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Religion in Aging and Health
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Religion in Aging and Health
Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Frontiers

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Volume: 166

October 1993 | 280 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
How does religion influence one's aging and health? Religion in Aging and Health brings together key scholars and scientists from several fields to advance epidemiologic and gerontological research into the role of religion in physical and mental health, psychological well-being, and other psychosocial and health outcomes. The first part of the volume contains four chapters that provide a theoretical context for this field, and addresses such issues as hope, forgiveness, the psychodynamics of faith and belief, and coping. The second part seeks to advance the methodological sophistication of research in this area and emphasizes measurement and design issues and the study of religion, aging, and health among African Americans. With contributions from such distinguished people as Harold G. Koenig, David B. Larson, Robert Joseph Taylor, and Dan G. Blazer, Religion in Aging and Health is essential reading for all those interested in gerontology, psychology, sociology, nursing and health, and social work. "There is an extensive literature documenting the salutary effect of religion on human health and well-being. Yet, this literature is largely ignored in mainstream medicine and social science. The essays in this book take stock of the empirical studies, reflect on the reasons why they have had such little impact, and provide direction for future reflection and research." --Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease "Levin's book lives up to its subtitle. It is a solid castigation of researchers who have long ignored the role of religion in late life mental health. . . . Anyone doing quantitative research on religion or health or aging can benefit from this book's suggestions. . . . Author and subject indexes finish off this well-edited book." --Clinical Gerontologist "This volume is supported by thorough sets of references and by perceptive suggestions for further study and research. The time is right for a creative partnership between practical theology and social gerontology to further this debate." --Church of England Newspaper "The book's stated purpose is to provide theoretical and methodological resources to support a growing body of research on the interactions among religion, aging, and health. Overall, the book makes a substantial contribution toward its goal. In addition, it makes a significant contribution by reviewing substantive knowledge in a number of areas related to the central topics. . . . The material is readable and jargon is kept to a minimum." --Robert C. Atchley, Director, Scripps Gerontology Center, Oxford, Ohio "These essays show that when it is conceptualized more carefully, and measured with greater precision, religiosity may be a surprisingly powerful predictor of health status and general life satisfaction, especially among the aging." --George W. Patterson in Religious Studies Review

Martin E Marty
Foreword
Jeffrey S Levin
Introduction
Religion in Aging and Health

 
 
PART ONE: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS
Jeffrey S Levin
Investigating the Epidemiologic Effects of Religious Experience
Findings, Explanations, and Barriers

 
Harold G Koenig
Religion and Hope for the Disabled Elder
Berton H Kaplan, Heather Munroe-Blum and Dan G Blazer
Religion, Health and Forgiveness
Traditions and Challenges

 
Christopher G Ellison
Religion, the Life Stress Paradigm, and the Study of Depression
 
PART TWO: METHODOLOGICAL FRONTIERS
David R Williams
The Measurement of Religion in Epidemiologic Studies
Problems and Prospects

 
Kimberly A Sherrill and David B Larson
The Anti-Tenure Factor in Religious Research in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging
David B Larson, Kimberly A Sherrill, and John S Lyons
Neglect and Misuse of the `R' Word
Systematic Reviews of Religious Measures in Health, Mental Health, and Aging

 
Linda M Chatters and Robert Joseph Taylor
Religious Involvement Among Older African Americans

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