Religious involvement and healthy lifestyles: Evidence from the survey of Texas adults

Abstract

Although research shows that religious involvement is associated with a wide range of individual health behaviors, it has yet to be determined whether the effect of religious involvement extends to an overall pattern of regular health practices that may constitute a lifestyle. Building on prior research, we test whether religious individuals tend to engage in healthier lifestyles than individuals who are less religious. Using data collected from a statewide probability sample of 1,369 Texas adults, we estimate a series of ordinary least squares regression models to assess the net effect of religious involvement on overall healthy lifestyle scores. The results of our study indicate that religious individuals do tend to engage in healthier lifestyles, and this pattern is similar for men and women and across race/ethnic groups. We also find some evidence to suggest that the association between religious involvement and healthy lifestyles may be less pronounced in old age. Assuming that religious involvement is associated with healthier lifestyles, additional research is needed to account for these patterns. Future studies should also consider whether healthy lifestyles may serve as a mechanism through which religious involvement might favor health and longevity.