Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201443%52%3%2%3,223
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by religious group

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Religious traditionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Catholic48%47%3%1%793
Evangelical Protestant55%40%3%1%499
Historically Black Protestant23%71%4%2%127
Jewish35%61%3%1%127
Mainline Protestant45%49%5%1%635
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")36%61%2%2%816
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Does more harm than good, Does more good than harm

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are ages…

Views about government aid to the poor18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Does more harm than good21%40%25%14%1,328
Does more good than harm27%36%24%12%1,703
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Does more harm than good12%14%35%29%9%1%1,328
Does more good than harm18%18%27%29%7%1%1,703
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMenWomenSample size
Does more harm than good57%43%1,347
Does more good than harm47%53%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Does more harm than good73%5%7%13%2%1,331
Does more good than harm65%10%6%16%3%1,714
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Does more harm than good16%10%74%1,336
Does more good than harm18%10%71%1,701
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who have a household income of…

Views about government aid to the poorLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Does more harm than good24%18%33%25%1,222
Does more good than harm36%19%25%20%1,547
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who have completed…

Views about government aid to the poorHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Does more harm than good40%31%18%11%1,343
Does more good than harm38%27%20%15%1,719
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Does more harm than good56%7%9%4%24%1,344
Does more good than harm42%9%12%5%32%1,722
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorParentsNon-parentsSample size
Does more harm than good32%68%1,346
Does more good than harm28%72%1,723
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say they…

Views about government aid to the poorBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Does more harm than good54%31%6%1%6%1%1,347
Does more good than harm43%32%10%< 1%12%3%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say religion is…

Views about government aid to the poorVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good34%42%15%8%1%1,347
Does more good than harm30%38%20%12%< 1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who attend religious services…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good19%49%31%< 1%1,347
Does more good than harm14%46%40%< 1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who pray…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good36%24%13%27%< 1%1,347
Does more good than harm32%22%10%34%1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who attend prayer group…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good9%6%13%72%< 1%1,347
Does more good than harm7%8%11%74%< 1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who meditate…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good18%7%10%63%1%1,347
Does more good than harm20%11%12%56%1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good26%16%29%28%1%1,347
Does more good than harm27%19%31%22%1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about government aid to the poorReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good20%9%59%11%1%1,347
Does more good than harm16%15%55%13%1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say…

Views about government aid to the poorThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good33%65%1%1%1,347
Does more good than harm21%78%1%1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who read scripture…

Views about government aid to the poorAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good12%10%15%63%< 1%1,347
Does more good than harm12%11%15%62%< 1%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say the holy scripture is…

Views about government aid to the poorWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good21%34%3%35%7%1,347
Does more good than harm16%26%1%50%6%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who …in heaven

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good75%18%7%1,347
Does more good than harm65%28%7%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who …in hell

Views about government aid to the poorBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Does more harm than good62%31%8%1,347
Does more good than harm45%47%8%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who identify as…

Views about government aid to the poorRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Does more harm than good55%15%30%1,347
Does more good than harm19%15%65%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who are…

Views about government aid to the poorConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good42%39%14%5%1,347
Does more good than harm17%40%39%4%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who would rather have…

Views about government aid to the poorSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good71%25%2%2%1,347
Does more good than harm33%61%2%3%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say abortion should be…

Views about government aid to the poorLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good55%42%4%1,347
Does more good than harm72%25%3%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say homosexuality…

Views about government aid to the poorShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good66%27%3%3%1,347
Does more good than harm80%15%2%2%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who …same-sex marriage

Views about government aid to the poorStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good53%40%8%1,347
Does more good than harm76%19%5%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say…

Views about government aid to the poorStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good49%47%3%2%1,347
Does more good than harm25%72%1%2%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year by views about government aid to the poor

% of adults who feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing several times a year who say humans…

Views about government aid to the poorEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Does more harm than good35%28%4%28%4%1,347
Does more good than harm49%25%4%20%2%1,727
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.