Survey suggests religious belief boosts good mental health
A report based on a survey of 2,068 adults in Britain, suggests that religious belief significantly boosts emotional wellbeing.
The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life commissioned the survey which was conducted Whitestone Insight. The sample included Muslims, Christians, and those with no faith and found that people of faith report higher life satisfaction, resilience, and emotional health.
The study included further questions to around 500 practising Muslims and Christians, which showed they were more optimistic, less anxious, and more confident in handling life’s challenges than non-believers.
Muslims scored highest for feelings of harmony and acceptance, while both Muslim and Christian respondents reported fewer regrets and lower levels of despair. The study also found that faith identity, believing and belonging, was more strongly linked to wellbeing than regular attendance at religious services.
Young people and women showed the highest levels of anxiety and low mood, and feelings of wellbeing were highest in Northern Ireland.
‘Faith & Happiness: How Religious Belief Shapes Britain’s Emotional Wellbeing ’is here.
Brislington Community News 