Religion and the Six Needs
I was recently listening to the Hidden Brain podcast. In the episode Our God-Shaped Brains, the guest, psychologist Ara Norenzayan, was discussing the psychology of religion. Dr. Norenzayan highlights a couple of ways in which science has confirmed a link between religion and happiness.
“One of them is strong social connections that can have powerful benefits to our well-being, and religions have done that since millennia.... The second one: We talked about meaning. One of the interesting things that comes out of the scientific literature about meaning is that the sources of meaning can vary widely for different people. Religion is a time-tested powerful source of meaning. ”
Strong social connections, of course, help us meet our social needs. Depending on how deeply connected and rooted your religious community is, your entire social structure can exist within it. Here in the Midwest, churches offer everything from athletic teams to child care and education for your children.
In the Right Hand of Long-Term Happiness, meaning is represented by your growth needs. Some people find meaning with internal drive and ambition—mastering a craft, producing beautiful art, deep-diving into a subject of interest, etc. Others find meaning in service to others. Religion can help with both, either allowing you to pursue a path to enlightenment (a connection to God) or to participate in community projects.
Religion can also serve the other needs of the Right Hand. Religious teachings often help guide adherents toward acceptance of circumstances beyond their control (autonomy). Many religions encourage healthy habits, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol (physiological). A sanctuary is a place of safety, and many religions include the concept of a sanctuary as being a physical space considered sacred. For these religions the sacred and holy go hand-in-hand with safety. A religious community can also help with esteem needs by welcoming and valuing its members.
However, it’s important to note that religion can also be a source of unhappiness. Some religious leaders (often of cults) exert too much control over their flock (autonomy). Some religions use guilt and shame to discourage unwanted behaviors (esteem). Those deeply entrenched within the social confines of their religious communities may become ostracized if they act in opposition to the religion’s core beliefs or even if they vocalize doubts or questions (social). Finally, threats of the above may impinge on a person’s safety needs.
One does not need religion to be happy, but when you find the right religious community, it may help you meet all six of your needs. Do you have a home in a religious community? From what aspects of it do you draw the most satisfaction?