Mild Cognitive Impairment, Religiosity, Spirituality and all-Cause Mortality Among Chinese Older Adults in Ethnic Minority Communities.

The relationship between mild cognitive impairment (MCI), religiosity and/or spirituality (R/S), and all-cause mortality among older adults has yet to be clarified. The current study aims to examine this relationship using a longitudinal cohort from ethnic minority communities in mainland China. The Cox proportional hazards regression modeling revealed that MCI predicted an increased risk of all-cause mortality, and high R/S buffered this association. Those findings suggest that a religious-spiritual integrated community intervention program may reduce the mortality risk in older adults with MCI in ethnically disadvantaged populations.

The associations of family atmosphere, religiosity and lifestyle with self-esteem and self-control among Saudi adolescents.

We assessed, with validated instruments, whether family atmosphere, religiosity or lifestyle were significant correlates of self-esteem and/or self-control among adolescents (Grades 7-12, n = 2067) in Saudi Arabia. Participants' mean age was 15.5 years; 64% were boys. Higher scores in family atmosphere and religiosity and having fewer lifestyle risk factors were significantly related to higher self-esteem and self-control scores (p < .05; adjusted linear regression models). The odds of scoring low (below median) in both self-esteem and self-control decreased incrementally across the increasing quartiles of family atmosphere and religiosity; the odds decreased incrementally across decreasing number of lifestyle risk factors (p < .05; adjusted multinomial regression). Programmes supporting healthy lifestyles, positive family environments and religiosity may boost self-esteem and self-control among adolescents.

Forgiveness and Religiosity Among Nurses: A Correlational Descriptive Study.

The purpose of the study was to explore how nurses' religious beliefs affect their ability to forgive themselves and others. Design: A descriptive correlational mixed methods approach was employed. Methods: The data were collected using an online survey via Qualtrics using three validated tools Enright Forgiveness Inventory - 30 (to measure forgiveness of others), Enright Self-Forgiveness Inventory (to measure forgiveness of self), and Duke University Religious Index (to measure religiosity). Findings: As hypothesized, there was a meaningful relationship between forgiveness of others and intrinsic religiosity. Nurses with intrinsic religiosity or internal beliefs of a higher being showed a higher level of forgiveness toward their offender. The nurse forgiving the offender chose to replace negative, hurtful feelings with positive emotions such as compassion and love. Conclusion: Stressed nurses become distracted, may miss effective job performance, and patient care may suffer. Emotional and spiritual health and better patient outcomes can be attributed to the nurse forgiving others and the self. Nurses must be self-aware to develop forgiveness strategies for their well-being and provide effective care. Faculty should teach "person-centered" care and educate students to forgive others and themselves for effective patient care.

Psychometric Properties of Post-Critical Belief Scale and Centrality of Religiosity Scale: Portuguese Versions.

The primary objective of this research is to confirm the four-dimensional structure of the Post-Critical Belief Scale (PCBS) and the five-dimensional structure of the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS), specifically for the Portuguese population. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the relationship between these religious scales. The research employed both exploratory factorial analysis with a polychoric matrix (suitable for ordinal data) and confirmatory factorial analysis with maximum likelihood estimation. The reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the scales were evaluated using measures such as Cronbach's alpha coefficient, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and AVE squared roots. Pearson correlations were calculated to explore the associations between the two instruments. The Portuguese adaptations of both the PCBS and CRS exhibited strong model fits. Significant correlations were observed among the instruments and with religious identity. The study identified variations in dimensions of PCBS and CRS concerning sociodemographic variables. This research contributes validated instruments for assessing religiosity within the Portuguese population.

Religious Affiliation, Internalized Homonegativity and Depressive Symptoms: Unveiling Mental Health Inequalities among Brazilian Gay Men.

INTRODUCTION: Different religious narratives associate same-sex sexuality, in its various manifestations, with moral deviation or sin. Gay men who are socialized in more religious communities appear to experience and internalize greater levels of homonegativity, as well as to present greater indicators of depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate indicators of perceived homonegativity in the community and internalized, and signs/symptoms of depression reported by Brazilian gay men with a nominal religion and compare them to those reported by Atheists or Agnostics. METHOD: Our sample comprised 194 Brazilian gay men, distributed into three groups: Christians (Protestants and Catholics, n = 71; 36.6%); Spiritualists (Kardecists or religions of African origin, n = 52; 26.8%) and Atheists or Agnostics (n = 71; 36.6%). The following measurement instruments were used: sociodemographic questionnaire, Internalized Homophobia Scale and Beck Depression Scale. RESULTS: High mean scores of depression were verified in all groups, and 60% of the sample presented some level of depression. There was a higher level of self-reported homonegativity among Christians and Spiritualists compared to that reported by Atheists or Agnostics, with the differences between the groups being significant. The regression analysis indicated a significant effect of religion on homonegativity, but not on depression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that gay men's chronic exposure to non-affirming religious affiliation contexts may harm the construction of a positive gay identity and should be taken into consideration when addressing mental health inequalities of sexual minorities.

Religiosity and Health Outcomes in a Cohort of Romanian Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19.

There is a growing body of evidence for the interrelation between health status and religious beliefs. Our aim was to evaluate the level of religiosity in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to assess the link between religiosity and measurable health outcomes. This was an observational, single-center study which included patients with moderate-to-severe forms of COVID-19. A total of 112 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 77 were highly religious (CRS-15 score ≥ 4) and 35 non-highly religious (CRS-15 score < 4). There was no difference in demographics or prevalence of comorbidities between the two groups. Furthermore, we found no difference between groups in radiological extension of lung lesions, length of hospital stays, or ICU need; however, in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in highly religious group (1% vs. 14%, p = 0.005). Serum ferritin level at admission was significantly lower (p = 0.03) and prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae significantly higher in highly religious group (p = 0.02).

Factors determining curtailment behaviour of youths: moderating role of government policies.

Introduction: Environmental degradation poses a significant threat, making the comprehension of sustainable behaviour imperative for both environmental and business reasons. Embracing sustainable practices and reducing the unnecessary consumption of resources is essential in our current times. One can be sustainable by focusing on either buying sustainable or green products or by using fewer resources, i.e., by adopting curtailment behaviour. The purpose of this study is to determine various factors and their impact on the curtailment behaviour of youths. Methods: We used an exploratory and descriptive research design. Responses were generated from 513 young respondents using a structured questionnaire developed based on the extant literature. Results: The structural model findings showed that social norms, eco-concern, and religiosity significantly and positively affect curtailment behaviour. However, we observed no significant influence of financial concern or government policy on curtailment behaviour. We also tested the moderation impact of government policy on the relationship between economic concern and curtailment behaviour. The findings suggest that the relationship between eco-concern and curtailment behaviour is stronger for consumers exhibiting higher commitment to government policy. Discussion: It is imperative that politicians exercise critical thought and devise strategies to encourage more sustainable consumer behaviour. With the strains that our world is under now and in the future, we need to unite around a common goal: ensuring that our planet is sustainable for coming generations. The study findings are useful for academicians, marketers, and policymakers.

Investigating the Social Correlates Associated With Getting Help After a Suicide or Not: An Important Unexamined Bereavement Question.

Seeking to provide more systematic information on treatment-seeking and those not seeking help after a suicide, we investigated demographic, experiential and grief problems related correlates among recently suicide bereaved adults, conducting an on-line survey of a sample of U.S. 1,132 adults who lost a loved one to suicide during the last six years. Focusing upon first-degree relative loss survivors (n = 222) we hypothesized those not seeking help would be more likely to report conventional religiosity, greater social support and more use of alternative treatment modalities. Instead, we found those not seeking help were almost twice as likely to not attend religious services, compared to help seekers. Social support enhanced the bereaved individuals' pursuit of treatments and those who did not obtain help appeared reluctant to getting non-traditional treatment support. Help seekers were more likely to experience post-traumatic growth and less likely to see suicide loss survivorship as stigmatizing.

Religiosity in adolescence and body satisfaction and disordered eating in adolescence and young adulthood: cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from project EAT.

PURPOSE: This research identified whether adolescent religiosity was associated with body satisfaction and disordered eating in adolescence and early adulthood and explored gender/sex differences in these associations. METHODS: Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) is a longitudinal cohort study following participants from adolescence into young adulthood. For this analysis (N = 1620), religiosity (importance of religion and frequency of religious service participation) during adolescence was examined as a correlate of body satisfaction and disordered eating (binge eating, maladaptive behaviors intended to lose or maintain weight, eating to cope, and dieting) at the same life stage (EAT-II, 2003-2004, Mage = 19.4 years) and during young adulthood (EAT-IV, 2015-2016, Mage = 31.5 years). Analyses used linear and logistic regression models adjusted for demographics and adolescent body mass index. RESULTS: During adolescence, females who placed greater importance on religion had higher body satisfaction, 22% higher odds of binge eating, and 19% greater odds of dieting in the past year, while more frequent attendance of religious services was associated with higher body satisfaction and 37% greater odds of dieting past year. Among males, only frequent attendance of religious services was associated with higher adolescent body satisfaction. Longitudinally, among females, only frequent attendance of religious services in adolescence predicted higher levels of body satisfaction in young adulthood. No significant longitudinal associations were observed among males. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between religiosity, gender, and body satisfaction. Further research should explore cultural factors influencing these associations and qualitative aspects of religious experiences to inform nuanced interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, cohort study.

Prone to wellness? Dispositional awe, religion/spirituality, and well-being among academic scientists.

Recent scholarship has identified a growing mental health crisis among scientists and those in academia more generally. This study draws from nationally representative survey data collected from physicists and biologists working in four countries-the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Italy (N = 3442)-and examines how religion/spirituality relates to their physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential mediating role of dispositional awe, which involves transcendent experience. In the current age, science and religion are generally perceived to be in conflict, but recent evidence suggests they might be more complementary than was previously thought, especially in that they both evoke aesthetic experiences. Results from our regression and mediation analyses suggest that academic scientists who rated religion/spirituality as "very important" in their lives had higher overall flourishing scores, lower psychological distress, and were less likely to report that their mental and physical health had worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings present a strong and consistent case for the explanatory role of a sense of awe in these associations. Taken together, our research invites academic and scientific institutions to recognize and value the personal and spiritual dimensions that scientists may bring to their work.

Beyond borders: The moderating role of cultural religiosity in the relationship between moral circle and generosity.

Research has indicated a link between the moral circle and an individual's prosocial behaviour. However, it remains uncertain whether this relationship holds across a broader range of countries and is influenced by sociocultural contexts. Drawing from an international dataset encompassing 49,540 participants from 57 countries, this study examined the impact of the moral circle on an individual's generosity and the moderating role of cultural religiosity. The results revealed a significant positive association between moral circle and generosity in a cross-national context. Notably, in religious cultures, the connection between the moral circle and generosity was found to be weaker. Three robustness checks further affirmed that these findings are robust. The research confirmed a positive relationship between the moral circle and generosity in a multinational context but also highlighted the moderating role of cultural religiosity. This finding suggested that future research should further investigate how cultural and religious frameworks influence ethical behaviour.

The role of Contact-Tracing Mobile Apps in pandemic prevention: A multidisciplinary perspective on health beliefs, social, and technological factors.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, governments implemented mobile applications for contact tracing as a rapid and effective solution to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, these seemingly straightforward solutions did not achieve their intended objectives. In line with previous research, this paper aims to investigate the factors that influence the acceptance and usage of contact-tracing mobile apps (CTMAs) in the context of disease control. The research model in this paper integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Health Belief Model (HBM). The present study involved a diverse sample of 770 French participants of all genders, ages, occupations, and regions. Critical elements from the Health Belief Model, technological factors related to the app, and social factors, including the centrality of religiosity, were assessed using well-established measurement scales. The research's findings demonstrate that several factors, such as perceived benefits and perceived severity, social influence, health motivation, and centrality of religiosity, significantly impact the intention to use a CTMA. These findings suggest that CTMAs hold promise as valuable tools for managing future epidemics. However, addressing challenges, revising implementation strategies, and potentially collaborating with specialized industry partners under regulatory frameworks are crucial. This practical insight can guide policymakers and public health officials in their decision-making.

Mortality Salience and Death Anxiety: The Moderating Roles of Self-Esteem and Religiosity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mortality salience, death anxiety, and two moderating variables: self-esteem and religiosity. A total of 174 undergraduate students from the Mindanao State University-Main Campus in the Philippines were selected via convenience sampling. Specifically, the study was carried out to determine if both self-esteem and religiosity moderate the relationship between mortality salience and death anxiety. The results revealed that mortality salience was positively correlated with death anxiety among undergraduate students. Moreover, self-esteem significantly moderated the relationship between mortality salience and death anxiety, with low self-esteem enhancing this relationship. However, religiosity was found to be a non-significant moderator of the link between mortality salience and death anxiety. Overall, the findings of this study have implications for understanding these relationships and offer recommendations for further research.

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Divine Connectedness Scale in the USA.

This research conceptualized and offered preliminary evidence on the psychometric properties of the 10-item Divine Connectedness Scale-a measure that assesses individuals' perceptions of feeling supported by (divine guidance) and working with (divine collaboration) God or a Supreme Being. Results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis with 434 undergraduate students in the United States showed that scores from a single-factor model of divine connectedness were valid and reliable. Divine connectedness was positively associated with religiosity, forgiveness, and well-being variables. Divine connectedness showed incremental validity over demographic covariates, social desirability, and religiosity in predicting later meaning in life and flourishing.

Postsecular, Christian, or Humanistic Spirituality in Social Work within Secular Europe.

The spirituality discourse within social work has been developing for several decades, albeit more in the USA than in the states of the EU. Europe or the countries of the EU were characterised as an exceptional case because of their secularity. Social work in Europe is also typically secular. Nevertheless, the spirituality discourse within social work is slowly developing also in Europe. In social services, chaplains, pastoral workers and assistants, and similar professions are often more responsible for spiritual care than social workers. Should social workers approach spiritual issues from the client's point of view or from a theological stance or rather just from the social work perspective? What reasons and arguments can we formulate and express? This text will discuss both these questions and their context as well as the possible answers.

The moderating effect of religiosity between climate change anxiety and death anxiety among a sample of Lebanese adults.

BACKGROUND: Acknowledging the increasing worry over climate change and its psychological effects, the aim of this research is to clarify the dynamics between religiosity, climate anxiety and death anxiety, seeking to figure out the way religiosity mitigates the psychological effects of existential anxieties and climate related anxiety. METHODS: Using Google Forms, a questionnaire was developed and disseminated through a variety of messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. Through a snowball sampling technique, 763 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional during September 2023. RESULTS: The subsequent variables were adjusted in the moderation analysis: age, gender, and place of living. The results suggested that religiosity levels moderated the association between climate anxiety and death anxiety (Beta = 0.02, t = 1.97, p = .05, 95% CI 0.001, 0.035). At low, moderate, and high levels of religiosity, higher climate anxiety was significantly associated with more death anxiety. In addition, at low levels of climate anxiety, individuals with higher levels of religiosity (22.66) had more decreased levels of death anxiety compared to those with lower levels of religiosity (11.99). As climate anxiety levels increase, inverted patterns can be observed, with highly religious individuals showing higher levels of death anxiety than those with lower levels of religiosity. Overall, the relationship between climate anxiety and death anxiety was found to be weakest at low levels of religiosity and strongest at high levels of religiosity. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a possible beneficial effect of high religiosity at low levels of climate anxiety. This effect is reversed as climate anxiety starts to increase. Therefore, clinicians and policy-makers should bear in mind these complex interactions when designing strategies to mitigate mental health problems in the context of climate crisis.

"In God We Trust": An Exploratory Study of the Associations Between Religiosity and the Caregiving Experiences of Parents of Children with Rare Diseases in Poland.

Most children with a rare disease are cared for by their family members but parenting such a child is extremely demanding due to the complexity and severity of symptoms, with serious physical, emotional, social, and financial consequences for caregivers. Although religion may serve as a positive coping strategy, little is known about its role in helping caregivers manage the stress related to the burden of caregiving in Poland. Therefore, we surveyed 925 Polish family caregivers of children with rare diseases to understand the association between caregivers' religiosity and their caring experiences. The findings suggest that parents' religiosity is associated with a more positive caregiving experience, perceived quality of life, and experienced caregiving burden. While religious caregivers reported experiencing less distressing emotions and stressed the encouraging impact of their child's disease on their life more often, non-religious caregivers experienced role captivity and role overload more frequently. Since religion may serve as a source of strength and a protecting factor against mental health problems and the burden of caregiving, healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of religious and spiritual care, and caregivers' religiosity should be considered an integral part of a holistic approach.

Secondary School Students' Views on Sexuality and Sexual Health Education.

Objective: This study examined the views of secondary school students on sexuality and sexual health education in Hong Kong, China. Methods: A total of 818 secondary school students (mean age = 15.3 years, SD = 1.6) participated in this study by completing a questionnaire consisted of items on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual attitudes, and other measuring scales. Results: Students were slightly permissive in sexual attitudes and supported sexual health education. However, students who were male, highly liberal in sexual attitudes, and low in religiosity and spirituality were less supportive. Conclusions: Educators may need to address these deterring factors of sexual health education before teaching specific sexual health topics.

Secondary school students in Hong Kong show liberal sexual attitudes. Liberal sexual attitudes may lead to risky sexual behaviors which may deleteriously affect students' physical and psychological health. To promote students' sexual health, school-based SHE should foster positive sexual attitudes among students, particularly students who are male, older, higher in year of study, or non-religious affiliated. Our data on students' responses to items of ATSS provide useful information on sexual topics that need to be addressed. School authorities may consider conducting intervention or workshops in schools to disseminate information about exogenous factors of liberal sexual attitudes and their associations with risky sexual behaviors. Students may be informed of the protective measures of sexual activities and forewarned about the negative health consequences of risky sexual behaviors. Although majority of the students are supportive of school-based SHE, students who are male, liberal in sexual attitudes, low in religiosity and spirituality showed negative attitudes toward school-based SHE. To facilitate effective implementation of school-based SHE, educators may need to spend special effort on students who are less supportive of school-based SHE. Negative influence on attitudes toward SHE may be addressed before teaching specific sexual health topics.