TY - JOUR
T1 - Religious doubts and sleep quality
T2 - Findings from a nationwide study of presbyterians #090709revised
AU - Ellison, Christopher G.
AU - Bradshaw, Matt
AU - Storch, Jennifer
AU - Marcum, Jack P.
AU - Hill, Terrence D.
PY - 2011/11
Y1 - 2011/11
N2 - A growing literature examines the correlates and sequelae of spiritual struggles, such as religious doubts. To date, however, this literature has focused primarily on a handful of mental health outcomes (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, negative affect), while the possible links with other aspects of health and well-being, such as poor or disrupted sleep, have received much less attention. After reviewing relevant theory and previous studies, we analyze data from a nationwide sample of Presbyterian Church (USA) members to test the hypothesis that religious doubts will be inversely associated with overall self-rated sleep quality, and positively associated with the frequency of sleep problems and the use of sleep medications. We also hypothesize that part of this association will be explained by the link between religious doubts and psychological distress. Results offer moderate but consistent support for these predictions. We end with a discussion of the implications of these findings, a brief mention of study limitations, and some suggestions for future research.
AB - A growing literature examines the correlates and sequelae of spiritual struggles, such as religious doubts. To date, however, this literature has focused primarily on a handful of mental health outcomes (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, negative affect), while the possible links with other aspects of health and well-being, such as poor or disrupted sleep, have received much less attention. After reviewing relevant theory and previous studies, we analyze data from a nationwide sample of Presbyterian Church (USA) members to test the hypothesis that religious doubts will be inversely associated with overall self-rated sleep quality, and positively associated with the frequency of sleep problems and the use of sleep medications. We also hypothesize that part of this association will be explained by the link between religious doubts and psychological distress. Results offer moderate but consistent support for these predictions. We end with a discussion of the implications of these findings, a brief mention of study limitations, and some suggestions for future research.
KW - Doubt
KW - Health
KW - Religion
KW - Sleep
KW - Spiritual struggle
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U2 - 10.1007/s13644-011-0019-0
DO - 10.1007/s13644-011-0019-0
M3 - Review article
SN - 0034-673X
VL - 53
SP - 119
EP - 136
JO - Review of religious research
JF - Review of religious research
IS - 2
ER -