Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring out the false, ring in the true. — Alfred, Lord Tennyson The time between Christmas and the new year has always been one of my favorite weeks of the year. During…
Global survey finds surprisingly high levels of well-being
A significant majority of the world’s population regularly experiences feelings of contentment, community and other component parts of well-being, according to a new study. The 2022 global survey of 142 countries by Gallup and the Wellbeing for Planet Earth Foundation…
On the other side of the pandemic, the report from America’s churches is mixed
Increases in attendance, giving and participation, and a decline in internal squabbling, may signal America’s churches are emerging from the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, new research shows. But the study — “Back to Normal? The…
Gallup says global well-being is rebounding some
Global well-being rebounded in 2022 after taking a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Gallup survey. “Perhaps exhaling a collective sigh of relief after so much uncertainty during the pandemic, the world felt more well-rested, experienced more…
Study finds racial and ethnic identity plays a role in mental health of Gen Z
Young Americans of color are slightly more religious and enjoy better mental health than their white Generation Z counterparts, according to a new study by Springtide Research Institute. These findings were quantified in spite of the intense racial prejudice and…
Accountability to God increases sense of well-being, study finds
Prayer, meditation and corporate worship aren’t the only religious factors that contribute significantly to emotional and mental well-being, a study by Baylor University and other researchers has found. The team of social scientists announced that believers who cultivate accountability to…
Baylor, Harvard team up to study faith’s role in human flourishing
Baylor and Harvard university scientists are looking for the factors that contribute to human flourishing around the world. They announced their five-year, $43.4 million study Oct. 29. The project will evaluate 240,000 individuals from 22 nations over an extended period…
Three reasons Black well-being falls below others in the latest Gallup polling
New data from the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index shows that Black Americans recorded the sharpest decrease in “well-being” in this year’s Index. This year’s Index shows that more than half of Black Americans (52%) could be classified as…