If we're going to the temple and we're seeking the healing of the Savior,

and we're seeking to serve Him, there's service, getting outside of oneself, is a wonderful help to our mental health. Again, it's a byproduct

because we begin to see a broader perspective. When we can step back, expand our view, get a

view of the whole plan of salvation and the role of the Savior in that, that can be

incredibly, incredibly helpful. But certainly as part of a process in your life, that can be the

pathway that I'm taking on that healing journey as I'm serving others, uniting families, gathering Israel on both sides of the veil.

It's going to facilitate our connecting with the Savior.

This is John Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News.

Welcome to the Church News podcast. Today we're taking you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and events of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I'm Mary Richards, a reporter with the Church News and guest hosting today's Church News podcast.

New research from Brigham Young University looks at the relationship between temple attendance,

religious practices, and mental health in Latter-day Saint Youth. Evidence suggests

scripture study, family prayer, church attendance, and restoration beliefs are supported by and supportive

of temple attendance. Meanwhile, those who attend more often have better mental health, including lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Joining us to discuss his findings is Professor Justin Dyer, a professor of religious education at BYU who teaches classes on religion and family as well as graduate statistics.

He currently researches how religion, family, and mental health influence each other.

Welcome, Professor Dyer. Can I call you, Justin?

Please, please. Welcome to the Church News podcast. Oh, so wonderful to be here. Thanks for having me.

Yes, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into this field and this research.

Yeah.

So my graduate work and PhD work was all in marriage and family and family relationships and how those go.

And I've always just been really interested in what is it that creates human flourishing and what is it that helps us in our lives?

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