Religion and Mental Health Outcomes

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past two decades, a burgeoning body of research has explored the multifaceted linkages between religion and a wide array of mental health outcomes, such as psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among both civilians and active duty military personnel. Empirical studies have documented salutary or protective effects of both public (e.g., frequency of attendance at religious services) and private (e.g., prayer and unorganized in-home devotional activities) forms of religiosity on mental health. Despite denominational variations, there appears to be an inverse relationship between religiousness and depressive symptoms. In addition, religion has been widely recognized and utilized as an effective coping mechanism that can buffer the detrimental effects of various acute or chronic stressors: poverty, economic strain, housing and neighborhood disadvantages. This Special Issue calls for studies that can shed new light on the linkages between religion and various mental health outcomes, especially psychological distress. Empirical studies conducted in non-Western societies are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Xiaohe Xu
Guest Editor

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