How Faith and Gratitude Reshape Mental Well-Being, According to Science
A new study has delved into how religiosity impacts mental well-being, underscoring the role of gratitude and social support. Researchers Ethan D. Lantz and Danielle K. Nadorff analyzed data from over 1,600 adults to uncover the connections between faith, emotional health, and life satisfaction. Their findings suggest that religion may shield against depression and stress, but not in the manner some might anticipate.
The study utilized responses from 1,052 participants in the MIDUS 2 dataset and 625 from the MIDUS Refresher dataset. The average age of those involved was 55 in the first group and 52 in the second. Participants completed measures assessing religiosity, depressive symptoms, stress levels, life satisfaction, gratitude, and social support.
The results displayed a clear pattern: higher religiosity was linked to greater feelings of gratitude and stronger social networks. These two factors, in turn, were associated with lower depression, reduced stress, and higher life satisfaction. The researchers described this as a full mediation model—meaning the positive effects of religiosity on mental health appeared entirely due to increased gratitude and social support.
Previous studies have also found that religious involvement aids people in coping with challenging life events. Stress and coping models suggest that faith can provide meaning during hardship and fortify resilience. However, the cross-sectional design of this study means it cannot establish causation—only that these relationships exist.
Despite the insights, the research has not yet influenced US social security administration policies or health insurance practices. Its main contribution lies in enriching scientific understanding of how religiosity interacts with emotional well-being.
The findings reinforce the idea that religiosity may benefit mental health by fostering cortisol levels and social bonds. While the study does not establish cause and effect, it adds to growing evidence on the psychological role of faith. Further research could explore whether targeted interventions—such as gratitude exercises or community-building—might replicate these effects for broader populations.
