Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to highlight results from a global study of Seventh-day Adventist church members (n= 63,756) focusing on doctrine adherence, happiness, and wellbeing. A unique feature of the Seventh-day Adventist religion is an emphasis on healthy living prohibiting tobacco and alcohol use while promoting a vegetarian diet. This study explores the relationship between adherence to Adventist health expectations and happiness and wellbeing. Although research methodology varied from one region of the world to another, this quantitative study collected data either online or using anonymous paper surveys. Typically, a multistage cluster sampling approach was used to select survey respondents. Where possible, samples were stratified by region and church size, to ensure representation from each of these strata. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 28. Findings indicate that church members globally have a high adherence to the tenants of the Seventh-day Adventist Church concerning health-related principles. For example, 97% of the sample had not used tobacco and 91% had not consumed alcohol in the past year. However, only 19% of the respondents held to either a vegetarian or vegan diet. Overall, those following the recommended diet had greater associations with happiness and wellbeing measures than did those who ate red meat once per week or more.

Presenters

Rene Drumm
Professor, Social Work, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi, United States

Duane McBride
Senior Research Professor, Director, Institute for the Prevention of Addictions, Andrews Univeristy, Michigan, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

KEYWORDS

Wellbeing, Religion, Religious Adherence, Health, Vegetarianism

Digital Media

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