The religious life and happiness of Protestants involved with the charismatic movement

Abstract

This research compared the religious lives and happiness of American Protestants involved in the charismatic movement and those not involved in it. Data from the General Social Survey were used to answer the research questions. After controlling for basic demographic variables, the results of multivariate analysis indicated that Protestants involved in the charismatic movement attend religious services and pray more frequently; however, they are not significantly happier than those not involved in the movement. The results of this research suggest that happiness can be enhanced when people participate in religious services frequently; however, the ecstatic worship style and theological perspective of the charismatic movement do not make its participants happier than those who do not participate in the movement.