Abstract
A stratified random sample of 100 older participants in the Second Duke Longitudinal Study was interviewed. For at least 1 of the 3 stressful periods inquired about, 45% of the sample mentioned a religious coping behaviour. The socio-demographic characteristics of participants provided evidence against the generally held view that religion is relevant only to the poor or uneducated. This coping strategy's effectiveness is supported by studies that have revealed a positive relationship between religious behaviours and well-being. (Abstract amended)