Exploring User Perceptions of a Mobile App for Religious Practices

Authors

• Breanne Laird, Inc
• Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Hope CollegeFollow
• Joshua N. Hook, University of North Texas
• Bridgette Do, University of Southern California
• Todd Hall, Biola University
• Jennifer Huberty, Fit Minded

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Publication Source

Journal of Religion and Health

Volume Number

63

Issue Number

3

First Page

2068

Last Page

2090

ISSN

00224197

E-ISSN

15736571

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the usage patterns of USA subscribers of an online religious/spiritual application (i.e., app; Pray.com) and the associations of app usage with physical health, mental health, spiritual health, and well-being outcomes. A total of 1031 subscribers participated in the survey about their engagement with the Pray.com app. Most of the respondents had been using the app between one and two years, and more than half were high-frequency users. Although many individuals engaged with the app experienced spiritual growth, many also reported retrospective improvement in mental and physical health. This research serves as an initial examination of how religious-based apps may be associated with self-reported improvements in physical, mental, and spiritual health outcomes.

Keywords

Digital health, Mental health, Religion, Spirituality

Recommended Citation

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health, Volume 63, Issue 3, June 1, 2024, pages 2068-2090.