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Prayer and Spiritual Practices for Health Reasons among American Adults: The Role of Race and Ethnicity

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Abstract

Many studies find racial differences in prayer and religious practices, but few reports examine factors that help explain the effects of Hispanic ethnicity or African American race. A national survey conducted in 2002 collected data on 10 non-religious spiritual practices as well as on prayer for health reasons in 22,929 adults aged 18 years and over. We found marked racial and ethnic differences in the use of prayer and other spiritual practices for health reasons. Greater proportions of African Americans and Hispanic Americans than European Americans reported prayer for health reasons. Sociodemographic variables and health status could not explain these differences. Further, among those who reported prayer, African Americans were more likely than European Americans to report being prayed for by others. However, African American women and Hispanic women and men were significantly less likely than European Americans to use other spiritual practices such as meditation and Tai Chi. Surprisingly African American men were just as likely to report these practices as European American men. Sociodemographic variables and health status could not explain these differences.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Dr. Linda Chatters of the University of Michigan for her helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medicine, Howard University, 1112 Nora Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20904, USA

    Frank Gillum

  2. Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 Observatory Street, SPH I, Room 3806, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA

    Derek M. Griffith

Authors
  1. Frank Gillum
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  2. Derek M. Griffith
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frank Gillum.

Appendices

Appendix 1

Question format for each therapy:

Have you EVER…?

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS did you…?

List of therapies

  • Mind-body therapies

  • Biofeedback

  • Meditation

  • Guided imagery

  • Progressive relaxation

  • Deep breathing exercises

  • Hypnosis

  • Yoga

  • Tai chi

  • Qi gong

  • Energy healing therapy/Reiki

Appendix 2

Prayer for your own health

  • Have you EVER prayed specifically for the purpose of your OWN health?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS did you pray specifically for the purpose of your OWN health?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS did you ask or have others pray for your OWN health?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • Have you EVER participated in a prayer chain or prayer group for your OWN health?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS did you participate in a prayer chain or prayer group for your OWN health?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • Have you EVER had a healing ritual or sacrament performed for your OWN health or treatment?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS did you have a healing ritual or sacrament performed for your OWN health or treatment?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • Was this to treat a specific health problem or condition?

    (1) Yes; (2) No; (7) Refused; (9) Don’t know

  • For what health problems or conditions was this healing ritual or sacrament performed?

    MARK ALL THAT APPLY. LIST OF 25 CONDITIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE.

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Gillum, F., Griffith, D.M. Prayer and Spiritual Practices for Health Reasons among American Adults: The Role of Race and Ethnicity. J Relig Health 49, 283–295 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9249-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9249-7

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