RT Article
T1 Mental health, substance use, and the importance of religion during the COVID-19 pandemic
JF Mental health, religion & culture
VO 26
IS 8
SP 802
OP 814
A1 Park, Ji-Yeun
A2 Galbadage, Thushara
A2 Lee, Hyuna
A2 Wang, David C.
A2 Peterson, Brent M.
LA English
YR 2023
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1878573306
AB COVID-19 has impacted all areas of life, with lasting effects on physical, mental, and societal health. Specifically, COVID and related losses have exacerbated prolonged grief responses and mental disorders including depression and anxiety. These mental health concerns are associated with increased detrimental coping strategies including substance use. In this study, we analysed secondary data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results showed a positive association between serious psychological distress and marijuana use, while frequent religious service attendance acted as a moderator in this relationship. Individuals involved in communal religious activity were less likely to use marijuana. This study highlights the impact of religion and faith in bringing hope and purpose during periods of loss, coping with stress, grief, mental health challenges, and substance use.
K1 Religiousness
K1 Mental Illness
K1 Psychological Distress
K1 Faith
K1 Grief
K1 Substance Use
DO 10.1080/13674676.2023.2202382