Faith plays key role in young people’s mental wellbeing – study

A latest study suggests that religion can play a big role in shaping the mental health and emotional resilience of young people, particularly when it’s expressed through positive coping practices.

The research, led by Dr Lydia Mannion of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, examined how religious belief and practice intersect with psychological wellbeing amongst students. 

Drawing on surveys and interviews with secondary school pupils across Ireland, the study highlights each the advantages and challenges related to faith in young people’s lives.

Dr Mannion, writing in The Irish Catholic, said the research was inspired by recurring conversations with students concerning the aspects influencing their mental health. 

She explained that religion kept coming up as something meaningful to them, noting that relatively little research has explored this connection within the Irish context.

The first stage of the study gathered responses from greater than 100 students in senior cycle classes. 

Participants were asked about three areas: the extent of their religious belief, how they use religion to address difficulties, and their overall mental wellbeing.

While most students identified with a spiritual tradition – predominantly Catholicism (80) – not all (55) expressed belief in God, pointing to a growing distinction between religious identity and private faith amongst young people.

Students who engaged their religion positively to assist them cope – comparable to through prayer, reflection, gratitude, or trusting in the next purpose – tended to report higher levels of wellbeing, including greater resilience and a more robust sense of purpose.

By contrast, those that associated religion with guilt, fear, or feelings of abandonment were more more likely to experience poorer mental health outcomes.

In follow-up interviews with a smaller group of scholars, many described faith as a practical source of support during stress, anxiety, and private struggles. 

Prayer was ceaselessly cited as a relaxing and stabilising habit. Some students said it helped them manage overwhelming situations, offering a quiet space to reflect and regain composure.

Others pointed to the comfort of believing that difficult experiences have meaning or purpose, which helped them address uncertainty and setbacks. 

Religious practices comparable to confession were also mentioned as helpful for processing guilt and achieving a way of emotional relief. Faith appeared particularly significant during experiences of grief. 

Beyond personal practices, the study found that religion can even contribute to a way of social connection. Students involved in parish activities or youth groups reported advantages comparable to friendship, shared values, and opportunities for open discussion about beliefs.

Dr Mannion said educators, youth staff and fogeys have a task to play in helping young people engage with religion in a balanced and meaningful way – encouraging practices that promote reflection, hope, and emotional wellbeing, while also allowing space for questions and doubts.

She concluded: “Faith, for a lot of these students, isn’t simply a set of abstract beliefs, but a lived resource that shapes how they understand and reply to life’s challenges.

“In an era where young people face increasing pressures and uncertainty, these findings offer a useful reminder of the role that faith can play in fostering resilience and flourishing.”