Abstract
This study looked at whether different religions experience different levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Several religions were investigated including Christians (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants), Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Other religious groups, and non-religious (e.g., atheist, agnostic, people answering ‘none’). Using World Value Survey (from 1981 to 2014), this study found that individual religiosity and country-level of development play a significant role in shaping people’s happiness. Protestants, Buddhists, and Roman Catholics were happier and most satisfied with their lives compared to other religious groups (Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Other religious groups, and non-religious). Orthodox have the lowest happiness and life satisfaction. We have found that health status, household financial satisfaction, and freedom of choice are means by which religious groups and governments across the globe can improve the happiness and life satisfaction of their citizens.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10-13 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Dharma World |
| Volume | 49 |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Oct 2022 |
Keywords
- happiness, life satisfaction, religious groups, non-religious, cross-national