Changes in Spiritual Practices and Relational Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Keywords

COVID-19, family, family closeness, mixed methods, spiritual practices, spirituality

Abstract

Given disruptions to families’ routines and processes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article explores associations between changes in the frequency of spiritual practices and relational well-being during COVID-19. Using a survey of 1,510 adults in the United States administered during the summer of 2020, we employed a mixed methods approach. Significant associations were found between the frequency of engaging in spiritual practices and relational well-being. Specifically, engaging in spiritual practices was associated with increased emotional closeness and a greater likelihood of reporting a positive lasting effect of the pandemic on family relationships. Our findings suggest that some families and individuals may find that engaging in individual or group spiritual practices, including yoga and meditation, mindfulness, and enjoying nature, fostered resilience and growth during the pandemic.

Original Publication Citation

Kelley, H. H., Dollahite, D. C., James, S., & Marks, L. D. (2022). Changes in spiritual practices and relational wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marriage and Family Review. https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2021.2022563

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2022-02-27

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8568

Publisher

Marriage and Family Review

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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