ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of prayer and church attendance in men’s health. It suggests that ways counselors can assess men’s beliefs and behaviors regarding prayer and church attendance to conceptualize how masculine socialization may be facilitating or impeding those beliefs and behaviors, and to implement counseling interventions that facilitate the use of prayer and church attendance as ethical and health-promoting tools. The chapter explains the definition to many other types of religious gatherings and community events in addition to the primary religious services. The terms apply to men going to church, an activity at their church, a house of worship, participating in a religious and spiritual event or activity, as well as utilizing resources and support within their religious community. The chapter three theories of gender role socialization socialization – conformity to masculine norms, reference group identity, and positive masculinity – to deepen the understanding of men’s engagement in prayer and church attendance.
