Difference between revisions of "Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence"

From Conservapedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(Indian anthropologist's commentary on lonelineness in atheistic Denmark)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
[[Howard Gardner]] at [[Harvard University]] has identified various distinct intelligences:  interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref>[http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html Multiple Ingelligence]</ref>  See: [[Theory of multiple intelligences]] and [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]
 
[[Howard Gardner]] at [[Harvard University]] has identified various distinct intelligences:  interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.<ref>[http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html Multiple Ingelligence]</ref>  See: [[Theory of multiple intelligences]] and [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]
  
In terms of emotional/intrapersonal intelligence, atheists have higher suicide/depression rates than theists (see: [[Atheism and suicide]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and alcoholism]]).
+
In terms of emotional/intrapersonal intelligence, [[Atheism|atheists]] have higher suicide/depression rates than theists (see: [[Atheism and suicide]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and alcoholism]]).
  
 
In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on [[self-control]]/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>[http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract ''Religion Replenishes Self-Control'', ''Psychological Science'', June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php Study finds religion helps us gain self-control]</ref> Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10868765 Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. McCullough ME, Hoyt WT, Larson DB, Koenig HG, Thoresen C., Health Psychol. 2000 May;19(3):211-22.]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/ ''The role of spirituality in health care'', roc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2001 October; 14(4): 352–357.]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and hedonism]] and [[Atheism and health]]
 
In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on [[self-control]]/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>[http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract ''Religion Replenishes Self-Control'', ''Psychological Science'', June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php Study finds religion helps us gain self-control]</ref> Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10868765 Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. McCullough ME, Hoyt WT, Larson DB, Koenig HG, Thoresen C., Health Psychol. 2000 May;19(3):211-22.]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/ ''The role of spirituality in health care'', roc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2001 October; 14(4): 352–357.]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and hedonism]] and [[Atheism and health]]

Revision as of 05:19, February 14, 2016

Atheists have higher suicide rates than theists. See: Atheism and suicide

Howard Gardner at Harvard University has identified various distinct intelligences: interpersonal, intrapersonal, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, musical–rhythmic, bodily–kinesthetic, and naturalistic.[1] See: Theory of multiple intelligences and Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences

In terms of emotional/intrapersonal intelligence, atheists have higher suicide/depression rates than theists (see: Atheism and suicide and Atheism and depression and Atheism and alcoholism).

In the journal article Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications, psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on self-control/self-regulation.[2][3] Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in Psychological Science found that religion replenishes self-control.[4][5] Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.[6] [7] See also: Atheism and hedonism and Atheism and health

There are preliminary studies indicating that individuals who reject Christianity in Western cultures have lower self-esteem than the Christian population.[8][9] There are studies indicating that lower self-esteem is associated with suicidality.[10][11]

Atheism and anger

See also: Atheism and anger and Atheism and bitterness and Militant atheism, alcoholism and anger

An angry atheist speaking to a woman with a Bible in her hand.

Photo obtained from Wikimedia Commons, see: license agreement

On January 1, 2011, CNN reported:

People unaffiliated with organized religion, atheists and agnostics also report anger toward God either in the past, or anger focused on a hypothetical image - that is, what they imagined God might be like - said lead study author Julie Exline, Case Western Reserve University psychologist.

In studies on college students, atheists and agnostics reported more anger at God during their lifetimes than believers.[12]

Various studies found that traumatic events in people's lives has a positive correlation with "emotional atheism".[13]

The atheist and lesbian Greta Christina told the journalist Chris Mooney on the Point of Inquiry podcast, "there isn't one emotion" that affects atheists "but anger is one of the emotions that many of us have ...[it] drives others to participate in the movement".[14]

Although anti-theists, militant atheists and New Atheists give the general public the perception that atheists are exceedingly angry individuals, research indicates that the atheist population as a whole is not angrier than the general population (see: Various types of atheists/non-believers and anger).

Jesus Christ and Christendom have emphasized the important of forgiveness and in the last few decades mental health specialists have increasingly seen the importance of forgiveness to alleviate anger and other emotional problems within individuals.[15]

For more information please see: Atheism and anger

Militant atheism, alcoholism and anger

Alcoholism was a serious social problem in the former militantly atheistic Soviet Union.[16]

See also: Militant atheism, alcoholism and anger

The Barna Group found that atheists and agnostics in America were more likely, than theists in America, to look upon the following behaviors as morally acceptable: illegal drug use; excessive drinking; sexual relationships outside of marriage; abortion; cohabitating with someone of opposite sex outside of marriage; obscene language; gambling; pornography and obscene sexual behavior; and engaging in homosexuality/bisexuality.[17]

Atheists and atheistic cultures often have significant problems with excess alcohol usage (For additional information please see: Atheism and alcoholism).

Alcoholism had been linked to poor anger control both as a cause and effect of alcoholism.[18][19][20]

For more information, please see: Militant atheism, alcoholism and anger

Mental health and irreligion/religion and other studies

The prestigious Mayo Clinic found that that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better physical health, mental health, health-related quality of life and other health outcomes.[21]

Concerning atheism and health, there is considerable amount of scientific evidence that suggest that theism is more conducive to mental and physical health than atheism [22] The prestigious Mayo Clinic reported the following on December 11, 2001:

In an article also published in this issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Mayo Clinic researchers reviewed published studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and subject reviews that examined the association between religious involvement and spirituality and physical health, mental health, health-related quality of life and other health outcomes.

The authors report a majority of the nearly 350 studies of physical health and 850 studies of mental health that have used religious and spiritual variables have found that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes.[23]

The Iona Institute reported:

A meta-analysis of all studies, both published and unpublished, relating to religious involvement and longevity was carried out in 2000. Forty-two studies were included, involving some 126,000 subjects. Active religious involvement increased the chance of living longer by some 29%, and participation in public religious practices, such as church attendance, increased the chance of living longer by 43%.[24][25]

In December of 2003, the University of Warwick reported:

Dr. Stephen Joseph, from the University of Warwick, said: "Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier. Looking at the research evidence, it seems that those who celebrate the Christian meaning of Christmas are on the whole likely to be happier.[26]

Duke University has established the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.[27] The Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health is based in the Center for Aging at Duke and gives opportunities for scholarly trans-disciplinary conversation and the development of collaborative research projects.[28] In respect to the atheism and mental and physical health, the center offers many studies which suggest that theism is more beneficial than atheism.[29]

Atheism and loneliness

Denmark has the highest proportion of single-dwellers, at 24%.[30]

See also: Atheism and loneliness

Loneliness has been linked to numerous physical and mental health problems.[31][32] See: Atheism and health

Compared to religious cultures where an extended family and a sense of community prevails, secular countries are often lonelier societies. In addition, numerous studies and other data indicate that atheists have lower emotional intelligence (see: Atheiam and emotional intelligence).

For more information, please see:

Indian anthropologist's commentary on lonelineness in atheistic Denmark

The Indian anthropologist Prakash Reddy found Denmark to be a neat and tidy, cozy little society, stiff, rigid and seemingly full of practical, down-to-earth but lonely people, isolated from each other and lacking much sense of religion.

Compared to the teeming villages of India, a Danish hamlet seemed deserted and closed. To an Indian, accustomed to constant close contact in an extended family and community, Danish life was cold if not nonexistent.[33]

In 1993, Reuters reported:

Indian anthropologist Prakash Reddy has turned the tables on Western colleagues who put Third World cultures under the microscope.

Reddy, of Sri Venkateswara University at Tirupati in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, spent four months in the village of Hvilsager--population 104--on Denmark's Jutland peninsula.

His study, published in book form in English under the title "Danes are like that!" expresses dismay at the loneliness he found and the hope that India would not have to pay the same price for prosperity.

"The most fundamental question that should bother every social scientist in the East is: Is there no way of achieving development without sacrificing the human values and the way of life cherished by homo sapiens?" he asked....

Reddy said he found a neat and tidy, cozy little society, stiff, rigid and seemingly full of practical, down-to-earth but lonely people, isolated from each other and lacking much sense of religion.

Compared to the teeming villages of India, the Danish hamlet seemed deserted and closed. To an Indian, accustomed to constant close contact in an extended family and community, Danish life was cold if not nonexistent, Reddy said.

"Coming from an Indian village, I was used to seeing people in the streets . . . but here in Denmark not a single soul was sighted and, except for the sound of a passing automobile, absolute silence prevailed," Reddy wrote.[34]

Emotional/intrapersonal intelligence, atheist parents and academic performance

See also: Atheism and academic performance and Atheism and intelligence

Parental involvement is positively correlated with student academic performance.[35]

Emotional/intrapersonal intelligence is important in terms of human performance in the intellectual realm. For example, the social scientists Andrea L. Duckworth and Martin Seligman found that higher degrees of self-discipline better predict higher academic grades than IQ scores do among adolescents.[36]

Atheists commonly have lower emotional intelligence and social intelligence as can be seen in the social science data, historical data and other data given in the articles given directly below:

Atheism and poor relationship with father/mother/parents

The Cambridge Companion to Atheism which was edited by the atheist philosopher Michael Martin declared:

Continuity and discontinuity in any identity may be a function of interpersonal networks, especially involving intimate relations. Apostasy and conversion can both be seen as a rejection of parental identity and parental beliefs. It “might well be symptomatic of familial strain and dissociation... apostasy is to be viewed as a form of rebellion against parents” (Caplovitz and Sherrow, 1977:50).[37]

A troubled/non-existent relationship with a father can influence a person to become an atheist.[38] Dr. Paul Vitz wrote a book entitled Faith of the Fatherless in which he points out that after studying the lives of more than a dozen leading atheists he found that a large majority of them had a father who was present but weak, present but abusive, or absent.[39][40] Dr. Vitz also examined the lives of prominent theists who were contemporaneous to their atheist counterparts and from the same culture and in every instance these prominent theists had a good relationship with his father.[41] Dr. Vitz has also stated other common factors he observed in the leading atheists he profiled: they were all intelligent and arrogant.[42]

The book Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences by John J. Pasquini, Th.D. indicates that many of the prominent atheists (and prominent practical atheists) who had dysfunctional/absent fathers that he lists in his book also had dysfunctional/absent mothers.[43] See also: Atheism and poor relationships with parents and Irreligion and domestic violence

In 2012, a Georgetown University study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.[44] Similarly, according to recent research by the Pew Research Forum on Religion and Public Life, in the United States, a majority of those surveyed who were raised in atheist or agnostic households, or where there was no specific religious attachment, later chose to join a religious faith.[45][46] See also: Atheism has a lower retention rate compared to other worldviews

See also

External links

Notes

  1. Multiple Ingelligence
  2. Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications
  3. Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications
  4. Religion Replenishes Self-Control, Psychological Science, June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University
  5. Study finds religion helps us gain self-control
  6. Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. McCullough ME, Hoyt WT, Larson DB, Koenig HG, Thoresen C., Health Psychol. 2000 May;19(3):211-22.
  7. The role of spirituality in health care, roc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2001 October; 14(4): 352–357.
  8. http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/rejection-of-christianity-and-self.html
  9. http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/atheists-and-self-esteem-part-2.html
  10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21190929
  11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602903
  12. Anger at God common, even among atheists
  13. When atheists are angry at God by Joe Carter at FirstThings.com website
  14. Greta Christina - Why Are You Atheists So Angry?
  15. Indian J Psychiatry. 2009 Apr-Jun; 51(2): 153–156. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.49459, PMCID: PMC2755173, Forgiveness: A note for psychiatrists by Prakash Gangdev
  16. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18245818
  17. http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard
  18. J Adolesc Health. 2001 Jun;28(6):450-7. From early to late adolescence: alcohol use and anger relationships. Weiner MD1, Pentz MA, Turner GE, Dwyer JH.
  19. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20409438 J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2010, May;71(3):434-44. Negative affect, relapse, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): does AA work by reducing anger? Kelly JF1, Stout RL, Tonigan JS, Magill M, Pagano ME.
  20. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1998 Jun;22(4):902-7. Anger in an inpatient treatment sample of chronic alcoholics.Tivis LJ1, Parsons OA, Nixon SJ.
  21. http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/76/12/1225.full.pdf
  22. Religious Involvement, Spirituality, and Medicine: Implications for Clinical Practice
  23. The psycho-social benefits of religious practice by Iona Institute
  24. McCullogh ME, Larson DB, Hoyt WT. et al. (2000). Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. Health Psychology. 19, 3. 211-222
  25. Psychology researcher says spiritual meaning of Christmas brings more happiness than materialism - Scienceblog and University of Warwick
  26. http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/
  27. http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/about/
  28. Research on Spirituality, Theology and Health - Duke University
  29. Is Modern life making us more lonely, BBC, 8 April 2013
  30. Why Loneliness Can Be Deadly by Katherine Harmon, Live Science Contributor, March 02, 2012 02:24pm ET
  31. [Number of severely lonely men over 50 set to rise to 1m in 15 years], The Guardian, Robert Booth,Sunday 12 October 2014 19.01 EDT
  32. India Anthropologist Finds Denmark Wanting : Research: He laments the loneliness and lack of human values in remote village and asks if prosperity can be achieved without such sacrifices, LA Times archives, June 20, 1993, CHRISTOPHER FOLLETT, REUTERS
  33. India Anthropologist Finds Denmark Wanting : Research: He laments the loneliness and lack of human values in remote village and asks if prosperity can be achieved without such sacrifices, LA Times archives, June 20, 1993|CHRISTOPHER FOLLETT | REUTERS
  34. Parent involvement and student academic performance: A multiple mediational analysis
  35. Self-Discipline Outdoes IQ in Predicting Academic Performance of Adolescents, Andrea L. Duckworth and Martin Seligman, Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania
  36. The Cambridge Companion to Atheism, edited by Michael Martin, page 302, published in 2006
  37. http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth12.html
  38. Vitz, Paul, The Psychology of Atheism, September 24, 1997 (lecture notes taken by an audience member).
  39. Anders, Kerby, Atheists and Their Fathers (Probe Ministries)
  40. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt
  41. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt
  42. Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences by John J. Pasquini, 2014, University Press of America, page 3
  43. http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups
  44. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/defectors-to-faith-mark-a-growing-trend/story-e6frg7ko-1225710667095
  45. http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1204/religion-changes-affiliations-survey