Study1999Mental HealthDepressionLiterature ReviewLatter-day Saints

Religiosity, Mental Health, and the Latter-day Saints

Daniel K. Judd · BYU Religious Studies Center

Abstract

Synthesis of approximately 540 studies on religion and mental health, including LDS-specific MMPI data, covering the period 1923–1995.

Findings for Latter-day Saints

LDS who live consistent with their beliefs show greater general wellbeing and family stability.
Lower rates of delinquency, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse among practicing members.
Of 540 studies, 51% found a positive religion–mental-health association, 16% negative.
No standardized-test study links LDS belief or practice to increased depression.

Limitations in methodology

Literature review aggregates studies of varying methodological quality; coverage ends in 1995.

Source: https://rsc.byu.edu/latter-day-saint-social-life/religiosity-mental-health-latter-day-saints-preliminary-review-literature-1923-95

Your progress

Related studies

Cite this study

APA

Judd, D. K. (1999). Religiosity, Mental Health, and the Latter-day Saints. BYU Religious Studies Center. https://rsc.byu.edu/latter-day-saint-social-life/religiosity-mental-health-latter-day-saints-preliminary-review-literature-1923-95

MLA

Daniel K. Judd. "Religiosity, Mental Health, and the Latter-day Saints." BYU Religious Studies Center, 1999. https://rsc.byu.edu/latter-day-saint-social-life/religiosity-mental-health-latter-day-saints-preliminary-review-literature-1923-95.

BibTeX

@article{judd_religiosity_mental_health_lds,
  title = {Religiosity, Mental Health, and the Latter-day Saints},
  author = {Daniel K. Judd},
  year = {1999},
  journal = {BYU Religious Studies Center},
  url = {https://rsc.byu.edu/latter-day-saint-social-life/religiosity-mental-health-latter-day-saints-preliminary-review-literature-1923-95},
}

Report an error on this study.