A Web-Based Survey of the Relationship Between Buddhist Religious Practices, Health, and Psychological Characteristics: Research Methods and Preliminary Results
Author Affiliations: 1.Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 86001-5095 USA 2.Religious Studies Program, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff USA 3.Department of Psychology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff USA 4.Department of Physical Therapy, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff USA
關鍵詞
BUDDHISM; HEALTH behavior; HEALTH surveys; MEDITATION -- Buddhism; HEALTH self-care; Buddhists; Health practices; Religious practices; Research methods
摘要
A Web-based survey was conducted to study the religious and health practices, medical history and psychological characteristics among Buddhist practitioners. This report describes the development, advertisement, administration and preliminary results of the survey. Over 1200 Buddhist practitioners responded. Electronic advertisements were the most effective means of recruiting participants. Survey participants were mostly well educated with high incomes and white. Participants engaged in Buddhist practices such as meditation, attending meetings and obtaining instruction from a monk or nun, and practiced healthful behaviors such as regular physical activity and not smoking. Buddhist meditative practice was related to psychological mindfulness and general health.
目次
Introduction 18 Research Populations 19 Research Needed 19 Methods 21 Interdisciplinary Research Team 21 Survey Instruments 21 Survey Administration 22 Participant Recruitment 22 Results 23 Participant Recruitment 23 Demographic Characteristics 24 Buddhist Practitioners 24 Health Status and Practices 25 Psychosocial Correlates of Buddhist Practices 25 Missing Data 25 Discussion 25 Survey Limitations 26 Future Research 27 Conclusions 28 References 28
