2010 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Simple Spiritual Beliefs and Their Influence on Health and Humanity

Research Project

Project/Area Number	20730413
Research Category	Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Allocation Type	Single-year Grants
Research Field	Social psychology
Research Institution	University of East Asia
Principal Investigator	GUSHIKEN NOBUTAKA University of East Asia, 人間科学部, 准教授 (10449910)
Project Period (FY)	2008 – 2010
Keywords	社会的認知 / 態度 / 信念 / スピリチュアリティ
Research Abstract	The purpose of this academic study is to scientifically analyze the existence and the adaptive functions of "simple spiritual beliefs" perceived by the general public. An analysis was conducted using books published for the general public on spirituality. The author identified seven constructs of simple spirituality: 1) "Eternal Existence of Soul beyond Body," 2) "Karma," 3) "Realization of Mental Images," 4) "God's Protection and Guidance," 5) "Fate," 6) "Reincarnation," and 7) "God's Existence." The author created questions that measure these constructs and quantitatively analyzed them. The analysis identified the following factors: "Eternal Soul," "Reincarnation," and "Protection by God." Another factor identified via the analysis was "Providence," which means that "the supernatural power regulates human lives" and that "the supernatural power is fair and brings happiness to people who do good deeds." The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that "Providence" was significantly positively correlated with the subjective sense of happiness and self-esteem.

(5 results)