Participation in Church or Religious Groups and its Association with Health: A National Study of Young Canadians

Valerie Michaelson,William Pickett,Peter Robinson

doi:10.1007/s10943-013-9726-x

Valerie Michaelson, William Pickett + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9726-x

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how participation of young Canadians in a church or religious group correlated with holistic health indicators. Health was viewed in terms of risk and protective behaviors, outward looking prosocial behaviors, and measures of internal feelings, with the composite picture of health connecting to the Hebrew concept of shalom. A separate analysis of sports-involved children was used as a comparator. Children involved in religious groups reported lower participation in risk behaviors, higher prosocial behaviors, but poorer levels of the more holistic measures of health. Sports-connected youth reported more positive holistic measures of health and some increases in overt risk-taking. Our findings raise theological and practical issues regarding how the church understands itself and lives out its mission. They suggest an emphasis on teaching about behaviors and morality rather than an understanding of shalom that is grounded in the Incarnation and in the deeply integrative nature of the Christian life.

Highlights

The purpose of this study was to determine how participation of young Canadians in a church or religious group correlated with holistic health indicators
Health was viewed in terms of risk and protective behaviors, outward looking prosocial behaviors, and measures of internal feelings, with the composite picture of health connecting to the Hebrew concept of shalom
Of the 24,244 participants that responded to the church or religious group involvement item, there was a roughly equal split between boys and girls, most were in grades 6–8, the majority were from large urban centers and from Central Canada, more reported average or better material wealth than not, and the majority were from families with both a mother and father

Summary

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine how participation of young Canadians in a church or religious group correlated with holistic health indicators. They suggest an emphasis on teaching about behaviors and morality rather than an understanding of shalom that is grounded in the Incarnation and in the deeply integrative nature of the Christian life In this population-based and national study, we had a unique opportunity to examine participation of young Canadians in church and other religious groups. Health was viewed in terms of both specific behaviors and deeper indications of emotional health, with the composite picture of health connecting to the Hebrew concept of shalom These analyses and their interpretations were rooted in the Christian commitment of the authors; it is hoped that these findings and this discussion will be of interest to a multi-faith audience. While there is a clear emphasis on right behavior as a response to right relatedness (e.g., around issues of justice), shalom invites people into a larger story of true belonging characterized by right relationships on every level: with God, with the earth, with community, and with self

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