title: A qualitative study of faith leaders' perceptions of health and wellness.
abstract: The effectiveness of faith-based health and wellness interventions is moderated by the attitudes, perceptions, and participation of key leaders within faith-based organizations. This qualitative study examined perceptions about the link between health, spirituality, and religion among a volunteer sample of faith leaders (n = 413) from different denominations. The major themes included: influences on health and wellness promotion and a relationship between spirituality and health. The results indicated that perceptions about the link among health, spirituality, and religion vary among faith leaders, regardless of denomination. Future faith-based interventions should be developed with consideration for denomination as a socially and culturally relevant factor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bopp
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Fallon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002835:Christianity / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D002977:Clergy / Q000523:psychology*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007857:Leadership; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States