Faith & Happiness: New Report Reveals Christians’ Emotional Wellbeing Edge

A recent report by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) has found that Christians tend to have better emotional wellbeing and resilience compared to those without faith. The survey of over 2,000 adults in the UK, including Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith, revealed that people of faith reported greater life satisfaction and worry less than non-believers. According to the report, 78% of Christians have a positive outlook on life during tough times, compared to 69% of those without faith.

The report’s author, Dr. Amanda Murjan, notes that Christians tend to have a greater sense of acceptance and trust in a divine purpose, which helps them navigate life’s challenges. The survey also found that Christians are more optimistic about the future, with 58% reporting a positive outlook, compared to 47% of those without faith. Additionally, 41% of Christians said they wouldn’t change anything if they could live their life again, pointing to a high level of contentment and lower level of regret.

The report highlights the similarities between Muslims and Christians in terms of their emotional wellbeing, with Dr. Murjan noting that “there were fewer differences between Muslims and Christians than there were between Muslims, Christians, and those without faith.” The findings suggest that faith plays a significant role in shaping emotional wellbeing and resilience, and that Christians tend to have a more positive outlook on life. The report’s results have important implications for understanding the impact of faith on mental health and wellbeing.