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Religion and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Emerging Adults

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Abstract

Studies suggest we capitalize upon religion’s health benefits to prevent obesity. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to determine how emerging adults used religion to manage their health. Two focus groups were conducted among White and African American participants. Content analysis of the data revealed categories about their attitudes regarding parental and religious influences, religion’s influence on behavior, negative health effects of religion, barriers, obesity prevention, and health promotion programs. Society sends out “easy” solutions for unhealthy behaviors, but we should focus on healthy behavior benefits, remove barriers, and consider religion’s part in health promotion (obesity prevention).

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Acknowledgments

Regina Jones Johnson, DrPH, MSN, RN, The University of Texas at Austin; Marc Musick, PhD, MA, BA, The University of Texas at Austin; Deborah Volker, PhD, AOCN, RN, The University of Texas at Austin; Joseph D. Jamail Scholarship; Lillie S. Matthews Endowed Scholarship; Reunion Alumni Fund Scholarship from The University of Texas at Austin; Good Samaritan Foundation Scholarship; The University of Texas Office of Survey Research; and Focus Group Participants.

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  1. School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, 1710 Red River Street, Austin, TX, 78701, USA

    Shalonda E. B. Horton

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  1. Shalonda E. B. Horton
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Correspondence to Shalonda E. B. Horton.

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Horton, S.E.B. Religion and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Emerging Adults. J Relig Health 54, 20–34 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9773-3

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