Religion, self-regulation, and self-control
 Researchers from the University of Miami, in Florida reviewed of evidence that may help explain why religious people tend to live slightly longer lives; suffer less from depressive symptoms; avoid trouble with sex, drugs, and the police; do better in school; enjoy more stable and more satisfying marriages; and more regularly visit their dentists.
First, the details.
- The authors reviewed the literature that addressed the basic idea that religion is related to high self-control and better self-regulation.
And, the results.
- Prayer, meditation, religious imagery, and scripture reading all appear capable of serving self-regulatory functions.
- Religion…
- Promotes self-control.
- Influences how goals are selected, pursued, and organized.
- Facilitates self-monitoring.
- Fosters the development of self-regulatory strength.
- Prescribes and fosters proficiency in a suite of self-regulatory behavior.
The bottom line?
Some of religion’s influences on health, well-being, and social behavior may result from religion’s influences on self-control and self-regulation.
The authors concluded, “Religion, self-control, and self-regulation are indeed intimately related. However, many of the interconnections among these concepts require further empirical scrutiny.”
3/24/09 20:49 JR