A long-term study published in the journal Psychological Science has found little evidence supporting the widespread assumption that attending religious services leads to better mental health outcomes, raising questions about a relationship long thought to be positive and beneficial. The research, which analyzed nearly two decades of data from the British Household Panel Survey, revealed that frequent participation in organized religious gatherings had no clear association with improved mental well-being and, in certain instances, was followed by slightly worse symptoms.
For decades, numerous studies have reported that religious involvement—such as attending church, mosque, synagogue, or temple services—is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The supposed benefits are often attributed to the social support networks and sense of belonging these communities provide, along with positive coping strategies like hope and meaning-making that religion can offer in times of hardship. Yet, this latest research, led by a European behavioral scientist and relying on responses from over 29,000 British adults between 1991 and 2009, challenges whether these claims hold up under close scrutiny over the long term (psypost.org).
The findings matter deeply to Thai readers, given Thailand’s rich religious landscape, where Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and other faiths have strong cultural roots and frequently play a central role in community life. Participation in ceremonies and temple activities is not only a spiritual matter but is often seen as a direct contributor to both individual and collective wellbeing. As Thailand continues to address rising rates of mental illness—particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic—understanding the true impacts of religious practice on mental health is critical for both policymakers and the public (WHO Thailand).
In the study, participants responded annually about their frequency of religious service attendance and self-reported mental health using the General Health Questionnaire. Attendance was tracked through 10 of the survey’s 18 waves, with categories ranging from weekly participation to only attending at life events such as weddings or funerals. Survey answers about life satisfaction were also collected. The research distinguished between so-called “within-person” effects—examining whether changes in one’s attendance influenced their own mental health over time—and “between-person” effects, which compared mental health differences between people with high and low attendance rates.
The overarching result: No meaningful association was found between higher religious attendance and later improvements in mental health. In fact, in certain years, greater frequency of attendance was followed by slightly worse mental health symptoms in subsequent annual surveys. Notably, there were even cases where participants who experienced a decline in their own mental health went on to increase their attendance at services, suggesting that worsening mental health might lead some to seek out religious support rather than the other way around.
As the study authors note, “The results suggest that there is a need to question the assumption that religious-service attendance provides mental health benefits.” Though religious engagement can offer many forms of social and personal support, its direct effect on psychological wellbeing may not be universal or as robust as previous studies indicated (Psychological Science).
Expert commentary supports this nuanced interpretation. Existing research often highlights the importance of context—namely, the distinction between voluntary, personally meaningful religious involvement and attendance driven by social obligation, which can sometimes be stressful or even stigmatizing. For example, Asian sociologists have argued that, in societies where religious participation is tied closely to community expectations, the protective mental health effects may not materialize or may even be reversed (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). In Thailand, where merit-making, temple festivals, and meditation retreats play an integral part in daily life, religious functions often serve as both spiritual and communal events—yet not everyone experiences these as positive or uplifting. For some, especially youth or those in minority groups, compulsory participation can be a source of stress.
Psychologists from Thai universities have previously cautioned against oversimplifying the religion-mental health connection. One university-based psychologist observes, “In Thailand, religious activities can certainly provide comfort and a sense of belonging, but they are not a replacement for proper mental health care or social supports. For some, religious rituals may actually reinforce feelings of guilt or inadequacy if cultural expectations cannot be met.” This viewpoint is echoed by recent Thai Ministry of Public Health outreach that encourages using a variety of support mechanisms—from talking with family and friends to seeking professional counseling—rather than relying solely on religious practice for relief from mental distress (Bangkok Post).
Thailand’s historic integration of religion and well-being can be traced back to the Sukhothai era, where temple schools functioned as centers for both spiritual and civic instruction. The practice of making merit by giving to monks, joining communal prayers, or participating in Buddhist Lent has long provided a framework for social cohesion and mutual assistance. However, experts underline that, while these traditions remain important, they should not be misconstrued as panaceas for the complex problems of modern mental health.
Looking ahead, this research signals the need for a more nuanced approach to mental health promotion in Thailand and other deeply religious societies. If religious attendance alone is not a reliable protective factor, then greater emphasis should be placed on other well-supported interventions, such as mental health education, stigma reduction, access to therapy, and community support programs. Public health officials may wish to collaborate with religious leaders to de-stigmatize mental illness and encourage help-seeking behaviors, leveraging the communal trust already present in temple and mosque environments.
For Thai readers, the study’s message is clear: While religious activities and attendance can enrich life and foster meaningful social connections, they are not a substitute for professional mental health care or personal coping resources. Individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or other concerns should feel empowered to seek a variety of supports. Communities and religious institutions alike play an important role in building mental health awareness, but must also recognize the limits of what traditional practices alone can achieve.
Practical recommendations for Thais include maintaining balanced involvement in religious activities, being open to conversations about mental health both within families and religious communities, and taking advantage of government or NGO mental health resources when needed. Municipal and provincial authorities should prioritize the expansion of accessible counseling services and educational campaigns that respect, but do not rely solely on, religious customs.
This landmark study, based on a British population, also presents an opportunity for similar research in the Thai context. Local policymakers, academics, and religious leaders should support rigorous studies that examine how Thai religious practices specifically interact with contemporary mental health challenges—particularly among youth, the elderly, and at-risk groups. Only through such careful analysis can effective, culturally tailored solutions be made available for all.
Sources:
- PsyPost: Religious attendance may not boost mental health, long-term study finds
- Psychological Science - SAGE Journals
- World Health Organization: Mental health in Thailand
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Religion and mental health
- Bangkok Post: Mental health among Thais deteriorating, warns ministry