| Abstract: | This study examined how the composition of religious communities influences the spiritual outcomes of members. The U.S. Congregational Life Survey was analyzed using the group actor-partner interdependence model, an analysis that assesses how individual-level outcomes are influenced by (a) the actor's characteristics, (b) the characteristics of other congregants, (c) the relational demography of the actor, and (d) the degree that other congregants differ among themselves. This model, including both surface-level (e.g., demographic) and deep-level (e.g., theological belief) attributes, allowed for the estimation of distinct effects for actor and group similarity, which have been confounded in prior research. Relational demography was found to be positively related to one's needs being met on nearly all measured items. In contrast, a lack of diversity in terms of deep-level constructs (e.g., theological belief and worship preference) predicted less belonging and less satisfaction. These results suggest that religious communities may offer an important setting to benefit from exposure to varied beliefs and values. |
