A Division of PRAY.COM
Scientific research demonstrating how faith and prayer empowers individuals to:
- Improve mental health
- Improve well-being
- Increase meaning & purpose in their lives
Published Research
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Our research, published in scientific literature, establishes PRAY.COM as one of the first faith-based apps with evidence to suggest its positive impact on mental health and well-being.
The Impact of Using a Faith and Prayer Mobile Application, Pray.com, on Mental Health and Well-Being
Laird et al., 2024
U.S. adults experiencing elevated stress showed significant improvements in mental health outcomes after using the PRAY.COM app.
Exploring User Perceptions of a Mobile App for Religious Practices
Laird et al., 2024
PRAY.COM subscribers reported meaningful improvements across key health and well-being outcomes since beginning to use the app.
Mental Health and Well-Being in Racial or Ethnic Minority Individuals After Using a Faith and Prayer Mobile App (PRAY.COM)
Laird et al., 2024
PRAY.COM demonstrated feasibility and the potential to positively influence mental health symptoms and spiritual well-being in diverse populations.
10 additional studies completed with data across veterans, military families, cancer patients, caregivers, and university communities.
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with us →Member Surveys
Member Surveys
Internal survey data from PRAY.COM members across university and military communities. These surveys provide additional evidence of PRAY.COM's impact beyond our peer-reviewed publications.
University Member Survey
Students, Faculty & Alumni | N = 1,845
- 90% of students report improved anxiety
- 96% of faculty report improved anxiety
Military-Affiliated Member Survey
Veterans, Active Duty Military, Spouses & Families | N = 7,808
- 80%+ report mental health improvements
- 96% support free military access
Coming Soon
Studies in Review
We have several additional peer-reviewed studies currently under review that expand our evidence base to new populations.
Perceptions of the Pray.com App for Supporting Faith and Psychological Well-Being Among People Living With and Beyond a Cancer Diagnosis: Cross-Sectional Survey
Perceptions of a Faith-Based Mobile App for Supporting Psychological Well-Being and Faith Among Caregivers of People Living With and Beyond Cancer: Cross-Sectional Survey
A Faith-Based Mobile Application for Mental Health and Well-Being Among University Students: A Single-Arm Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness Trial
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with us →The Evidence
Impact Across Populations
Across 16,000+ research participants, PRAY.COM consistently demonstrates meaningful improvements in mental health and well-being.
of users report significant-to-extreme improvement in their relationship with God
in at least one health or well-being outcome
of users report improvement in stress and anxiety symptoms
Outcomes Measured Across Studies
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with us →Our Approach
An Evidence-Based Foundation
PRAY.COM's content is grounded in four evidence-supported psychological frameworks that together support the mental health benefits observed across the populations we study.
Attachment Theory
Connection with a higher power as a source of emotional security and resilience.
Self-Regulation Theory
Prayer and meditation as pathways to reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Meaning-Making Model
Faith-based interpretation of adversity as a route to lower distress and restored purpose.
Belongingness Theory
Faith community as a buffer against isolation and a foundation for well-being.
Who We Study
Growing Evidence Across Populations in Need
Our research spans from general wellness to clinical and healthcare populations, demonstrating the broad applicability of faith-based digital wellness tools.
General Population
Populations
- PRAY.COM members
- General population adults
Key Outcomes
- Overall physical & mental health
- Spiritual well-being
- Meaning & purpose
- Relationship with God
Subclinical
Populations
- Racial & ethnic minority adults
- University students, faculty & alumni
- Adults with elevated stress
Key Outcomes
- Depressive symptoms
- Anxiety & stress
- Sleep quality
- Satisfaction with life
Clinical
Populations
- Cancer patients & survivors
- Veterans & active duty military
- Military families
- Cancer caregivers
Key Outcomes
- Depression & anxiety
- Health-related quality of life
- Spiritual well-being
- Stress & burnout
Healthcare
Populations
- Counseling supplement
- Preventative & self-care
- Cancer supportive care
- Mental health supportive care
Key Outcomes
- Mental health outcomes
- Well-being outcomes
- Care engagement
- Symptom self-management
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with us →Our Team
Led by Researchers and Scientists
Our team combines expertise in behavioral science, digital health, faith-based content, and data analytics to deliver rigorous, impactful research.
Victor Harris, COO
Division Lead
Leads the research division, driving the strategic vision for integrating scientific research into PRAY.COM's mission.
Breanne Laird, PhD
Research Director
Leads research operations, study design, and partnerships across all research initiatives. Lead author on published studies.
Jen Huberty, PhD
Fractional Chief Science Officer
Provides scientific leadership and oversight. Expert in digital health interventions and behavioral science research methodology.
Research Collaborators
Scientists and researchers who have co-investigated or co-authored studies with our team
Joshua N. Hook, PhD
University of North Texas
Daryl R. Van Tongeren, PhD
Hope College
Todd Hall, PhD
Biola University
Bridgette Do
Arizona State University
Sabrina Zuniga
University of North Texas
Nicholas Markette, PhD
Grand Canyon University
Rick Dunham
Dunham+Company
University Partners
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with us →Our Partners
Trusted Research Partnerships
We collaborate with leading institutions and organizations to design and execute research studies.
Interested in partnering with us on a research initiative?
Start a ConversationGet In Touch
Connect With Our Research Team
Whether you're an institution interested in research collaboration, a healthcare organization exploring faith-based wellness, or a university seeking campus mental health solutions — we'd love to hear from you.