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Is religion therapeutically significant for hypertension?
1Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2007.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Religious commitment may lower blood pressure, reducing hypertension risks. This review explores 12 potential explanations, including health behaviors, psychosocial effects, and belief systems, while acknowledging study limitations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology of Religion
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies indicate an inverse relationship between religious commitment and blood pressure.
- Certain religious groups exhibit lower hypertension-related morbidity and mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and examine the potential explanations for the association between religion and blood pressure.
- To posit 12 possible mechanisms linking religious factors to cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiologic studies on religion and blood pressure.
- Analysis of proposed correlates and sequelae of religious practice.
Main Results:
- Potential explanations include health-related behaviors, psychosocial benefits of religious practice, and psychodynamics of belief systems.
- Methodological limitations of previous studies, such as measurement and analytical errors, are also considered.
Conclusions:
- The salutary effect of religion on blood pressure may stem from a combination of behavioral, psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship, considering potential superempirical or supernatural influences.
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