How Religious Doubt Moderates Depression Symptoms Following Older Adult Bereavement

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of religious doubt with mental health following bereavement, using data from a nationally representative longitudinal survey of religion and health in older adulthood. Growth curve modeling analyzed trajectories of change in symptoms of depression at up to three waves over up to seven years following either family bereavement or non-bereavement trauma. After bereavement, those with more religious doubt reported worsening symptoms, whereas those with less doubt reported stable or improving symptoms over the same period. After nonbereavement trauma, religious doubt was not associated with symptom change.