Abstract: Many studies suggest that being religious is linked to better health, a pattern known as the belief-as-benefit effect (BABE). This study used Canadian survey data from over 15,000 people to see if atheists experience worse health than religious individuals…
Abstract: Studying atheism can offer a strong test of whether religion truly impacts health. Using data from over 8,000 Canadians, this study compared the health of atheists with people from various religious backgrounds. It found no meaningful differences between atheists…
Abstract: While religion and spirituality are often linked to better health, it’s less clear how this applies to nonreligious people like atheists and Nones (those with no religious affiliation). Using U.S. survey data, this study found that atheists and Nones…
Abstract: How we value our day-to-day practices has an impact on our perception of their utility and our experiences of them. The same principle applies to our valuation of religious and spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and attendance, and how…
Abstract: There seemingly exists a direct connection between people’s religious attendance and their subjective well-being, but are we not overlooking a more basic and pivotal factor when we make this assessment? Dr. Speed queries whether physical capacity, mobility, and wellbeing…
We were joined by Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme, an associate professor in the department of sociology and legal studies at the University of Waterloo and a co-founder of the Institute for Religion, Culture, and Societal Futures (IRCSF), in the summer of 2024…
Abstract: A bevy of research has suggested a positive relationship between religiosity/spirituality and overall health, specifically within an American context. But we may be mistaken to assume an inquest into Canadian culture would yield the same results. The countries’ respective…
Abstract: What does it mean to be an atheist, and how does our understanding of that impact our experience of life and perceived health? Definitions of philosophical positions are pivotal, possessing the power to radically change how we interpret data…