Effects of Prayer Frequency and Orientations on Distress and Well-Being: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Evidence From Indonesian Adults

Research on the benefits of prayer have mainly focused on frequency and often neglect other aspects of prayer. In this Brief Research Report, we reported independent and joint effects of prayer frequency and two prayer orientations on distress and well-being variables. Data included a cross-sectional national sample (n = 579) and a three-wave longitudinal convenience sample (n = 595) of Indonesian adults. Participants responded to questionnaires on prayer frequency, orientations (prayer for comfort and connection), and eight distress and well-being variables. Longitudinal results evidenced a joint effect of prayer frequency and orientations. When oriented by an intention for connection or comfort, prayer had the potential to mitigate subsequent suffering, enhance subsequent meaning and purpose, and promote subsequent character and virtue. The study calls for an examination of prayer variables that extend beyond mere frequency and an expanded framework of well-being when exploring potential benefits of prayer.