Holy Data: Gallup’s Deep Dive into the Spirituality-Wellness Connection

Alright, gather ’round folks, because we’re about to dive into Gallup’s latest spectacle: “Gallup’s New Report on the Worldwide Connection Between Spirituality and Wellbeing.” Presented by Ilana Ron Levey at the 2023 Wellbeing Forum, this riveting piece of social science promises to make you rethink the link between faith and wellness.

Ilana starts off by waxing lyrical about the profound impact this study has had on her and her colleagues. Apparently, reflecting on spirituality and well-being can be a life-altering experience. They embarked on this grand quest to bridge the gap between academic research and public conversation, aiming to empirically (read: with a lot of data) establish the connection between spirituality and well-being.

The methodology? A systematic literature review, analysis of Gallup’s World Poll (which, fun fact, covers over 140 countries), and expert interviews. This wasn’t a small endeavor, folks. They went deep, questioning everything from how often people turn to religion in their daily lives to the broader impacts on well-being.

Key findings? People in lower-income countries hold on to religion like a lifeline, whereas those in higher-income countries are ditching it faster than you can say “existential crisis.” Interestingly, those who are religious tend to have better well-being in various aspects like positive emotions, sense of purpose, and social connections. However, this isn’t universal; the effects vary significantly by region and income level of the country.

Now, let’s talk numbers. In the U.S., religious importance is at an all-time low, with only 46% of people considering it a vital part of their daily lives. But globally, those who cling to spirituality report better well-being, especially in countries where religion still holds sway.

The paradox? In less religious countries, religious folks often report more negative emotions and worse personal health. Maybe it’s the isolation, or maybe it’s unmet expectations from their higher power, but the data is clear: the environment around you matters.

The real kicker? Despite the benefits, companies are still hesitant to integrate spirituality into their well-being programs. Big names like Amazon and Google are dabbling, but there’s a long way to go.

Ilana leaves us with more questions than answers. Why is religious identification plummeting in developed countries? What role should organizations play in promoting these findings? And why are business leaders so skittish about bringing spirituality into the workplace?

So, there you have it. Gallup’s report is a call to action, urging us to consider the overlooked benefits of spirituality in our quest for a better, more connected life. Whether or not you buy into it, the data makes a compelling case: maybe, just maybe, faith has a place in the modern world beyond Instagram memes and Sunday sermons.

For further empirical evidence on the connection between Spirituality and Wellbeing check out: Spirituality and Subjective Well-Being: Evidences for a New Domain in the Personal Well-Being Index.