Prayers of Obligation and Well-Being: A Study of the Effects of Orthodox Jewish Prayer

Abstract

In a study to explore the effect of concentration during Orthodox Jewish obligatory prayer on well-being, ten Orthodox Jewish prayers were rated by experts (Rabbis) for the inclusion of the five identified prayer types of adoration, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and reception. The ratings were used to establish a prayer type score for each of the ten prayers studied. Other Orthodox Jewish males (non-Rabbis) were then surveyed about their individual level of concentration during the same ten prayers and about health and psychological well-being. Although the multiple regression analyses showed no link between degree of concentration and well-being, it was determined that the obligatory prayers studied were primarily comprised of the five identified prayer types with the only difference being their obligatory nature.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University