Author: Pew Research Center

Pew data reflects positive mental health aspects for those who worship regularly. More, people of faith are more civic-minded. Why this is, is unclear to the researcher. However, the data shows that 36% of actively religious people in the U.S. and 45% of Australians rate themselves as very happy. Mental health is not the only indicator. The study amplifies the positive effect of religious worship and belief. Religious people seem to smoke less, consume alcohol less, and exercise more. They relate one special note to no positive impact on weight.

When it comes to social activity, the results are positive for religiously active adults. Friendship and community services are key indicators. In the U.S., 58% of respondents reported nonreligious volunteer work while 39% of unaffiliated adults do the same. A surprise is that 69% of actively religious people vote. The faith community exhibits a high degree of political power.

Demographic and other controls such as age and gender change the finding. It is difficult to highlight all the result in the 57-page article it as it is full of data, graphs, and analysis. The dataphile will enjoy digging through the material.

People of Faith are Happier and more engaged

Pew Research Center. (2019, January 31). Religion’s Relationship to Happiness Civic Engagement and Health Around the World. Retrieved from Pew Research Center: https://www.pewforum.org/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world