Exploring the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between spirituality and health: Implications for the latino health paradox

This study tested predictions to explain the Latino health paradox. Based on the role of spirituality in Latino culture and using Hawkley and Cacioppo's (2007) model of loneliness and health as a foundation, this research examines whether spirituality has a beneficial impact on health via reduced loneliness. Participants were 319 adults, including 139 Latinos and 116 non-Latino Whites. Results indicate that spirituality had an indirect relationship with better health via reduced loneliness, and the effect was greater for Latinos. Being Latino also predicted better health and lower loneliness through spirituality. Results also suggest that loneliness acts as a suppressor variable in the relationship between spirituality and depression for Latinos, highlighting the importance of including measures of loneliness in studies examining the links between spirituality and health, especially for this population.