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Lifetime Trauma, Praying for Others, and C-Reactive Protein
Neal Krause1, Gail Ironson2, Kenneth I Pargament3
1a Department of Health Behavior and Health Education , School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA.
Biodemography and Social Biology
|November 5, 2016
Summary
Praying for others may protect against the harmful effects of trauma. Frequent prayer completely offsets the link between lifetime trauma and inflammation marker C-reactive protein.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Previous research suggests intercessory prayer positively impacts health and well-being.
- The stress-buffering effects of praying for others warrant further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if praying for others moderates the association between lifetime trauma exposure and C-reactive protein (CRP).
- To investigate the role of intercessory prayer in mitigating physiological stress responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a nationwide survey of 1,589 adults.
- Measured C-reactive protein (CRP) levels using blood spot assays.
- Assessed lifetime trauma exposure and frequency of praying for others.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between lifetime trauma and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
- This relationship was completely attenuated among individuals who frequently prayed for others.
- Praying for others demonstrated a protective effect against trauma-related inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Intercessory prayer may serve as a significant protective factor against the inflammatory consequences of trauma.
- Findings support the integration of spiritual practices into stress-coping and health-related interventions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed protective effects of prayer.
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