Loneliness Linked to Anthromorphism of Animals and Religious Figures
by: Rev. DanVia MSNBC [emphasis added]:
People who feel lonely are more likely to believe in the supernatural, whether that is God, angels or miracles, a new study finds.
Humans have evolved as social creatures, so loneliness cuts to the quick. Living in groups was critical to the survival and safety of our ancient ancestors, and “complete isolation or ostracism has been tantamount to a death sentence,” said University of Chicago researcher Nicholas Epley, who led the study.
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Participants from the loneliness group were more likely to describe the pet using the anthropomorphic descriptions than those in the fear or control groups.
All three groups were also asked to rate their belief in ghosts, angels, the devil, miracles, curses, and God, and again, those in the loneliness group reported stronger belief in these supernatural agents.
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“We found that inducing people to feel lonely made them more religious essentially,” Epley told LiveScience, though he notes it won’t cause any sudden conversions.
Owning pets and religious beliefs and practices are both known to increase a person’s sense of well-being, but why exactly that is isn’t well known, Epley said.
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