About the research
Both religion and marriage have been associated with health and well-being, but little is known about how differences in religious faith within partnership relations influence health and well-being. In Northern Ireland religious segregation between Catholics and Protestants is pervasive, and there is a low prevalence of mixed marriages. This project examines the prevalence of mixed-religion relationships in Northern Ireland, and explores associations with physical and mental health.
In general, the research findings suggest that less than 10 per cent of relationships are between partners of different religions, which is associated with poorer psychological health. Mixing religions in intimate relationships is a particularly noteworthy form of intergroup contact, and it is important to be aware of the implications of such contact for the health and well-being of individuals in order that they can be better supported.
Methodology
This paper analysed secondary data from the Northern Ireland cohort within the first wave of Understanding Society, 2009 – 2010 (2nd edition). Analyses include bivariate descriptive statistics, and estimation of linear regression models which include mixed-religion relationship status as an independent variable, and mental and physical health as a dependent variable.
Publications
McAloney, K. (2013) ”Mixed’ religion relationships and well-being in Northern Ireland’ Journal of Religion and Health, pp. 1-10.. doi: 10.1007/s10943-013-9701-6