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Spirituality, religiosity and the mental health consequences of social isolation during Covid-19 pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Giancarlo Lucchetti
  • Leonardo Garcia Góes
  • Stefani Garbulio Amaral
  • Gabriela Terzian Ganadjian
  • Isabelle Andrade
  • Paulo Othávio de Araújo Almeida
  • Victor Mendes do Carmo
  • Maria Elisa Gonzalez Manso

Abstract

Background: Evidence shows that religiosity and spirituality (R/S) are highly used in critical moments of life and that these beliefs are associated with clinical outcomes. However, further studies are needed to assess these beliefs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: To evaluate the use of R/S during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and to investigate the association between R/S and the mental health consequences of social isolation. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in May 2020. Online surveys were carried out assessing sociodemographics, R/S measures, and social isolation characteristics and mental health consequences (hopefulness, fear, worrying and sadness). Adjusted regression models were used. Results: A total of 485 participants were included from all regions of Brazil. There was a high use of religious and spiritual beliefs during the pandemic and this use was associated with better mental health outcomes. Lower levels of worrying were associated with greater private religious activities (OR = 0.466, CI 95%: 0.307–0.706), religious attendance (OR = 0.587, CI 95%: 0.395–0.871), spiritual growth (OR = 0.667, CI 95%: 0.448–0.993) and with an increase in religious activities (OR = 0.660, CI 95%: 0.442–0.986); lower levels of fear were associated with greater private religious activities (OR = 0.632, CI 95%: 0.422–0.949) and spiritual growth (OR = 0.588, CI 95%: 0.392–0.882) and, lower levels of sadness (OR = 0.646, CI 95%: 0.418–0.997) were associated with spiritual growth. Finally, hope was associated with all R/S variables in different degrees (ranging from OR = 1.706 to 3.615). Conclusions: R/S seem to have an important role on the relief of suffering, having an influence on health outcomes and minimizing the consequences of social isolation. These results highlight the importance of public health measures that ensure the continuity of R/S activities during the pandemic and the training of healthcare professionals to address these issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Giancarlo Lucchetti & Leonardo Garcia Góes & Stefani Garbulio Amaral & Gabriela Terzian Ganadjian & Isabelle Andrade & Paulo Othávio de Araújo Almeida & Victor Mendes do Carmo & Maria Elisa Gonzale, 2021. "Spirituality, religiosity and the mental health consequences of social isolation during Covid-19 pandemic," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(6), pages 672-679, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:67:y:2021:i:6:p:672-679
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764020970996
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roman Ryszard Szałachowski & Wioletta Tuszyńska-Bogucka, 2023. "“ Faith Is Not Enough? ” Ego-Resiliency and Religiosity as Coping Resources with Pandemic Stress—Mediation Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Regina N. Parnell & Krim K. Lacey & Maxine Wood, 2022. "Coping and Protective Factors of Mental Health: An Examination of African American and US Caribbean Black Women Exposed to IPV from a Nationally Representative Sample," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Nazira Calleja & Cecilia Mota, 2022. "Mothers in Lockdown Due to COVID-19 in Mexico: Does Having a Paid Job Make a Difference?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-12, September.
    4. Elize Jacinto & Maria Clara Figueiredo Dalla Costa Ames & Maurício Custódio Serafim & Marcello Beckert Zappellini, 2023. "Religion-Spirituality Influences in the Governance of Faith-Based Organizations during the Covid Pandemic," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 531-550, June.

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