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Non-organizational Religious Participation, Subjective Religiosity, and Spirituality among Older African Americans and Black Caribbeans

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Abstract

This study utilizes data from the National Survey of American Life to examine the sociodemographic and denominational correlates of religious involvement and spirituality among older African Americans and Black Caribbeans. Eleven measures of non-organizational religious participation, subjective religiosity, and spirituality are utilized. The findings indicate significant gender, income, region, marital status, denominational, and immigration status differences in religiosity and spirituality. Among older Black Caribbeans, income was a consistent correlate of religious participation and spirituality. The findings are discussed in relation to prior work in the area of religious involvement among older adults.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, 1080 South University, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1106, USA

    Robert Joseph Taylor & Sean Joe

  2. School of Social Work and School of Public Health, 1080 South University, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1106, USA

    Linda M. Chatters

Authors
  1. Robert Joseph Taylor
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  2. Linda M. Chatters
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  3. Sean Joe
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Correspondence to Robert Joseph Taylor.

Additional information

The data on which this study is based is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; U01-MH57716) with supplemental support from the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Michigan. The preparation of this manuscript was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging to Drs. Chatters and Taylor (R01-AG18782), and Dr. Taylor (P30-AG15281) and a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to Drs. Joe, Taylor and Chatters (R01-MH82807).

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Taylor, R.J., Chatters, L.M. & Joe, S. Non-organizational Religious Participation, Subjective Religiosity, and Spirituality among Older African Americans and Black Caribbeans. J Relig Health 50, 623–645 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9292-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9292-4

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