Exploring the Rosary's Role in Catholic Well-Being

The Rosary, a Catholic prayer practice dating back centuries, has been a subject of recent study in Germany. Researchers sought to understand the characteristics and prayer habits of those who use the Rosary, as well as the relationship between their religion/spirituality (R/S) and overall well-being. Conducted online between June and September 2022, the study surveyed 164 Rosary practitioners about their demographics, prayer practices, and personal beliefs. Most participants were Roman Catholic (92%), with women making up 61% of the sample. Many described the prayer as calming and relaxing, helping them slow down their breathing and focus on the prayer beads. A significant portion of the participants reported high levels of transpersonal trust, meaning they had a strong belief in a higher power guiding their lives. The study found that measures of R/S were highly interconnected, showing small but notable associations with well-being. Interestingly, those who had more positive experiences with the Rosary prayer showed a stronger link between their faith and personal well-being. These positive experiences might amplify the emotional affirmation of their faith, thereby strengthening the relationship between R/S and well-being. Future research should delve deeper into how R/S and well-being interact in Rosary prayer and other meditative practices.