Does compassion mediate the intrinsic religion-health relationship?

Steffen, Patrick R.; Masters, Kevin S.

doi:10.1207/s15324796abm3003_6

Cited by 135Religion, Spirituality, and PsychologyMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsPsychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Does compassion mediate the intrinsic religion-health relationship?

Steffen, Patrick R., Masters, Kevin S.·2005·Annals of Behavioral Medicine

DOI 10.1207/s15324796abm3003_6

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Religiosity has been related to positive health outcomes. Although this relationship is primarily based on studies of church attendance and health, more recent work has focused on the potential mechanisms that may mediate the religion-health findings. One principle that is taught by all of the world's major religions is compassion. PURPOSE: It was hypothesized that one pathway through which religiosity may exert its positive influence on health is through encouraging compassionate attitudes and behaviors toward others. METHODS: Two separate studies were conducted examining the relationships among intrinsic religiosity (IR), compassionate attitudes and behaviors, and measures of psychosocial health. Measures of psychosocial health included depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and social support. RESULTS: IR was related to positive psychosocial outcomes in both studies, and compassionate attitudes and behaviors mediated these relationships. Compassionate attitudes showed significant relationships with psychosocial outcome measures (depressive symptoms, r = -.46, p < .0001; perceived stress, r = -.45, p < .0001; satisfaction with social support, r = .54, p < .0001; marital adjustment, r = .44) and accounted for most of the mediating effect. Although social support was also related to the variables of interest, its effect was smaller than that of compassionate attitude, and controlling for social support did not significantly add to the mediating effect of compassionate attitude. CONCLUSIONS: This study found compassionate attitude to be an important factor in the religion-health relationship and related to positive psychosocial outcomes, including reduced depressive symptoms and reduced perceived stress. Future research on religiosity and health may benefit from exploring the concept of a "compassionate personality" (i.e., a way of being in the world where others are treated with love and respect).

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Authors: Steffen, P. R., & Masters, K. S.
Affiliations: Brigham Young University (US)
Syracuse University (US)
Corresponding author: Steffen, Patrick R.
ORCID: Steffen, Patrick R.
Masters, Kevin S.
Venue: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published: 2005-12-01
Volume: 30
Issue: 3
Pages: 217-224
ISSN: 0742-5554 (ISSN-L)
0883-6612
1532-4796
DOI: 10.1207/s15324796abm3003_6
OpenAlex: W1976667855
Cited by: 135
References: 66
Citations by year: 2026: 3 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 10
FWCI: 3.03
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Annals of Behavioral Medicine (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Keywords: intrinsic religiosity, compassion, religion and health, mediating mechanisms, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, social support, marital adjustment, psychosocial health
MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Depressive Disorder, Empathy, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Religion, Social Adjustment, Social Support, Stress, Psychological, United States, Statistics, Nonparametric

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Does compassion mediate the intrinsic religion-health relationship?

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