BYU’s Justin Dyer on mental health and the positive impact of temple attendance
Oct 22, 2024
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Justin Dyer, a BYU Professor specializing in religious education, shares insights on the connection between temple attendance and mental health among Latter-day Saint youth. He reveals how regular engagement in religious practices like family prayer and scripture study significantly boosts mental wellness, reducing depression and anxiety. Dyer emphasizes that nurturing spiritual growth begins at home and highlights the vital role of community support in addressing mental health challenges. His findings underscore the positive effects of faith on youth well-being.
Regular temple attendance among Latter-day Saint youth is correlated with improved mental health, including lower depression and anxiety levels.
Engaging in family practices such as prayer and scripture study significantly influences and supports youth's commitment to temple attendance.
Deep dives
Impact of Temple Attendance on Mental Health
Research suggests a strong correlation between temple attendance and improved mental health among Latter-day Saint youth. Studies indicate that youth who regularly attend the temple experience lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to those who do not. This connection mirrors broader research on the relationship between religion and mental health, which shows that increased religious engagement often leads to better mental health outcomes. The findings highlight the temple's role as a significant factor in promoting overall well-being within this community.
Role of Family Practices in Strengthening Religious Engagement
Family practices such as prayer and scripture study play a crucial role in encouraging youth to regularly attend the temple. Research indicates that engaging in family prayer at young ages strongly predicts future temple attendance in adolescents. As children grow, personal scripture study becomes increasingly impactful, further solidifying their connection to their faith and rituals associated with it. Creating a supportive religious environment within the family lays the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to temple worship and engagement with church activities.
Understanding the Spiritual Benefits of Service
Engaging in service is highlighted as an effective way to enhance mental health and foster a deeper connection to spirituality. When individuals focus on serving others, they often gain a broader perspective that aids their healing journey and improves their overall mood. This process includes building connections with the Savior and fulfilling the purpose of gathering families and communities in faith, which can significantly benefit mental well-being. Thus, the act of serving becomes a pathway to spiritual enrichment rather than just a means to improve mental health.
Considerations for Individual Differences in Mental Health
While research points to the positive impacts of temple attendance, it is essential to recognize individual differences in how people respond to spiritual practices. Factors such as existing mental health conditions and personal life experiences can influence one's reaction to attending the temple. Some individuals may find that simply increasing their temple visits does not lead to significant improvements in mental health. Therefore, a balanced approach, acknowledging both the benefits of temple worship and the complexity of individual mental health challenges, is critical for holistic support.
Research from Brigham Young University looks at the relationship between temple attendance, religious practices, and mental health in youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The evidence suggests scripture study, family prayer, church attendance and belief in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are supported by and supportive of temple attendance. Professor Justin Dyer, a professor of religious education at BYU, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about his findings that youth who attend the temple more often have better mental health, including lower levels of depression and anxiety.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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