Does Religious Cognition Promote Self Control?

Religiosity is favorably associated with various markers of self-control. What is lacking, however, is evidence showing that aspects of religiosity actually cause improvements in self- control. Using rigorous scientific methods, this proposal seeks to establish a program of research that will test whether religious cognition promotes self-control. By showing a causal relationship between religiosity and self-control, this program of research will have the capacity to enhance understanding of how and why religiosity influences so many aspects of human social life.