Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Publication Title
Journal of Communicaton & Religion
Volume
32
Issue
2
Pages
347-374
Abstract
Prayer in personal, interpersonal, small, and large group contexts is described in relationship to physical, psychological, and spiritual health. A sample of college and middle-aged adults (N = 189) completed cross-sectional surveys. Quantitative analyses revealed that prayer in all contexts predicted higher levels of spiritual health, and that the strongest prayer predictors of health were: large group prayer for mental health, and private and large group prayer for spiritual health. Qualitative results revealed that prayers for physical health in close personal relationships, and table blessing prayers among family members, were two of the most common types of prayer. Suggestions for future research include investigating the relational outcomes of prayer, developing an inventory of prayer, and examining the bi-directional nature of the prayer-health relationship.
Original Publication Citation
Baesler, E. J., & Ladd, K. (2009). Exploring prayer contexts and health outcomes: From the chair to the pew. Journal of Communication & Religion, 32(2), 347-374.
Repository Citation
Baesler, E. James and Ladd, Kevin, "Exploring Prayer Contexts and Health Outcomes: From the Chair to the Pew" (2009). Communication & Theatre Arts Faculty Publications. 7.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/communication_fac_pubs/7