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Pew Research CenterNovember 16, 2018
Where Americans Find Meaning in Life

Religion second to family as ‘most important’ source of meaning in lives of American adults

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Religion second to family as ‘most important’ source of meaning in lives of American adults

Post Infographics

Where Americans Find Meaning in Life
PF_11.20.18_sources_of_meaning 00 00
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Americans most likely to mention family when describing what provides them with a sense of meaning
Religion second to family as ‘most important’ source of meaning in lives of American adults
Many Americans mention family when describing what makes life meaningful
Less educated, lower-income Americans are less likely to mention friendships as a source of meaning
When describing what keeps them going, less educated and lower-income Americans are less likely to mention being in good health
High income or more educated Americans more likely to find meaning in travel
Those with lower levels of education less likely to mention hobbies
College graduates more likely to mention finding meaning in learning
College graduates more likely to find meaning in stability
Less educated or lower-income Americans less likely to say friendships are meaningful
Black Americans find more meaning in religion than do whites, Hispanics
White Americans most likely to mention friendships as a source of meaning
Black and Hispanic Americans less likely to say friendships are meaningful
Being outdoors, caring for pets are sources of meaning for more whites and Hispanics than black Americans
More than other groups, evangelicals and those in historically black Protestant tradition say religion is most important source of meaning in their lives
Family is often ranked as the most important source of meaning across religious groups
Evangelicals and members of the historically black Protestant tradition find meaning in spirituality
Atheists more likely than most religious groups to mention hobbies and activities, finances
Atheists more likely than Christians to mention finding meaning in creative activities
Conservative Americans more likely than liberals to mention finding meaning in spirituality or faith
Liberal Americans find more meaning than conservatives in arts and crafts, social or political causes and reading
Younger Americans find less meaning in religion
Regardless of education level, younger Americans more likely to mention finding meaning in learning
Married Americans more likely to mention finding meaning in their family and partner
Here’s to tonight
Atheists more likely than Christians to mention finding meaning in creative activities, travel and leisure
Liberal Americans find more meaning than conservatives in arts and crafts, social or political causes and reading

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