New research by doctoral student Tamilia D. Reed and educational psychology professor Helen A. Neville indicates that spirituality, rather than religiosity, may be the element that is critical to black American women’s life satisfaction and mental health.

“For black women, interpreting the significance of life experiences via one’s relationships may be more critical to mental health and life satisfaction than adherence to religious doctrine or engagement in religious activities,” Reed said.

More than 160 black women—from an age range of 20 to 75—participated in an Internet survey that explored their religious and spiritual values and practices; 60 percent of the participants held graduate or professional degrees.

Read the full Illinois News Bureau article by Sharita Forrest.