Articles tagged with Religion
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in England and Wales' marriage laws, with couples facing uncertainty about their ability to marry. Researchers found that the rules governing marriages struck a balance between legal events and social gatherings, but failed to please anyone.
A new online resource hub will be established to document the life and work of controversial theologian Don Cupitt. The grant-funded project aims to provide access to archival material, blog posts, videos, and lectures related to Cupitt's influential books and BBC series.
A University of Otago study found that anxiety enhances recall of supernatural agents, leading to the formation of religious beliefs. The research suggests that anxious individuals are initially attracted to the scary traits of gods and other supernatural concepts due to their alarming effects on our expectations.
Severe droughts prompted landowners to grant rights to non-elites, who promoted institutional changes through cooperation. Climate shocks also influenced agricultural activities and social orders in developing countries., Climate crises in Mesopotamia led to the development of cooperative relationships between elites and non-elites.
A majority of Generation Z gay and bisexual teenage boys report being out to their parents, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. However, stigma and religious beliefs still prevent some young people from disclosing their sexual identity.
Research reveals that religion can both protect mental health and constrain crisis response among certain groups, ultimately affecting public health efforts. Highly religious Americans, especially evangelicals, experienced less distress during the early days of COVID-19 but were less concerned about addressing the pandemic.
A study of 2,356 people reveals that sensory absorption and a porous mental model explain divine experiences. The research, conducted across multiple cultures and religions, highlights the complex factors influencing spiritual encounters.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that religious beliefs and spiritual struggles modulate protein expression associated with cardiovascular disease in US South Asians. The research suggests that spiritually focused psychotherapy may help reduce risk of CVD for individuals experiencing spiritual distress.
A new study found that religious individuals employ cognitive reappraisal and coping self-efficacy, two psychological strategies linked to reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. The research suggests a convergence between science and religion in promoting well-being and resilience.
A new study found that one in four physicians report being attacked and sexually harassed on social media, with women disproportionately affected. The study highlights the need for medical institutions to have a plan in place to respond to online harassment and support physicians' careers.
Researchers found that Christian nationalist values among non-churchgoers were strongly tied to voting for Trump. In contrast, churchgoers' support for Trump was not influenced by their level of Christian nationalism. The study challenges the idea that the religious vote for Trump was driven by Christian leaders and institutions.
A new study found no association between leisure activities at age 56 and dementia risk over 18 years, but found that stopping participation may be an early sign of dementia. People who took part in more leisure activities at older ages were less likely to develop dementia.
Researchers found a connection between daily spiritual experiences and overall well-being, with both stable and fluctuating experiences contributing to mental well-being. Daily spiritual experiences, such as feeling God's presence or inner peace, were associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher levels of flourishing.
A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.
A new study by Brandi Woodell and Philip Schwadel found that emerging adults with same-sex attraction are twice as likely to disaffiliate from organized religion than their heterosexual peers. However, there was little change in prayer among the groups.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that 73% of LGBTQ adolescents experience bias-based bullying for reasons beyond their sexual identity. Schools with Gay Straight Alliances report lower rates of bullying, emphasizing the importance of promoting broad-reaching inclusion and acceptance.
A new study reveals that opposition to sexual and gender minority rights in the US is correlated with Christian and political conservatism. Participants who identified as Christians were more likely to support laws denying these groups equal rights.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that regularly attending religious services is associated with a lower risk of deaths from despair, including suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning. The study showed significant associations between service attendance and reduced risk for both women and men.
A study found that healthcare workers who regularly attend religious services have a significantly lower risk of death by suicide, compared to those who do not. The association suggests that spiritual practices may play an important role in mitigating mental health risks among this vulnerable population.
A national survey conducted by Baylor University researchers found that a majority of participants opposed separating immigrant families and charging parents as criminals. The study also identified factors associated with support for the zero-tolerance policy, including conservative ideology and social dominance orientation.
Researchers will investigate how religion shapes children's understanding of the supernatural, science, and social interactions. The five-year project aims to address a lack of diversity in previous studies and explores how children form beliefs about people from different religious backgrounds.
New research from University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel reveals the religiously unaffiliated are more varied in their political beliefs than previously believed. Atheists and agnostics tend to be liberal, while a larger conservative group exists within this demographic.
A study from York University reveals a wide trust gap between Americans in southern and northern regions. The gap persists even after considering internal migration, with southerners generally exhibiting lower trust levels due to the region's collectivist culture.
Patients living with HIV who attend religious services regularly experience higher emotional and physical well-being, while privately religious individuals face mental health challenges. Researchers suggest integrating spiritual beliefs into holistic treatment programs to improve health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a way to reconstruct stable neural activity patterns from tens of neurons, potentially allowing for consistent control of neuroprostheses over long periods. This breakthrough has immediate implications for advancing neuroprosthetic devices that bypass neurological injuries.
A new report reveals that Americans have consistently trusted scientists over the past several decades, with a majority expressing confidence in scientific institutions. Despite concerns about science becoming partisan, recent surveys show stable trust levels, particularly among Democrats and Republicans alike.
A study led by Regenstrief researcher found that the surrogate's belief in miracles was the main dimension linked to preferences for care of their loved one. Belief in miracles was associated with a preference for aggressive treatment and less acceptance of comfort-focused care plans.
A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that Canadians who consider religion important tend to vote for conservative parties, with a strong link between religiosity and voting behavior. The study also notes a decline in the proportion of people considering religion important, reflecting broader societal shifts.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University identified three key factors influencing the interaction between employees' religious identity and workplace: personal preferences, opportunities for expression, and individual worker characteristics. The study recommends ways management can promote inclusivity and reduce conflict by creating a...
Researchers discovered that supernatural beings are attractive due to mind-based abilities, ambiguity, and the potential for eliciting both love and fear. This finding has implications for understanding the psychology of belief and devotion in religious contexts.
Researchers found that age has a greater impact on religiosity than cohort effects in high-income countries. This could lead to a shift in societal structures. As older people make up more of the population, there may be a resurgence of religiosity in countries like Japan.
The SPIRIT program at McLean Hospital offers a flexible protocol to address spiritual needs in patients with various mental health conditions. Studies show that over 80% of patients report using religion to cope with stress, highlighting the program's effectiveness and popularity among patients.
A study involving 482 participants found that Christians value thoughts and prayers from fellow believers, but atheists/agnostics reject Christian prayers. People with non-Christian beliefs are willing to pay to avoid praying with a Christian.
A new study found that 25% of female college students between 18-26 years old have not been vaccinated for HPV, with 70% identifying with a particular religious faith. College students are advised to educate themselves on the importance of HPV vaccination despite their parents' previous opposition.
Rick Guidotti, founder of POSITIVE EXPOSURE, receives ASHG Advocacy Award for his innovative use of visual arts to celebrate human diversity. He has promoted genetics awareness, funding for biomedical research, and integrating genetics into health systems.
A recent Arizona State University study suggests that scientific engagement can promote belief in a more abstract view of God. Researchers found that experiencing awe from science leads people to believe in an abstract God described as mystical or limitless.
Chemical analysis of ancient wooden braziers from Chinese tombs reveals evidence of early cannabis smoking rituals, dating back to approximately 2500 years ago. The study suggests that people were aware of specific populations of the plant and interacted with them for psychoactive properties.
A Baylor University study finds that prosperity beliefs can influence entrepreneurial attitudes and value orientations, but not directly lead to business startups. Values such as self-enhancement and openness to change are associated with recognizing opportunities and taking risks.
A new model developed by the Regenstrief Institute provides chaplains with a framework to deliver better care to families of patients in intensive care settings. The Spiritual Care Assessment and Intervention (SCAI) framework helps chaplains provide proactive, semi-structured spiritual care to meet family members' needs.
Researchers found that over two-thirds of atheists shed their label after a transformative experience, and most attributed long-term positive changes in life satisfaction and purpose. The study also revealed vivid memories of the encounter, with many participants reporting communication with a conscious entity and decreased fear of death.
Researchers found three techniques: ambidextrous practices, secure networks, and stealthy defiance, which helped individuals resist strict rules and structures, leading to rule relaxation and market changes. These actions were crucial for consumers and individuals with limited resources to participate in shaping the market.
Researchers have uncovered ancient ritual offerings near Lake Titicaca that pre-date the arrival of the Incas by several centuries. The findings suggest a more complex and ambitious spiritual system among the Tiwanaku people, who developed in the area between 500-1,100 AD.
Archaeological evidence uncovered at Khoa Reef suggests religious rituals, including animal sacrifice, played a crucial role in consolidating the ancient Tiwanaku state between 500-1100 CE. The findings, based on underwater excavations, provide new insights into the region's moral code and power structure.
A Rutgers University study finds that religious beliefs and cultural values discourage Latinos from seeking treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. The research suggests that engaging with faith-based organizations is crucial to addressing the associated stigma and encouraging people to seek help.
A study of 800 Swedish women found that those with high levels of mental activities like reading, singing, and gardening were 46% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Women who were physically active also had a reduced risk of developing dementia, with a 52-56% lower risk compared to inactive participants.
A $1.3 million grant will lead a multi-continent exploration of the epistemology of religion, connecting Latin American philosophers with colleagues from North America and Europe. Scholars from diverse perspectives will engage in discussions on the evidence for religious beliefs and the rationality of traditions.
A new UTA study highlights the critical role of non-profit organizations and businesses in providing support and funding during disasters. The research found that voluntary groups are essential for successful post-disaster coordination and recovery, but need government funding to improve their capabilities.
Research finds that religiosity affects the selection of diet-minded foods, while sustainability-minded food consumption is driven by moral foundations of care. Marketers can leverage this knowledge to design products and marketing communications tailored to specific religious groups.
A recent study suggests that people from diverse backgrounds share more in common than previously thought, challenging divisive narratives. The research highlights the importance of highlighting similarities over differences to promote social cohesion.
The book offers a comprehensive picture of the decade-long archaeological research on Greater Cahokia, uncovering new discoveries about the city's history, culture, and religion. Key findings include evidence of immigrant populations, diverse food sources, and the use of holly tea as a stimulant.
A study published in Pediatrics found that gay fathers and their children continue to experience stigma, with the most common contexts being religious environments. The presence of supportive laws and policies in states where they live reduces this experience of stigma.
A new study by Rice University and other institutions reveals that UK scientists are significantly less religious than the general population. Elite scientists, particularly biologists, are more likely to never attend religious services.
A new linguistic study by the University of Bath found that countries where personal pronouns can be omitted have lower secondary school enrolment rates, especially among women. The research analyzed data from over 114,000 individuals in 75 countries and found a significant effect on educational attainment.
A study by North Carolina State University found that women are more likely to support strict marijuana policies due to their religious beliefs and lower rates of cannabis use. Mothers, in particular, do not differ from childless women in terms of their views on marijuana policy or reported use.
A majority of older adults (59%) do not want to discuss their life expectancy, with factors such as education and past experiences influencing willingness. Strategies to address this topic include assessing patient factors and offering discussions closer to the final year of life.
A new study by the University of Exeter suggests that acculturation rates are strong enough to maintain cultural traditions in the face of migration, preserving differences between societies. The research found that even low levels of conformist acculturation can help preserve distinct cultural variations.
A new international study finds that countries with historical Protestantism have higher secondary school enrolment rates worldwide. Despite nearly two centuries of secularization, Protestantism's influence on education persists as a global phenomenon.
Researchers found that people with regular spiritual habits in childhood and adolescence reported greater life satisfaction, positivity, and lower depressive symptoms. They were also less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, illicit drug use, or sexually transmitted infections.
A Baylor University study found that bereaved children whose late mothers were very religious are likely to be less religious after their mother's death. In contrast, children whose late mothers placed no importance on religion are more likely to become religious, particularly in prayer and importance of faith.
The gens isiaca database provides groundbreaking information on Egyptian gods in Roman Hispania, tripling the number of registered pieces. The geo-location feature allows for abnormal distributions to be observed and facilitates research on cultural change and ritual re-appropriation.