The macro‐level effect of religiosity on health

Abstract

have found that people who are more religious have better health and lower mortality than people who are less religious. Three explanations for this phenomenon are that religion regulates behavior and therefore acts as a protective factor against many risk behaviors, including tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; that religion provides formal and/or informal networks of emotional, social and material support, sometimes including health services; and that religion provides meaning and is therefore an important resource for coping with stress and depression (e.g., Deaton, 2011).While the positive effect of religiosity on health is well established at the individual or micro level, no studies have examined the macro-level effect of religiosity on health-the effect of the religiosity of a society on the absolute health of the population of that society as a whole. However, this macro-level effect could differ from its micro-level counterpart for at least two reasons.One reason is that declining macro-religiosity could promote medical progress that benefits society as a whole. Arguments in support of this hypothesis are: (i) Studies at the individual level have shown that religiosity negatively affects attitudes toward science in general (e.g.,

Both religious and secular ethics to achieve both happiness and health: Panel data results based on a dynamic theoretical model

“…Education (EDU) and religion (REL) could provide individual-level knowledge and ethics about healthy behaviours (e.g., [1][2][3][4]). For example, religion and science suggest avoiding tobacco, alcohol and drug use; theology and philosophy provide meanings to help one cope with stress and depression.…”

Digitalization, income inequality, and public health: Evidence from developing countries

“…According to existing research, the factors influencing public health are mainly examined from three aspects: individual, family, and society. The individual level chiefly covers socioeconomic status [ 4 ], religious beliefs [ 5 ], and psychological characteristics [ 6 ]. The family level involves factors such as parental health literacy [ 7 ] and family social capital [ 8 ].…”