Religion, suffering, and health among older Mexican Americans

Authors

Neal Krause
Elena Bastida, University of Texas-Pan American

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2009

Abstract

Pain and suffering are deeply embedded in the ethos of Mexican American culture. Consequently, it is not surprising to find that many Mexican Americans turn to their faith in an effort to deal with the pain and suffering that arise in their lives. The purpose of the current study is to explore the interface between pain, suffering, religion, and health among older Mexican Americans. Three major themes emerged from in-depth qualitative interviews with 52 older Mexican Americans. The first is concerned with whether pain and suffering are a necessary part of religious life, the second has to do with the potential benefits that pain and suffering may provide, and the third involves whether it is necessary to bear pain and suffering in silence. In the process of reviewing these themes, an effort is made to show how they may be linked with the physical and mental health of older Mexican Americans.

Comments

PMC Copyright notice

Recommended Citation

Krause, N., & Bastida, E. (2009). Religion, suffering, and health among older Mexican Americans. Journal of aging studies, 23(2), 114–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2008.11.002

Publication Title

Journal of aging studies

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2008.11.002