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Methodologic issues in research on religion and health
Kevin J Flannelly1, Christopher G Ellison, Adrienne L Strock
1Population Research Center and Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. kflannelly@healthcarechaplaincy.org
Southern Medical Journal
|January 14, 2005
Summary
Research on religion and health methodology has improved, addressing measurement, design, and statistical controls. Future studies will further enhance the quality of evidence on religion's health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Sociology of religion
- Medical research methodology
Background:
- The relationship between religion and health is a complex area of study.
- Past research has faced methodologic challenges, including defining and measuring religion.
- Disagreements in analytical perspectives have fueled debate on religion's health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine key methodologic issues in religion and health research.
- To identify improvements needed to enhance research quality.
- To discuss analytical perspectives influencing the religion-health debate.
Main Methods:
- Review of methodologic issues: measurement of religion, research designs, sampling strategies.
- Analysis of statistical controls for isolating "net" effects of religion on health.
- Discussion of differing analytical perspectives in the field.
Main Results:
- Methodologic problems in past research were identified.
- Specific areas for improvement in research design and statistical analysis were addressed.
- The study highlights the evolution of research quality over time.
Conclusions:
- The methodology in religion and health research has progressively improved.
- Ongoing advancements continue to enhance the rigor and quality of studies in this domain.
- Further refinement of methods is crucial for robustly understanding religion's impact on health.