Study questions religion-depression link

[dmallind]

1. Frankly I think either is possible

I'm no expert in depression, but I strongly suspect a built in social group with a side of believing in some comforting speculation about your place and importance in the universe is likely to be beneficial, and plenty of religions can offer that. So can other things of course but none are as ubiquitous as congregations.

On the other hand even what little I know includes that sufferers often withdraw from social commitments, which would include religious attendance.

But in either event we cannot conclude from depression + religion = better outcomes that lack of religion = depression.