Compatibility between scientific and religious beliefs in a country is associated with better well-being, study finds

A study involving tens of thousands of participants from 54 countries found that higher levels of compatibility between religious and scientific beliefs tend to be associated with better well-being. In some regions, pro-science beliefs were also stronger. The research was published in the journal Religion, Brain & Behavior.

Scientific studies generally indicate that people who hold religious or spiritual (R/S) beliefs tend to experience higher levels of well-being (i.e., better physical and mental health) compared to individuals without those beliefs. A growing number of studies also suggest that people who hold pro-science beliefs tend to experience better well-being.

However, religious and scientific beliefs may not always be compatible. The relationship between these beliefs varies across societies and individuals. Some view them as conflicting due to differences in explaining the natural world, while others see them as complementary, each addressing different aspects of human experience. Historically, there has been tension between the two, but many individuals and traditions integrate both perspectives, allowing for the coexistence of faith and empirical inquiry.

Study authors Michael E. Price and Dominic D. P. Johnson investigated the relationship between R/S beliefs, pro-science beliefs, and well-being, as well as the relationship between the compatibility of religious and scientific beliefs and well-being. They hypothesized that in Western societies, both belief systems would positively relate to well-being, but people would perceive these two systems as incompatible.

The researchers analyzed data from a large cross-sectional survey conducted between December 2021 and August 2022 via Qualtrics. Qualtrics oversaw data collection, with at least 1,000 participants from each of the 54 countries. The sample included countries from all continents (except Antarctica, which has no countries).

In total, 55,230 participants completed the survey. Of these, 49% were female, 50% were male, and a small remaining share did not specify their gender. On average, participants were in their 30s, though adults of all ages were included.

The survey included assessments of belief in a higher plan (the belief that one’s life follows a plan devised by a higher power to serve one’s long-term interest), well-being (defined as optimism and a sense of purpose in life), pro-science beliefs (e.g., “I am a strong believer in the power of science to reveal the truth about the world” or “I have less respect for science than most people in my society”), and belief group affiliation. Participants were grouped into categories such as atheist, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Folk/Indigenous/Traditional, Hindu, Jewish, Taoist, other, and those unsure of their beliefs.

Results showed that individuals affiliated with one of the religious groups were more likely to believe in a higher plan compared to those unsure of their beliefs or atheists. In Western societies, belief in a higher plan and pro-science attitudes tended to be negatively associated. However, in African and Asian regions, there was no significant relationship between belief in a higher plan and pro-science beliefs. Belief in a higher plan was strongest among Muslims, Hindus, and Jews, and slightly lower among followers of other religions. It was visibly lower among atheists.

Across the regions and belief groups studied, belief in a higher plan was strongly associated with well-being—those who believed more in a higher plan tended to have better well-being compared to those who did not. Pro-science beliefs were also positively associated with well-being, though the association was not strong enough to definitively conclude that it was not coincidental.

Higher levels of compatibility between scientific and religious beliefs were associated with better well-being; in regions where compatibility was higher, individuals tended to report better well-being. Compatibility between scientific and religious beliefs was highest in Southern Asia and Northern Africa, and lowest in North America and Northern Europe.

“We hope our study will stimulate increased consideration of belief system compatibility as a predictor, and possible cause, of enhanced well-being. If causation could be demonstrated, then the perceived incompatibility between R/S [religious/spiritual] and pro-science belief systems would become not just a matter of academic or cultural debate, but an issue with important repercussions for psychological well-being and, therefore, public health,” the study authors concluded.

The study sheds light on the link between personal beliefs and well-being, both at the individual and societal levels. However, it should be noted that the study was conducted on samples of online participants, which might not fully represent the general populations of the countries involved.

The paper, “Science and religion around the world: compatibility between belief systems predicts increased well-being,” was authored by Michael E. Price and Dominic D. P. Johnson.