Religion and Subjective Health Among Black and White Elders

Musick, Marc A.

doi:10.2307/2137293

Cited by 196Religion, Spirituality, and PsychologyHealth disparities and outcomesAging and Gerontology Research

Religion and Subjective Health Among Black and White Elders

Musick, Marc A.·1996·Journal of Health and Social Behavior

DOI 10.2307/2137293

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Abstract

This study examines the effect of religion on subjective health in a sample of Black and White elderly adults living in a southern community of the United States. The analyses lead to several conclusions. First, the findings indicate that future analyses examining the link between religion and subjective health should incorporate measures of functional health. Second, the differences found between Blacks and Whites warrant separation by race in future studies of religion and health. Third, the effects of religion on subjective health seem to be greatest for those suffering from physical health problems. This last finding emphasizes the comfort role of religion suggested by other researchers.

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Of the 33 highest quality studies, six (18%) found worse functioning among those who were more R/S.
“Considering the 33 highest quality studies, 13 (39%) reported significantly better physical functioning among those who were more R/S (including one study at a trend level) [483–495], six (18%) found worse functioning [496–501], and five studies (15%) reported mixed results [82, 124, 502–504] (significant positive and negative associations, depending on R/S characteristic).”
From Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications (2012) · cites this paper as [499]

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Authors: Musick, M. A.
Affiliations: Duke University (US)
Corresponding author: Musick, Marc A.
Venue: Journal of Health and Social Behavior
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 1996-09
Volume: 37
Issue: 3
Pages: 221
ISSN: 0022-1465 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.2307/2137293
OpenAlex: W1966885424
Cited by: 196
References: 54
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 6
FWCI: 3.88
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Health and Social Behavior (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health (n01ag042110-008)
National Institute on Aging (N01-AG-4-2110)
Topics: Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
Keywords: religion, self-rated health, older adults, racial differences, functional health, physical health problems, Southern United States
MeSH terms: Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Attitude to Health, Black or African American, Cross-Sectional Studies, Data Collection, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Religion, Risk Factors, United States, White People

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Religion and Subjective Health Among Black and White Elders

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