May 19, 2021
WHAT: Mental Health in Religious Communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Webinar hosted by Catholic University Department of Sociology and Institute for Human Ecology
WHERE: Online Event: Register here.
DETAILS:

Brandon Vaidyanathan, chair and associate professor of sociology, will host a discussion on mental health during COVID-19. Funded by the John Templeton Foundation, Vaidyanathan and his colleagues surveyed more than 1,600 members of diverse faith communities last fall to assess the effect of the pandemic on their religiosity and well-being. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a global mental health crisis, with significant increases in anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Religious communities are a vital source of social and emotional support for many Americans, and considerable research attests to the positive relationship between religiosity and mental health. 

This webinar will present key highlights of their findings, and discuss the implications for faith leaders and for scholarship on religion and mental health.

After Vaidyanathan’s presentation, the following experts will provide responses:

  • Scott Thumma, Hartford Seminary
  • Elisa Gilmore, First Baptist Church of Glenarden
  • Lisa Ziv, Blue Dove Foundation
  • Mark McMinn, George Fox University
WHEN: Friday, May 21, 4 p.m. EDT.
SPONSORS: Department of Sociology

Institute for Human Ecology
MEDIA: Media are invited to register and attend. For more information on the event or to schedule an interview with Vaidynathan, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.

ABOUT: The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church and the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. Established in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and research center, the University comprises 12 schools and 31 research facilities and is home to 3,055 undergraduate and 2,311 graduate students. 

ABOUT: The Institute for Human Ecology (IHE) is a leading academic institute committed to understanding and propagating the conditions vital for human flourishing. The Institute challenges theories that denigrate the nature of the person and thereby thwart the pursuit of freedom and prosperity for all.