2E: Predictors of Happiness: Religion and Spirituality

Abstract

The study of happiness is not a new field of research; it is something researchers have been doing for years. The literature reviewed and research to be conducted in this project focus on the relationship between happiness and different measures of reported religious affiliation and spirituality. The purpose of this project is to respond to the need for further research in this field; to research the relationship between religion and happiness. Previous research has often shown a positive correlation between the variables when using the standard measures of happiness and religiosity. When using lesser known measures, the correlation is less often positive, and sometimes negative. My research adds to the growing body of studies done on this topic by using the General Social Survey to measure degrees of happiness, religion, and relate variables. It will involve the use of an ordinary least squares regression and a two-tailed hypothesis test to gauge the correlation between the variables. I expect to find a positive correlation between happiness and religion, and to account for and attempt to explain any mediating variables.