Twelfth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Religiosity has long been considered a protective factor for alcohol consumption. However, variations of non-religiosity have been largely ignored in studies, which obscures the understanding of the real role of religious beliefs and attitudes. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the relationship between religiosity, non-religiosity, and alcohol consumption in adults. Searches for articles were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Psych-INFO, and LILACS databases. The difference in alcohol consumption between religious and non-religious groups was no longer significant when religious groups were evaluated separately by denomination. This seems to be due precisely to variables largely disregarded both in studies and in prevention initiatives: the typical position of each denomination in relation to alcohol, culturally reinforced coping styles, and the strength of belief. Each of these variables invites to different prevention and intervention strategies according to the belief profile. The divergent conclusions in studies on drinking behaviors and beliefs/attitudes turn into misinformation for professionals and the population, affecting the cultural imaginary and the effectiveness of public health. This is especially important because the understanding that subtle aspects of religiosity and non-religiosity can be a protective or risk factor for alcohol consumption sheds light on dimensions of attitudes that go beyond the mere assumption of a specific worldview.