Is your religious involvement helping your mind? The link between religious involvement and cognitive function from the perspectives of Christian pastors and parishioners

ABSTRACT To obtain the perspectives of Christian pastors and parishioners on whether and how religious involvement may be related to cognitive functioning. Fifteen middle- and old-aged Christian pastors and parishioners from a metropolitan Canadian city participated in this qualitative descriptive study which involved purposive sampling and open-ended semi-structured interviews. The qualitative interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Participants expressed their thoughts on how religious involvements had allowed them to cope with stress, secure lasting and supportive relationships, and keep their minds active. All participants agreed that religious involvement extended beyond simple attendance. Religious involvement appears to be a significant contributor to the mental health of pastors and parishioners, potentially guarding their cognitive function against the negative impacts of stress. The findings have implications for the incorporation of individuals’ religious/ spiritual needs in their circle of care particularly for the elderly dealing with cognitive deterioration.