Abstract
According to systematic reviews, religious beliefs and practices are related to higher life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect (Koenig and Larson, 2001). The present research extends previous findings by comparing satisfaction with life and character strengths of non-religious people, religious people, who practice their religion and people that have a religious affiliation but do not practice their religion. We assessed life satisfaction (SWLS), character strengths (VIA-IS) and the orientations to happiness (OTH) in a sample of N = 20538 participants. People with a religious affiliation that also practice their religion were found to be more satisfied with their life and scored higher on life of meaning than those who do not practice their religion and than non-religious people. Also religious people who practice their religion differed significantly from those who do not practice their religion and non-religious people regarding several character strengths; they scored higher on kindness, love, gratitude, hope, forgiveness, and on spirituality. There were no substantial differences between people who had no religious affiliation and those with a religious affiliation that do not practice their religion (all s < 0.009). Altogether, the present findings suggest that people profit from a religious affiliation if they also actively practice their religion.
Highlights
SATISFACTION WITH LIFE AND RELIGION One pertinent research question in Positive Psychology is the identification of variables that enable a fulfilling, meaningful, and happy life
Reviewing previous studies using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS), we found no consistent pattern regarding the relation of life satisfaction and the strength religiousness, which is defined as having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe, knowing where one fits within the larger scheme
The aim of the present research is to identify a condition under which a positive influence of religiousness on life satisfaction can be expected
Summary
SATISFACTION WITH LIFE AND RELIGION One pertinent research question in Positive Psychology is the identification of variables that enable a fulfilling, meaningful, and happy life. In the past years a sizable amount of studies has been accumulated to examine the relation of character strengths and well-being (e.g., Isaacowitz et al, 2003; Park et al, 2004). It was consistently found that life satisfaction is related to the five following scales of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS; Peterson and Park, 2004; Peterson et al, 2005a): curiosity, zest, love, gratitude, and hope. Reviewing previous studies using the VIA-IS, we found no consistent pattern regarding the relation of life satisfaction and the strength religiousness, which is defined as having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe, knowing where one fits within the larger scheme. The aim of the present research is to identify a condition under which a positive influence of religiousness on life satisfaction can be expected
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
