Religious people are happier than non-religious people
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 86/100
Multiple empirical studies and meta-analyses demonstrate a positive correlation between religiosity and higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
Evidence for · 5
The effect of religiosity on life satisfaction: A meta-analysis
2022 · cited by 46
A meta-analysis of multiple studies demonstrates a positive, linear effect of religiosity on life satisfaction.
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More for · 4
Religiosity, Family Orientation, and Life Satisfaction of Adolescents in Four Countries
2011 · cited by 36
Findings across four countries indicate that adolescent religiosity positively impacts life satisfaction via family orientation.
Religious Involvement, Education, and Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults in Taiwan.
2025 · cited by 0
Research in Taiwan shows that religious participation is positively associated with happiness among older adults.
Religious involvement and subjective well-being.
1991 · cited by 0
Studies indicate that individuals with strong religious faith or existential certainty report higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness.
Are Religious People Any Happier? Probing the Divine Relationship, Organizational Religiosity and the Role of Education and Income in the United States.
2025 · cited by 0
US data shows that greater religious attendance and stronger divine relationships are associated with greater happiness.