Purpose in Life as a Function of Religious versus Secular Beliefs

Abstract

Scores of 20 Catholic and 25 Mennonite students on the Purpose-in-Life Test were not significantly different. When scores of Mennonite subjects were compared with those of Dominican Sisters, Protestants, Recent Converts, and Seculars, the Mennorutes' scores indicated significantly less meaning in life than each of the other groups. Further comparisons among the various groups identified a significant difference between the Dominican Sisters and the Catholic students. The findings are discussed in terms of the prevailing evidence that religious belief strengthens the conviction to live a full, meaningful life.