Religious orientation and social support on health-promoting behaviors of African American college students

摘要

This study examined the role of religious orientation and social support in health-promoting behaviors of African American college students. Data were collected from 211 students attending a historically Black university. Results from a 4 X 2 MANOVA revealed significant main effects for both variables. No interaction effects were observed. Post hoc analyses suggested that students with proreligious orientations compared to those with antireligious orientations were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Students with high levels of social support had significantly higher mean scores for health-promoting behaviors in the areas of spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management. The implications of studying health behaviors within the context of religious orientation and social support are discussed. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.