The search for factors that promote health and well-being has been a constant pursuit in human society. While diet, exercise and genetics often take center stage in these discussions, recent research suggests that another, perhaps unexpected, element may play a crucial role: spiritual upbringing. A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science has shed light on the profound and lasting impact of religious participation during childhood and adolescence on health outcomes in early adulthood.
The study, which analyzed data from three large prospective cohorts in the United States, focused on the association between religious-service attendance and a wide range of subsequent physical health, health behavior, psychological distress and psychological well-being outcomes. The findings provide compelling evidence that regular attendance at religious services during formative years can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of health and well-being in young adulthood.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
One of the most surprising findings of the study was the association between religious-service attendance and lower risk of all-cause mortality. Compared to those who never attended religious services, individuals who attended services at least once per week had a 26% lower risk of all-cause mortality. This significant reduction in mortality risk underscores the potential long-term health benefits of religious participation.
Beyond mortality, the study revealed notable associations between religious-service attendance and health behaviors. Regular attendees had a 34% lower risk of heavy drinking and a 29% lower risk of current smoking compared to non-attendees. These findings suggest that the values and lifestyle choices promoted within faith-based communities may have a protective effect against harmful health behaviors that often emerge in early adulthood.
The impact of spiritual upbringing extends beyond physical health to encompass mental and emotional well-being. The study found that service attendance was inversely associated with several psychological distress outcomes, including depression, anxiety, hopelessness and loneliness. Concurrently, it was positively associated with psychosocial well-being outcomes such as positive affect, life satisfaction, social integration and purpose in life. These results paint a picture of faith community participation as a potential source of resilience and emotional stability in the face of life’s challenges.
The implications of this research challenge us to reconsider the role of religious and spiritual practices in public health strategies, particularly those aimed at young people. The study suggests that religious participation may be a meaningful form of social integration that potentially relates to greater longevity, healthier behaviors, better mental health and greater psychosocial well-being.
As we continue to grapple with public health challenges, particularly those affecting young adults, the findings of this study offer a new perspective on potential protective factors. They show us that health is not solely a matter of physical factors, but is deeply intertwined with our social, emotional and spiritual lives. In understanding and leveraging these connections, we may find new pathways to promoting health and well-being across the lifespan.
The search for factors that contribute to both health and longevity continues to evolve as we gain new insights into the connections between body, mind and spirit. While we may not have uncovered a single path to well-being, this research suggests that the teachings and practices passed down through faith-based traditions offer more than spiritual enrichment — they provide protection and support that touch all aspects of our lives, from physical health to emotional resilience.
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Reference:
Chen, Y., Kim, E. S., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Religious-service attendance and subsequent health and well-being throughout adulthood: Evidence from three prospective cohorts. International Journal of Epidemiology, 49(6), 2030-2040.
