The Protective Effect of Religion/Spirituality on Mental Health and Mental Illness Across the Adult Lifespan

Abstract

Objective. Increasing positive mental health and decreasing mental illness is considered a major priority. Theories of aging suggest that older adults turn towards religion and spirituality (R/S), in efforts of increasing meaning and purpose in life, and assisting in coping with life’s adversities. The role of R/S was examined in experiencing positive mental health and psychological distress in adulthood. It was hypothesized that these relationships will be most salient in older Canadian adults (≥65 years old). Methods. The data used for this study was derived from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental health component (CCHSMH), a national population health study. R/S was measured by asking participants how important R/S was in their daily lives and if they drew strength from R/S, where greater importance reflected high R/S. Participants with positive mental health were categorized as flourishers. Established cut-offs were used to categorize levels of psychological distress as moderate-high versus low. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for known covariates were conducted in order to examine the effect of R/S on positive mental health and psychological distress (n=20,019). Due to the complex survey design of the CCHS-MH, survey weights were employed. Results. There was a significant R/S by age interaction for flourishing status (p<.01). High R/S was associated with increased odds of flourishing across all age groups (p<.001), an effect that was strongest among older adults (65+ years). There was no association between R/S and psychological distress (p=0.24). Conclusion. The findings confirm that R/S plays a role in positive mental health across the adult lifespan and that attending to diverse R/S beliefs and practices may assist in supporting the growing aging population.