Religious involvement and healthy lifestyles: Evidence from the survey of texas adults

Terrence D. Hill, Christopher G. Ellison, Amy M. Burdette, Marc A. Musick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Although research shows that religious involvement is associated with a wide range of individual health behaviors, it has yet to be determined whether the effect of religious involvement extends to an overall pattern of regular health practices that may constitute a lifestyle. Purpose: Building on prior research, we test whether religious individuals tend to engage in healthier lifestyles than individuals who are less religious. Methods: Using data collected from a statewide probability sample of 1,369 Texas adults, we estimate a series of ordinary least squares regression models to assess the net effect of religious involvement on overall healthy lifestyle scores. Results: The results of our study indicate that religious individuals do tend to engage in healthier lifestyles, and this pattern is similar for men and women and across race/ethnic groups. We also find some evidence to suggest that the association between religious involvement and healthy lifestyles may be less pronounced in old age. Conclusions: Assuming that religious involvement is associated with healthier lifestyles, additional research is needed to account for these patterns. Future studies should also consider whether healthy lifestyles may serve as a mechanism through which religious involvement might favor health and longevity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)217-222
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Religious involvement and healthy lifestyles: Evidence from the survey of texas adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this