Lifetime Trauma, Praying for Others, and C-Reactive Protein

Biodemography Soc Biol. 2016;62(3):249-261. doi: 10.1080/19485565.2016.1188367.

Abstract

Research indicates that praying for others may offset the effects of stress on self-rated health and psychological well-being. The purpose of the current study is to extend this literature by seeing whether praying for others moderates the effects of exposure to lifetime trauma on a key marker of inflammation: C-reactive protein. The data come from a recent nationwide survey of adults of all ages (N = 1,589). Levels of C-reactive protein were obtained from assays of blood spots drawn from a capillary fingerstick. The findings suggest that the magnitude of the relationship between lifetime trauma and C-reactive protein is completely offset for study participants who frequently pray for others. The theoretical implications of this research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Association*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Religion
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States

Substances

  • C-Reactive Protein