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Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 6 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Researchers led by psychologist Michael E. McCullough of the National Institute for Healthcare Research analyzed 42 studies involving 125,286 people to see what effect religion had on health. They report finding a 29% higher odds of survival for people who scored higher on measures of public (attendance at a house of worship or participation in activities held by religious organizations) and private (prayer and self-reflection)religious involvement.
Researchers led by psychologist Michael E. McCullough of the National Institute for Healthcare Research analyzed 42 studies involving 125,286 people to see what effect religion had on health. They report finding a 29% higher odds of survival for people who scored higher on measures of public (attendance at a house of worship or participation in activities held by religious organizations) and private (prayer and self-reflection)religious involvement. Religious involvement also increased a person's social involvement, which has been shown to extend longevity. The team also found a correlation between high levels of religious involvement and less obesity.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Health Psychology, June 2000
