Children Gain More Happiness from Spirituality

Is spirituality something that gets better with age? Not necessarily. University of British
Columbia researchers Mark Holder and Judi Wallace tested 315 children, ages 9 to 12,
measuring factors that influence happiness, such as temperament and social relations. Children described their daily spiritual experiences and religious practices, and said whether they were religious or spiritual. They rated statements such as, “I feel a higher power’s presence” and answered questions such as, “How often do you pray or meditate privately outside of church or a place of worship?” Parents and teachers also rated the spirituality and happiness levels of the children. Results: 6.5 to 16.5 percent of children’s happiness can be accounted for by spirituality — compared to only about 5 percent of happiness in adults.