Table 1.

Core Study Measures

Church Attendancea How often do you attend religious services? Spiritual Supportb Not counting Bible study groups, prayer groups, or religious services, how often does someone in your congregation share their own religious experiences with you? Not counting Bible study groups, prayer groups, or religious services, how often do the examples set by others in your congregation help you lead a better religious life? Not counting Bible study groups, prayer groups, or church services, how often does someone in your congregation help you to know God better? Humilityc I always admit when I am wrong. I am always humble about the good things that happen to me. I never brag about my accomplishments. I am honest with myself when I assess my own faults and limitations. Self-Rated Health How would you rate your overall health at the present time?d Do you think your health is better, about the same, or worse than it was a year ago?e In general, how satisfied are you with your health?f

^aThis item is scored in the following manner (coding in parentheses): never (1), less than once a year (2); about once or twice a year (3); several times a year (4); about once a month (5); 2 to 3 times a month (6); nearly every week (7); every week (8); several times a week (9).

^bThese items are scored in the following manner: never (1); once in a while (2); fairly often (3); very often (4).

^cThese items are scored in the following manner: strongly disagree (1); disagree (2); agree (3); strongly agree (4).

^dThis item is scored in the following manner: poor (1); fair (2); good (3); excellent (4).

^eThis item is scored in the following manner: worse (1); about the same (2); better (3).

^fThis item is scored in the following manner: not at all satisfied (1); somewhat satisfied (2); very satisfied (3).