New research by Todd Chan, Nicholas Michalak, and ISR’s Oscar Ybarra analyzed HRS data on social relationships, religious beliefs, and purpose in life. Their 3 separate studies indicate that while religion and belief in God compensate for lack of life purpose among people who report being socially disconnected, it did not elevate purpose to a level comparable to that of people who are socially connected.¶¶”These results certainly do not suggest that people can or should rely on God over people for purpose,” said Ybarra, professor of psychology and faculty associate at the U-M Institute for Social Research. “Quality human connections still remain a primary and enduring source of purpose in life.”