Religion, Spirituality, and Health Values Among Young Adults in Slovenia: A Qualitative Study.

This study explores how young adults in Slovenia perceive religion and spirituality and how they relate these dimensions to health, values, and health-related habits. In modern secular societies, religion and spirituality are increasingly seen as influencing health indirectly, mainly through personal values, identity, and coping strategies. However, little is known about how young adults themselves experience this relationship. A qualitative descriptive approach was used, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 participants aged 18-34. Interviews were conducted in late 2025, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis supported by Atlas.ti software. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured through established qualitative research criteria. Five key themes emerged: personal perspectives on religion and spirituality, the influence of family and socio-cultural environment, religion as a source of moral values, perceptions of the relationship between religion and health, and the role of religion in coping with stress and supporting mental well-being. Participants generally viewed religion as a personal and selective aspect of life with limited influence on physical health behaviors. Instead, its importance was mainly related to mental well-being and stress management. The findings indicate that religion and spirituality functioned primarily as psychosocial resources rather than direct determinants of health behaviors among young adults in Slovenia.