Gender Variations in the Indirect Effects of In-person and Virtual Religious Attendance on Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although numerous studies have established the indirect effect of in-person religious attendance on mental health through social support, it is unclear whether this process might extend to virtual attendance. In this study, we employ national survey data from the United States ( n = 1,701) to explore gender variations in the indirect effects of in-person and virtual religious attendance on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analyses indicated that weekly or more in-person and virtual religious attendance were associated with greater social support among women, but not among men. We also observed statistically significant indirect effects of in-person and virtual religious attendance on lower levels of psychological distress through greater social support among women, but not among men. By revisiting the integrative function of modern religious rituals, we may advance our understanding of the ways in which technological innovation in institutions of religion might impact the mental health of women and men.