The Scientific Study of Life Satisfaction and Religion/Spirituality

Abstract

One way in which religion and spirituality are relevant to the science and practice of positive psychology is through their links to life satisfaction. This chapter reviews scientific research on the relationship between religion/spirituality and life satisfaction. After providing conceptual definitions, we offer an overview of findings from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale studies, which collectively indicate there is a small, positive relationship between religion/spirituality and life satisfaction. We highlight longitudinal evidence indicating that religion/spirituality predict future life satisfaction, but we acknowledge that the size and nature of this relationship can differ between individuals, communities, and countries. We discuss these and other nuances. Next, we explore reasons for the links between religion/spirituality and life satisfaction, including the possibility that religion/spirituality can promote social connection, meaning, hope, coping, and physical health, all of which promote life satisfaction. At the same time, we take a nonreductionistic approach that acknowledges the unique contributions of religion/spirituality to life satisfaction-contributions that cannot fully be explained on the basis of indirect influences. We review the predominant limitations in this body of research and offer suggestions for advancing the study of religion/spirituality and life satisfaction. Finally, we conclude with applied implications for clinicians and religious/spiritual leaders.