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Aging, religious doubt, and psychological well-being.
N Krause1, B Ingersoll-Dayton, C G Ellison
1Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029, USA. nkrause@umich.edu
The Gerontologist
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Religious doubt is linked to poorer psychological well-being. These negative effects are more pronounced in younger adults compared to older individuals, impacting mental health across the lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Gerontology
Background:
- Religious doubt is a complex phenomenon that can influence an individual's mental state.
- Understanding the interplay between religious beliefs, doubt, and psychological well-being is crucial for mental health.
- Previous research has not fully explored age-related differences in the impact of religious doubt on well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between religious doubt and psychological well-being.
- To examine potential age differences in the relationship between religious doubt and psychological well-being.
- To provide insights for therapeutic interventions targeting adults of all ages.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a national sample of Presbyterian individuals.
- Employed quantitative methods to analyze the relationship between religious doubt and psychological well-being.
- Compared the effects of religious doubt on psychological well-being across different age groups.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between religious doubt and psychological well-being.
- Religious doubt was associated with increased psychological distress and reduced well-being.
- The detrimental impact of religious doubt on psychological well-being was significantly greater in younger adults than in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Religious doubt is detrimentally associated with psychological well-being.
- Age moderates the relationship between religious doubt and psychological well-being, with younger individuals experiencing more adverse effects.
- Findings suggest the need for tailored psychological support for adults across the lifespan, considering their age and relationship with religious doubt.