The Influence of Close Ties on Depression: Does Network Religiosity Matter?

Abstract

Despite a growing body of the literature on how features of social networks influence well‐being, we know little of how the religiosity of social networks matter. This study addresses three types of religious social network ties and their association with mental health: same (non)‐religious ties, religious discussion ties, and ties offering prayers on an individual's behalf. Using ego‐centric network data from the 2006 Portraits of American Life Study (N = 2,223), multivariate regression results suggest that a greater number of ties that discuss religion and pray for the respondent are detrimental to the mental health of those of a low religious salience. Taken together, this study demonstrates that religious dimensions of social networks exact an important influence on mental health and highlights the importance of identifying specific features of religion among core network ties.

Social Cost and Health: The Downside of Social Relationships and Social Networks

“…Network size is positively related to the risk of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension for those who are unlikely to discuss health problems or medical treatment with alters (Cornwell and Waite 2012). The size of ties that discuss religion is positively associated with depression for those with a low religious salience (Upenieks 2020). Among hurricane victims, network size is positively related to depression only for women (Haines, Beggs, and Hurlbert 2008).…”

“…Receipt of unsolicited job leads is positively associated with depression directly in the United States, especially for those with better-off financial situations, and indirectly in urban China through financial dissatisfaction (Song 2014; Song and Chen 2014). Receipt of prayer is positively associated with depression for those with a low religious salience (Upenieks 2020). In contrast to the protective effects of support from parents and teachers, higher levels of peer support increase depression among adolescents (Meadows 2007).…”

Religião e Uso de Tabaco no Rio de Janeiro: Resultados Transversais e Longitudinais do Estudo Pró-Saúde

“…Neste âmbito, vários estudos examinaram a potencial influência da religião na saúde mental dos indivíduos. A criação e manutenção de laços sociais via participação religiosa têm sido associadas a uma menor chance de o indivíduo apresentar depressão, ideação suicida e uso abusivo de álcool e outras drogas (Moreira-Almeida, Lotufo Neto e Koenig, 2006;Upenieks, 2020).…”

Religious/spiritual struggles and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Does “talking religion” help or hurt?

“…Under conditions of unfavorable interactions with co-religionists, the structural basis for social support is undermined, and processes of shame, criticism, and ostracism could worsen the already vulnerable health profiles of those experiencing R/S struggles. One prior study found that discussing religion with a greater proportion of one’s network ties was associated with higher depression, an effect which was magnified for those placing less importance on religion (Upenieks 2020 ). Upenieks ( 2020 ) speculated that for those not holding religion to be of great import, discussing religious or spiritual matters could be a form of “unsolicited social support” (Song 2014 ) that is ripe with judgment or criticism for low religiosity on the part of network members.…”

“…One prior study found that discussing religion with a greater proportion of one’s network ties was associated with higher depression, an effect which was magnified for those placing less importance on religion (Upenieks 2020 ). Upenieks ( 2020 ) speculated that for those not holding religion to be of great import, discussing religious or spiritual matters could be a form of “unsolicited social support” (Song 2014 ) that is ripe with judgment or criticism for low religiosity on the part of network members. Based on this evidence, we therefore present the following alternative hypothesis for how religious discussion might condition the relationship between R/S struggles and well-being:…”