Religion and Well-being: Individual, Marital, and Family Connections

Presented by: Loren Marks, Ph.D., Louisiana State Univ.; Annette Mahoney, Ph.D., Bowling Green State Univ.; Frank Fincham, Ph.D., Florida State Univ.; Nicholas H. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Univ. of Utah

Religious participation produces better relationships. Using national data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study, we show how the effects of regular church attendance on relationship satisfaction varies by sex and marital status. Additional analysis seeks to explain the association between religious participation and relationship satisfaction on the basis of several factors: pro-marriage attitudes, a lifestyle characterized by temperance and employment, and supportive behaviors within the relationship. Finally, individuals in unmarried relationships who attend church frequently are significantly more likely to get married.

The goals of this presentation are threefold. The first is to identify a religious behavior, prayer, with potential implications for health. Second, the presenter's research program on the impact of colloquial, intercessory prayer on individual and marital well- being will be summarized. Third, valuable future research directions that might explain how prayer impacts health will be offered.