Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Abstract: The association between religiosity and optimism have been explored within the context of immediate distress, however, less is known about whether this association will prevail in its absence, or whether it manifests differently within populations who have grown up suffering from a chronic health condition. Using data from Wave 5 of the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this project examines 4,196 participants, focusing on the difference between those who were diagnosed with a chronic health condition before the age of 16 and those who grew up relatively healthy. The results revealed a significantly positive relationship between religiosity – as measured by the importance of one’s religious faith and frequency of private prayer – and level of optimism. However, for individuals who grew up with a chronic illness, optimism increased with religiosity but plateaued at higher levels. Additionally, financial status growing up was also found to moderate the association between religiosity and optimism. Ultimately, the implications of these findings are discussed in reference to the effectiveness of faith in promoting psychological resilience.
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