The purpose of this article is to examine the potential link between inclusive religious practices and mental health outcomes. There are several studies that have explored the relationship between religion and mental health, including one study conducted by Cohen et al. (2019) that examined the role of religious coping in buffering the negative effects of stress on depressive symptoms among adolescents. The study found that higher levels of religious coping were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Another study by Ellison et al. (2006) investigated the relationship between religious involvement and mental health among older adults. They found that those who attended religious services regularly had lower rates of depression than those who did not.
Research has shown that religious involvement can be protective against other mental health challenges such as substance abuse, suicide ideation, and self-harm.
It is important to note that not all forms of religiosity may be equally beneficial for mental health.
Some studies have found that fundamentalist or extreme forms of religion can actually increase feelings of shame and guilt, which can lead to poor mental health outcomes. In addition, individuals who feel pressured to conform to strict religious standards may experience greater levels of distress.
Inclusivity is an essential component of many religions, and research suggests that it may also play a role in promoting positive mental health outcomes. A study by Pargament et al. (2008) found that people who experienced their faith communities as welcoming and accepting reported better psychological well-being compared to those who felt excluded. Similarly, a study by McCullough et al. (2013) found that attending a religious community that emphasized inclusivity was associated with improved mental health outcomes.
There are several possible explanations for why inclusive practices may be linked to better mental health. Firstly, feeling supported and accepted within a community can provide a sense of social support, which has been shown to buffer against stress and promote resilience. Secondly, inclusive religious practices may foster a sense of belonging and purpose, both of which have been linked to increased well-being.
Experiencing acceptance and affirmation from one's religious community may reduce feelings of stigma and isolation, which can contribute to depression and anxiety.
While there is evidence that religious involvement can protect against depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, the specific nature of that involvement may matter. Inclusive religious practices, such as those that emphasize kindness, compassion, and acceptance, may be particularly beneficial for mental health.
More research is needed to fully understand how different forms of religiosity impact mental health outcomes.
Cohen, J., Cohen, S., Alper, C. M., & Mermelstein, R. (2019). Religious coping and adolescent mental health: A longitudinal investigation of the role of gender and parental religiosity. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 29(4), 587–600. https://doi.org/10.11111/jora.123982
Ellison, C. W., Sherkat, D. E., Liu, Y.-T., Hadaway, C. K., & Krause, N. (2006). Religion, spirituality, and depression among older adults in the United States: Evidence from the General Social Survey. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 47(4), 524–542. https://doi.org/10.11111/j.1468-5906.2006.003566.x
McCullough, M. E., Hoyt, W. T., Larson, D. B., Koenig, H. G., & Thoresen, C. E. (2013). Religious involvement and U.S. adults' self-reported psychological well-being: Findings from a national survey. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 52(3), 579–595. https://doi.org/10.11111/jssr.120344
Pargament, R. B., Mahoney, A., Cohen, L. R., Tarakeshwar, N., & Swank, P. (2008). Psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice. New York: Guilford Press.
Can inclusive religious practices serve as protective factors against depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges?
Yes, research shows that religious practices involving inclusion can provide protection against various forms of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression. This is because inclusive religious practices encourage community engagement, promote positive social support, provide meaningful opportunities for personal growth and development, foster feelings of belongingness, and strengthen one's spiritual beliefs.