Utilization of internet for religious purposes and psychosocial outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, research findings pointed towards an alleviating effect of religion on depressive symptoms and loneliness. However, it is not clear whether such a relationship persisted when worships were mostly held as online events. Consequently, this study investigates the link between religion-related internet utilization, particularly for online worships, depressive symptoms, and loneliness during the lockdown period.

Methods

Data were derived from a representative sample of German individuals aged 40 years and above, which was conducted in June and July 2020. Utilization of internet for religious purposes was treated as a dichotomous variable.

Results

Regarding bivariate analysis, individuals that used the internet for religious purpos

SUBMITTER: Kretzler B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9729167 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature