Association between religion, mental health and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the association of religiosity with behaviors and perceptions in the context of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as mental health outcomes, in a university community in Central-West Brazil. A sample of 1,796 subjects responded to an online form with socio-demographic questions and the DASS-21 and PWBS scales. Religion was associated with the frequency of interactions, perceptions of the duration of the social distancing measures, changes in emotional state and history of psychological illness. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was lower among people with religion and their scores in psychological well-being were higher.

Funcionalidad familiar y bienestar psicológico en adultos

“…En lo que respecta a la población religiosa se debe destacar que la religiosidad es parte de la psicología positiva, funciona como un factor que permite desarrollar un mayor bienestar psicológico, calidad de vida y salud mental (Litago et al, 2019). En un estudio realizado en población religiosa se evidenció que las personas que practicaban una religión tenían mejores puntajes en bienestar psicológico; mientras que, existía una presencia menor de sintomatología ansiosa, depresiva y estrés (Martins et al, 2023).…”