The relationship between income and life satisfaction: Does religiosity play a role?

Abstract

The current study extends findings from previous literature examining the moderating effect of religious beliefs on the relationship between negative life circumstances and life satisfaction. Specifically, the current study investigates the moderating effect of religious belief on the relationship between income and life satisfaction at the individual and country level using multilevel modeling procedures. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive effect of income on life satisfaction at both the individual and country level, but as levels of religious belief increased (at the individual and country level), these relationships would be attenuated. A group of 85,072 individuals nested within 59 countries (43,541 females, 41,443 males, 88 unknown) between the ages of 16 and 99 (Mage=41.63, SD=16.56) completed the World Values Survey including questions reflecting income, religious belief, and life satisfaction. Results showed positive main effects of individual-level income and religious belief on life satisfaction. Contrary to prediction, there was a negative main effect of country-level religious belief on life satisfaction, and no main effect of country-level income on life satisfaction. Religious belief did not moderate the relationship between income and life satisfaction at the individual or country level. Theoretical explanations and implications are discussed.