Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Neuroscience

First Advisor

Tara Lineweaver

Second Advisor

Tara Lineweaver

Abstract

Religion can act as a protective factor against stress and depression (Koenig et al., 2009; Krok, 2008) and can be examined through an individual’s relationship with religion or the efficacy of religious practices on mental health. In this study, 206 participants completed an online questionnaire that measured stress, depression, religious coping, religiosity (intrinsic religiosity, organized religious activities and non-organized religious activities), and social support using validated scales. The results indicate a positive correlation between stress, depression, and negative religious coping as predicted. While intrinsic religiosity and positive religious coping did not significantly influence stress or depression, organized religious activities were associated with decreased psychological distress. Additionally, a Hayes’ mediation analysis revealed that social support mediated the positive effects of organized religious activities on stress and depression in line with our hypotheses. These results suggest that the social components of religious observance, rather than religiosity alone, may play a meaningful role in mitigating stress and depression. Therefore, non-pharmacological approaches to mental health that foster social support may be valuable in reducing psychological distress.

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