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Meaning & Purpose

Service Attendance / Community Participation

These studies explore how childhood experiences, personal traits, and social contexts shape adult participation in both secular and religious communities. Using data from 200,000 individuals across 22 countries, we examine 16 childhood predictors of community involvement later in life. We anticipate that these associations will vary by country and type of participation, reflecting cultural and societal influences. Findings will inform efforts to foster community engagement by identifying early-life factors that encourage long-term involvement.
Researchers
 Ying Chen
Ying Chen
Harvard University, Epidemiology
 Brendan Case
Brendan Case
Harvard University, Theology
 Katelyn Long
Katelyn Long
Harvard University, Public Health
 Robert Woodberry
Robert Woodberry
Baylor University, Sociology
 Byron R. Johnson
Byron R. Johnson
Baylor University, Institute for Studies of Religion/Sociology
 Tyler VanderWeele
Tyler VanderWeele
Harvard University, Epidemiology / Biostatistics
The Question:
How often do you participate in groups that are not religious, such as book clubs, sports, or political organizations? How often do you attend religious services?