LONELINESS AFFECTS BELIEF IN GOD
People who feel lonely or isolated are more likely to believe in God and the supernatural, according to University of Chicago researcher Nicholas Epley. Lonely people try to create social connections by reaching out to old friends, making new ones, or believing in a higher being. Epley notes, being more likely to be religious will not cause any sudden conversion. Feeling socially connected is essential for survival in the modern world. Feeling disconnected and lonely is a painful emotional state and can lead to physical and mental health problems. The study also found lonely people tend to humanize pets.
(Source: Psychological Science, 2/09)