ABSTRACT
Although not guided by evolutionary analyses, the cumulative findings of a third body of research that has emerged over the past two decades does provide evidence of individual benefits for religious practitioners. This work has been conducted by sociologists, epidemiologists, psychologists, and physicians, and has explored the health impacts of religion on adherents (Hummer et at. 1999; Levin 1994, 1996; Matthews et al. 1998; Murphy et al. 2000). Accumulating findings from this body of research show significant positive associations between religious participation and individual health. These studies demonstrate decreased mental and physical health risks, faster recovery times for a wide variety of diso~ders, and greater longevity for those who regularly attend weekly Western religious services, even when social and lifestyle confounds are controlled (Hummer et at. 1999; Matthews et al. 1998; Murphy tit al. 2000). In association with ongoing neurophysiological research (Austin 1998; McNamara 2001, 2002; Newberg et al. 2001; Saver and Rabin 1997; Winkelman 1986, 1992,2000), these findings suggest proximate mechanisms by which religious participation may impact psychoneuroimmuno10gical systems and, thus, individual fitness.
