Articles tagged with Religion
A Duke University study discovered that people with extreme political views tend to feel superior about their beliefs, regardless of whether they are liberal or conservative. The research found that those at the extremes of both sides experience 'belief superiority' when discussing certain hot-button issues.
People are increasingly using virtual tombs, tattoos, and mourning apparel to honor the dead. According to Baylor researcher Candi Cann, these 'do-it-yourself' memorials offer personal alternatives to traditional rituals.
Researchers found that promoting positive emotions can positively influence a depressive-to-happy state, as well as increasing life satisfaction. Individuals with self-fulfilling profiles, characterized by high positive affect and low negative affect, tended to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.
A Baylor University study found that 24% of evangelicals hold ambivalent views on homosexuality and civil unions, supporting equal rights despite moral opposition. This 'Messy Middle' has significant implications for the gay marriage debate, with some expressing regret for past anti-LGBTQ+ stances.
A Baylor University study found that a faith-based prisoner re-entry program in Minnesota reduced recidivism by 26% and saved an estimated $3 million. The program, which relies on volunteers, also provided a benefit by reducing crime-related costs.
A new study reveals a complex system of perspectives among hospice organizations and workers regarding physician-assisted death. Despite being historically opposed, many caregivers now struggle to balance their core beliefs with the new laws, leading to varied reactions and approaches.
A Baylor University study found that 'spiritual' young people are more likely to commit property crimes, while those who identify as religious show lower levels of crime. The researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 individuals and found a link between spiritual but not religious status and increased property crime rates.
Baylor researchers found that entrepreneurs in the US pray daily and attend services in congregations that encourage business and profit-making. The study suggests that faith communities may play a role in preparing individuals for entrepreneurship.
A study of 1123 WWII veterans found that those facing heavy combat attended church 21% more often if they claimed their war experience was negative, while those with positive experiences attended 26% less often. Religious involvement may be particularly meaningful for combat veterans with negative military experiences.
Researchers developed a new way to characterize relationships among communities defined by language, religion, and ethnicity. They used cell phone data to map connections among 1216 towers for five months, revealing strong associations between geographic divisions.
Researchers from the University of Pablo de Olavide suggest that the Elephant's Tomb in Carmona, Spain was originally a temple for worshipping the god Mithras. The structure features an equinox window that aligns with celestial bodies, reinforcing this theory.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that victims of institutional betrayal experienced more severe symptoms of anxiety, dissociation, and trauma. The study suggests that organizations need to widen their actions and policies to prevent and respond to sexual assaults.
A Baylor study suggests children of divorced parents are more likely to disassociate from institutional religions, but private religious life remains unaffected. Context factors like parental differences in religiosity and logistical difficulties play a significant role in shaping religious outcomes.
Researchers found that college students who used religious coping mechanisms reported less frequent and heavy drinking. Parents' stress-coping habits also played a role in shaping their children's coping practices. The study surveyed 129 college students and their parents, with results published in the Journal of Religion and Health.
Researchers will compare 36 Cub Scout packs with full-time executives to those without executives, as well as non-Scout peers. The study aims to assess the program's impact on youths' character, health, and academic achievement.
A new study reveals the US Supreme Court is slightly more diverse today than ever in history, with high diversity in professional background and racial origin. However, the Court lacks educational diversity, with all justices attending either Harvard or Yale Law Schools.
A study by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus researcher Christopher Sibona found that 40% of people would avoid someone who unfriended them in real life. The factors predicting avoidance include the person's emotional response, geographical distance, and the strength of the relationship before the unfriending.
The study found that the Minoan civilization, known for its complex urban societies, had strong martial traditions and warrior culture. The research challenges the common view of Minoans as a peace-loving people, instead revealing war as a defining characteristic of their society.
A new study found that ethnically and religiously diverse countries tend to underinvest in environmental protection, even when controlling for income and industrial activity. Social fragmentation can lower collective action and reduce public spending on environmental protection.
A study published in Current Biology found that the European Romani population has its roots in northwestern India, dating back around 1,500 years. The research used genome-wide data to confirm this origin and shed light on the history of the Romani people.
A study found that essential oils reduce blood pressure and heart rate in people exposed for less than an hour, but prolonged exposure is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure. This suggests that aromatherapy may be beneficial for cardiovascular health when used correctly.
Women with large social networks and high levels of support had better breast cancer survival rates. The study found that small social networks were associated with higher mortality from all causes, while community relationships mattered when family ties were less supportive.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply influenced by Chinese philosophy and religion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The study explores TCM's underlying premise that good health requires cultivating a positive spirit and achieving harmony between the individual and nature.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that urban American Indian youth who follow traditional spiritual beliefs are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. The study's findings suggest that adherence to these beliefs is the strongest predictor of anti-drug attitudes, norms, and expectations.
Research by the University of Washington found that megachurches provide a powerful emotional experience through sensory pageantry and charismatic leadership. The study, which analyzed 2008 data from 12 nationally representative American megachurches, found that feelings of joy and spiritual growth are common among members.
Scientists have found proof of a caffeinated brew made from the leaves of a holly tree, dating back 700-900 years to the Cahokia settlement. This 'black drink' was used in rituals and was part of a broader cultural and trade network in North America.
A University of Alberta researcher says that when it comes to deciding on issues from human rights to balancing conflicting rights, cooler, secular heads should prevail. The emergence of Western democratic states gave rise to a separation of church and state, which guarantees freedom of religion and conscience for all.
The UC Riverside research project will examine global reports of near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and the cultural variations in these phenomena. The team aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how belief in immortality influences human behavior, promoting interdisciplinary inquiry into this critical area of k...
A study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that people tend to prefer ritual beliefs with repetition and procedural steps, even in the absence of concrete evidence. This suggests that humans have an evolved cognitive system for making sense of the unknown, prioritizing cause-and-effect thinking over logical reasoning.
A new study from Rice University and others found that hiding one's true identity at work can lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover. Expressing one's true identity in the workplace, on the other hand, can have a positive impact on interpersonal relationships and create a more inclusive environment.
A new study suggests that religious belief serves to enhance self-control, a crucial cognitive process for fostering valuable social behaviors. The research, published in Psychological Science, found that priming volunteers with religious thoughts improved their discipline and ability to delay gratification.
A recent study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that highly religious individuals are less driven by compassion when helping strangers. In contrast, atheists, agnostics, and less religious people were more inclined to show generosity due to their emotional connection with others.
The inaugural issue of American Political Thought explores the concept of American exceptionalism, with scholars arguing over its origins, applications, and implications for U.S. foreign policy. The articles challenge common assumptions about the term's meaning and its role in shaping American identity.
A new UBC study reveals that engaging in analytical thinking can lead to decreased religious belief, even among devout individuals. The research, published in the journal Science, sheds light on the psychology of religious belief and suggests that cognitive systems play a crucial role in shaping spiritual convictions.
A University of Miami study shows that religious individuals are more likely to delay gratification and prefer larger rewards over time. This ability is positively correlated with their commitment to religious teachings and institutions.
Research reveals that death anxiety makes atheists more unconsciously receptive to religious beliefs, while religious individuals strengthen their beliefs at both conscious and unconscious levels. This study contributes to understanding why religion endures as a fundamental aspect of human culture.
A Case Western Reserve University psychology study found that being assertive with God can strengthen one's faith. The researchers discovered that if a person views God as cruel, protest towards God is seen as more acceptable.
A Baylor University study found that narcissism impairs ethical judgment in both nominal and devout Christians, but to varying degrees. The research revealed that higher levels of narcissism are associated with worse ethical judgment among these groups, suggesting a dramatic transformation in their behavior.
A UCR graduate student's research has rewritten the history books on Maya women, showing they played a central role in society before colonialization. Patel discovered artifacts and relics that reveal priestess oracles, female deities, and religious rituals, highlighting women's lost status under Spanish rule.
A recent MU study found that many newer-generation video games equate religion with violence in game narratives. The study analyzed five recent games, including Mass Effect 2 and Assassin's Creed, which closely tie religion to violent plotlines.
A Queen's University study found that thinking about religion enhances self-control in individuals, even after unrelated tasks have depleted it. The research suggests that religion can serve a practical function in society beyond its traditional role as a source of transcendence and fear of death.
A recent Emory University neuro-imaging study found that personal values, especially those considered 'sacred', are processed differently in the brain. This distinct cognitive process is linked to activation of neural systems associated with rules-based thought processes.
A new study found that intuition plays a significant role in accepting evolution, with knowledge level being less of a factor. The research suggests using exercises to help students become aware of their dual processing, allowing them to judge ideas on their merits.
Researchers found that women who wrote about their most important values lost more weight than those who didn't. This is because reflecting on core values can boost self-integrity and lead to healthier habits.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that helping others in 12-step programs significantly improves adolescent treatment response, reducing cravings for alcohol and drugs. The study also highlights the influence of religious practices on treatment outcomes.
A recent MU study found that religious and spiritual support is associated with better mental health outcomes for women and physical and mental health for men. Both genders benefit from social support provided by fellow congregants and involvement in religious organizations.
A MU study found that 5% of online housing ads are problematic or illegal, with 91% posted by private parties seeking roommates. The majority discriminate based on familial status, such as children, not race or ethnicity.
A new study by Rice University suggests that only a minority of scientists at major research universities view religion and science as being in perpetual conflict. In reality, most scientists see both religion and science as valid avenues of knowledge that can bring broader understanding to important questions.
A new study found that Dutch voters tend to think people who don't cast a ballot support their own party. This phenomenon allows voters and politicians to exaggerate the influence or size of their own party. The researchers suggest that this occurs due to social validation and a desire to promote one's party's success.
A study by Brown University researchers found that people seeking a mate rarely express their political preferences, with women and lower-income individuals less likely to do so. However, once paired, spouses tend to share similar political views, suggesting a potential filter for compatible long-term relationships.
A Baylor University researcher explores the relationship between church members' educational backgrounds and their approach to reading the Bible. He found that those who attended college are less likely to interpret the Bible in a literal sense when surrounded by more educated congregants.
A global survey suggests that religious people are happier than non-religious individuals in societies facing stress and hardship. However, in more affluent societies with social supports, the relationship between religion and happiness is less clear-cut.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study reveals that education has a positive impact on Americans' church attendance, devotional practices, and support for religious leaders. Higher education erodes beliefs in the 'one true faith' but strengthens belief in the afterlife.
A new study published in Archives of Sexual Behaviour found that personality characteristics and interpersonal factors are stronger predictors of infidelity than demographic variables. For men, propensity for sexual excitation and concern about sexual performance failure were significant predictors, while women who felt sexually incomp...
A new study found that hospital patients who had conversations about religion and spirituality with their healthcare team were the most satisfied with their overall care. Despite 20% of patients wanting these discussions but not having them, having a conversation led to higher patient satisfaction rates.
A recent study published in Rehabilitation Psychology found that TBI victims who feel a strong connection to a higher power experience better emotional and physical rehabilitation outcomes. Social support also played a significant role in positive health outcomes.
A recent study conducted at Loma Linda University found that black members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have a significantly better quality of life compared to the average American. They reported lower rates of smoking, drinking, and meat consumption, as well as higher rates of vegetarianism and water consumption.
A recent study found that prayer about health issues increased dramatically among American adults over the past three decades, with 49% of respondents praying in 2007. The study also revealed correlations between prayer and socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level.
A new study reveals that American married couples often choose partners with similar political views, resulting in a strong political bond from the early years of marriage. This 'sorting' behavior may contribute to polarization and reinforce ideological divisions within families.
A new study from Rice University found that 72 scientists, many of whom identify as atheist, possess a spirituality consistent with science. These 'spiritual atheist' scientists believe in a core sense of truth generated by their work as scientists, and see both science and spirituality as meaning-making without faith.