Happiness
In many of the discussions I’ve encountered with people online and in everyday life, the first thing people will say about Mormons is that they are genuinely good, happy people. This common perception of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also reflected statistically.
According to the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index numbers released in 2009, Utah ranked as the happiest state in the nation. The index attempts to “measure what it is that people believe constitutes a good life, who is feeling good about life, and who is in need of a helping hand.”
The Deseret News recently reported its finding that “Utahns give far more of their income to charity than any other Americans.” After an analysis performed of 2006 IRS data, Utahns reported giving approximately 5 percent of their gross income while the national average was 2.3 percent. (Since many people don’t itemize deductions on their taxes, these numbers don’t fully reflect the actual amount given.)
The Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency with such programs as Senior Corps and AmeriCorps, tracks volunteer engagement nationwide. Utah residents volunteer more frequently and for more time than residents in any other state according to a study released by the agency in 2006.
So what explains this tendency to be happy and satisfied with life? The willingness to give financially to charitable causes? And the desire to consistently serve others?
For answers, read more about:
— Plan of salvation
— Donations (tithing and fast offerings)
— Doctrine of service