The Relationship Between Religion/Spirituality and Health

Authors

Jayde Shackett, Brigham Young University
Dr. Andrea Knestel, Brigham Young University

Keywords

religion, spirituality, health, religious commitment, sexual activity, drugs, alcohol

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Abstract

Research on young adults has shown that religious commitment is related to moral development, as the two are interconnected for most people (Walker & Reimer, 2006). For example, religion impacts the view adolescents have on sexual activity by influencing their attitude toward contraception, sex outside of marriage, and what situations they place themselves in (Wallace & Williams, 1999). It has also been found that low levels of appreciation for religion are associated with a higher likelihood of binge drinking and marijuana use (Rasic, Kisely, & Langille, 2011). Further, religion can help predict prosocial actions, use of harmful substances, and sexual activity in young adults (Layton, Dollahite, & Hardy, 2011).

Recommended Citation

Shackett, Jayde and Knestel, Dr. Andrea (2013) "The Relationship Between Religion/Spirituality and Health," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 41.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/41