On Monday, NBC’s Today was the only network morning show to cover a new study showing a strong link between religious faith and lasting happiness. Co-host Savannah Guthrie informed viewers: “According to a new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, joining a religious group does more for someone’s sustained happiness than other forms of social participation.”
She continued: “The study found religion led to the greatest mental health benefits. It also lessened depression and helped the sick better cope with their illnesses. Suggesting that the key to true happiness could begin with your faith.”
Talking to psychologist Jennifer Hartstein, Guthrie observed: “In a way, I don't think this is terribly surprising. But what's interesting about this study is it looked at all kinds of different groups. And even those where you have community, like a sports group or a political group or whatever, didn't offer the same kind of sustained happiness as religion and faith.”
Hartstein explained: “Well, it's not really surprising....religious affiliation is something that’s longer term....It's always there. It's sustained, like the happiness.”
Taking an odd turn, Hartstein asserted that religion was less judgmental that other communal groups: “There’s also some judgment in sports groups and other things whereas in a religious affiliation, there’s not that judgment, it's welcoming, it brings you in and it creates that sense of community that a lot of people need.”
Hartstein declared: “We know that spirituality is something that really helps people feel like they find that higher power. They find that center, that groundedness. So that could be anything for anybody.”
Guthrie echoed that sentiment while wrapping up the segment: “And you alluded to it, some people aren't fans of organized religion, but spirituality and faith can be practiced in a lot of different ways.”
While NBC deserved credit for actually covering the study, the report seemed to suggest religion was great as long as you are not too religious.
Here is a full transcript of the August 17 segment:
8:05 AM ET
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: So what's the key to true happiness? There’s some new research that claims to have finally solved that age-old question.
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Is Religion Key to Happiness?; New Study Finds Link Between Faith & Fulfillment]
According to a new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, joining a religious group does more for someone’s sustained happiness than other forms of social participation. The study involved more than 9,000 people over the age of 50 and compared religion to other activities, like volunteering and charity work, taking a class, or participating in a political or community organization.
The study found religion led to the greatest mental health benefits. It also lessened depression and helped the sick better cope with their illnesses. Suggesting that the key to true happiness could begin with your faith.
And let's bring in Jennifer Hartstein, she’s a psychologist who specializes in treating children and their families. Dr. Hartstein, good morning to you.
JENNIFER HARTSTEIN: Good morning, thanks.
GUTHRIE: In a way, I don't think this is terribly surprising. But what's interesting about this study is it looked at all kinds of different groups. And even those where you have community, like a sports group or a political group or whatever, didn't offer the same kind of sustained happiness as religion and faith. Are you – what do you think of that?
HARTSTEIN: Well, it's not really surprising. And one of the things that I think is noteworthy is a religious affiliation is something that’s longer term, right? It doesn’t – you can go, you can leave. It's always there. It's sustained, like the happiness. Whereas a sports group ends. It might be seasonal or a volunteer opportunity might end.
There’s also some judgment in sports groups and other things whereas in a religious affiliation, there’s not that judgment, it's welcoming, it brings you in and it creates that sense of community that a lot of people need.
GUTHRIE: And to state the obvious, it goes deeper.
HARTSTEIN: It absolutely goes deeper. We know that spirituality is something that really helps people feel like they find that higher power. They find that center, that groundedness. So that could be anything for anybody. But whatever that is, we know that meditation, mindfulness, all those kinds of things help change our brain chemistry, help us be less depressed, less anxious, and more centered. And that is all good for all of us.
GUTHRIE: The research also showed that people of faith have an easier time, or at least a better time coping with illness or with something going wrong. Is this something you see in your practice?
HARTSTEIN: Sure. I think that we all need to find that place for ourselves. And we know that religion or houses of worship can provide that for us. We can go there and say, “Okay, help me through this,” and kind of hand it over. And that relieves us of some of that intense pain that we might be carrying around when we’re ill or when there’s death and dying in our lives.
GUTHRIE: And you alluded to it, some people aren't fans of organized religion, but spirituality and faith can be practiced in a lot of different ways.
HARTSTEIN: Yeah, you can find it. Whatever works for you is gonna be helpful.
GUTHRIE: Dr. Jen Hartstein, good to see you, thank you.
HARTSTEIN: Thanks.
