"We may be more willing to seek cutting-edge, scientifically based treatment for these disorders, including antidepressants," Kalm said.

Utah's LDS population also might more readily turn to the medical profession for help because the church advises members not to use alcohol and tobacco. Research indicates Latter-day Saints in Utah and elsewhere are less likely to self-medicate, Judd said, with those drugs or illegal drugs.

Judd said recent surveys show that some LDS women report higher incidences of depression than women outside the church, but added, "I am not aware of any study using standardized psychometric tests that associates Latter-day Saint belief or practice with increased depression among LDS women, men, adolescents or children."

Judd began to review studies on religion and mental health in 1983. His look at 540 studies that measured both mental health and any religious affiliation, belief or practice showed that 51 percent found a positive association between religion and mental health. Sixteen percent indicated a negative relationship.

"The majority of studies I have reviewed are supportive of the assertion that religious belief, and most especially faithful religious devotion, facilitates mental health, marital cohesion and family stability," Judd said.

The positive association held true for most religions.

His review also found that 71 percent of studies regarding LDS samples indicated a positive relationship, with 4 percent negative, 24 percent neutral and 1 percent mixed.

Critics have also blamed LDS Church teachings and practices for a higher-than-average rate of suicide in Utah, but Judd cited a study by BYU and University of Utah professors, published in 2002, that found the suicide rate among young men active in the LDS Church was significantly lower than among young men not active or not members of the church. The results replicated a similar study published 20 years earlier and was consistent with other studies.

He said recent research also shows that the divorce rate among LDS couples falls below the national average.

None of the findings should leave the impression LDS Church members are superior to or have fewer challenges than other people, Judd said.

He also cautioned against perfectionism, acknowledging that LDS culture does lead some members to attempt too much.

"It's not our theology that's at fault," he said during a question-and-answer session. "It's our culture, at times. The doctrine isn't, 'Come unto me, all ye heavy laden, and I'll give you more to do.' "

BYU holds forum assemblies several times each semester. Each forum is a lecture by established professors, either from BYU or other universities, or other experts who share research and insights from their life's work.

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com