Religion and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Studies suggest we capitalize upon religion's health benefits to prevent obesity. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to determine how emerging adults used religion to manage their health. Two focus groups were conducted among White and African American participants. Content analysis of the data revealed categories about their attitudes regarding parental and religious influences, religion's influence on behavior, negative health effects of religion, barriers, obesity prevention, and health promotion programs. Society sends out "easy" solutions for unhealthy behaviors, but we should focus on healthy behavior benefits, remove barriers, and consider religion's part in health promotion (obesity prevention).

Factors influencing dietary fat intake among black emerging adults

“…Similar to adult populations, younger populations encounter barriers to practicing healthy behaviors (e.g., eating healthy) (Fila & Smith, 2006;Horton, 2013a;Jenkins & Horner, 2005). Younger populations have identified not having enough time to eat as a barrier in trying to eat healthy (French et al, 2001;Horton, 2013a;Jenkins & Horner, 2005;Neumark-Sztainer et al, 1999).…”

“…Younger populations have identified not having enough time to eat as a barrier in trying to eat healthy (French et al, 2001;Horton, 2013a;Jenkins & Horner, 2005;Neumark-Sztainer et al, 1999). To save on time and meal planning, young adults and teenagers ate at restaurants and from vending machines (e.g., junk food) (Jenkins & Horner, 2005;Neumark-Sztainer et al, 1999).…”

“…Positive religious coping skills have been associated with positive psychological adjustment to stress (Ano & Vasconcelles, 2005;Klaassen, McDonald, & James, 2006), and high religious coping has been reported among Black adults (Chatters, Taylor, Jackson, & Lincoln, 2008). In a qualitative study conducted by Horton (2013a) among emerging adults, participants discussed how they used religion to cope with stress.…”

“…Barriers among younger populations that have been identified in the literature include not having enough time to eat, availability and taste of foods, food cravings, little care about eating healthy, and influence of media (Fila & Smith, 2006;French et al, 2001;Horton, 2013a;Jenkins, 2007;Jenkins & Horner, 2005;Neumark-Sztainer et al, 1999). The literature is sparse for perceived barriers to the healthy eating as a predictor for DFI.…”

“…Researchers have reported positive health outcomes, such as improved blood pressure, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increased physical activity, among participants in faith-based health promotion programs Horton, Alvear, & Horton, 2014;Whitt-Glover, Hogan, Lang, & Heil, 2008). In addition, in a qualitative study conducted by Horton (2013a), emerging adults shared that having an accountability partner, someone who cares about the decisions you make, incorporated into a faith-based health program may encourage individuals to practice healthy behaviors.…”