 1975 and 1994, with a decline of half a percent per year. Despite this, trust in institutions such as government, religion, and education remained stable, and people maintained their involvement in clubs and organizations.
A study of nearly 4,000 elderly North Carolinians found that frequent religious attenders were 46% less likely to die over a six-year period. They also experienced greater social support and reported better mental health, which may contribute to lower mortality rates.
A team of scientists from Columbia University warns against incorporating spiritual interventions into medical practice due to methodological flaws in studies. Despite acknowledging comfort provided by religious activities, they argue that these should not be promoted as a means to improve health.
Research suggests high levels of religious involvement are associated with better health status, likely due to behaviors such as increased social support, positive self-image, and healthy lifestyle choices. Regular church attendance also contributes to better mammography screening status.
Genetics professor John Avise's book, The Genetic Gods, examines how genetic discoveries are shaping our understanding of human life, including spirituality. The book argues that genes have a significant influence on human affairs, challenging traditional views of the supernatural.
A new study reveals that religious grandparents develop and maintain stronger relationships with their grandchildren compared to non-religious grandparents. The research found that religious observance is associated with greater involvement in family and social ties, which may be a key factor in grandparent-grandchild relationships.
Dr. Daniel B. Lee's research suggests that rituals, not common beliefs, provide social glue for religious communities. This is evident in the Weaverland Mennonites' case study, where symbols and rituals sustain unity despite individual members having fluid and unstructured religious beliefs.
A study by Harold G. Koenig and colleagues found a significant connection between regular church attendance, Bible study, and lower blood pressure in older adults. The research, published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, suggests that practicing religion in traditional ways may have health benefits.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that older patients with high levels of intrinsic religiosity recovered faster from depression than those with low levels. The study, led by Dr. Harold Koenig, discovered a significant correlation between higher religiosity and faster recovery times.
Americans have gained almost five hours of free time per week since the 1960s, with women doing more household chores. This extra time is often used for television viewing and other leisure activities, yet many people feel rushed and stressed despite having more free time.