From the Bible to Buddha and back: Exploring aspects of Religion and Spirituality as motivation for Altruistic Behavior

Prior research suggests there is a link between religion, spirituality and altruistic behavior. This study explored the interaction between altruistic behavior and religion/spirituality from a motivational perspective. Altruistic Behavior was measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRAS). Factors of Religion/Spirituality were measured using the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religion and Spirituality (BMMRS) and the Fetzer Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES). It was hypothesized that altruistic behavior would correlate positively with Religious/Spiritual (R/S) Meaning, R/S Values and Beliefs, and R/S commitment. It was also hypothesized that R/S Commitment, and R/S Values. and Beliefs would be predictors of Altruistic Behavior. It was further hypothesized that R/S identity would be correlate positively with Altruistic Behavior. Results of the study found that the factors of Religion and Spirituality correlated with altruistic behavior are Private Religious Practices, R/S coping and Organizational Religiosity. These factors were more significantly correlated with altruistic behavior than R/S Meaning, R/S Commitment, R/S Values and Beliefs. Results of the study suggest that incorporation of Private Religious Practices into daily life is related to increased altruistic behavior. Results also suggest that participation in religious services or other forms of worship activities are also related to altruistic behavior. The present study lays the foundation for further research in specific connection between religion, spirituality and altruism.