Religious doubt, financial strain, and depressive symptoms among older Mexican Americans

Abstract

Purpose A number of studies suggest that positive aspects of religion (e.g., social support from fellow church members) help older people cope more effectively with stress. However, researchers have known for some time that there are negative as well as positive facets of religion. This suggests that instead of enhancing coping efforts, religion may also exacerbate the effects of stress. The purpose of this study was to see if one negative aspect of religion (i.e., religious doubt) exacerbates the effects of financial strain on depressive symptoms among older Mexican Americans. Methods A nationwide survey of 1,005 older Mexican Americans was conducted. Measures of religious doubt, financial strain, and depressive symptoms were administered. Results The findings suggest that the effects of financial strain on depressive symptoms are stronger for older Mexican Americans who have more doubts about religion. Conclusions This study explores aspects of religion that have received relatively little attention in the literature (i.e., religious doubt). Moreover, the data were provided by members of an ethnic group that have been largely overlooked by researchers who study religion (i.e., older Mexican Americans). Taken together, these study attributes help provide greater balance in the literature on religion and mental health in late life.

Minority Participation and Well-Being in Majority Catholic Nations: What Does it Mean to be a Religious Minority?

“…This finding is consistent with a growing body of research on religion and health which suggests that the positive benefits of religious participation are not enjoyed by everyone (Ellison and Lee 2010;Ellison et al 2009;Krause 2011c). Although many non-Catholics stand to gain from their active involvement in religious organizations, the CIA World Factbook lists more than a dozen countries with Catholic populations of 90 % or more, including most of Latin America.…”

“…Nevertheless, 80 % of studies examining the relationship between religion and life satisfaction find a positive association (Koenig and Larson 2001). In fact, even Krause (2011c) and Mochon et al (2011) conclude that the effects of religion are largely positive for those with stronger religious beliefs.…”

“…Mochon et al (2011) conclude that believers with weaker beliefs are actually less happy than atheists and agnostics. And, Krause's (2011c) study of older Mexican Americans suggests that the stresses stemming from financial strain are exacerbated by religious doubt. Nevertheless, 80 % of studies examining the relationship between religion and life satisfaction find a positive association (Koenig and Larson 2001).…”

Religious Involvement, Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Mainland China

“…Previous research conducted primarily in Western countries has found that degree of religiosity is directly related to suicidality, with greater religiosity predicting fewer suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completed suicide [12, 13, 29]. Several reasons could explain the difference between our findings and the vast majority of other studies in this area.…”

Religion and Mental Health in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations: A Review of the Literature

“…Religious doubt is another aspect of religion that negatively affects mental health ( Krause, 2012 ). Older Latinos who report more religious doubt have higher levels of depressed affect ( Krause & Hayward, 2012 ) and cognition ( Krause, 2012 ) and greater somatic depressive symptoms ( Krause & Hayward, 2012 ). Among older blacks, religious doubt is also associated with more depressive symptoms ( Willis et al, 2019 ).…”