Relationship between Physical Health and Happiness in China: The Moderating Effect of Religiosity

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical health and happiness by focusingon a non-Western, non-Christian society and to research weather being religious influences this relationship. Methods: Anationally representative data including 5165 non-student adults from 31 provinces following the cluster sample methodwere surveyed with Urban Well-being Index Questionnaire(UWIQ), and their physical health condition and religion beliefwere rated in a self-rating way. Results: 1Poor physical health had a significant negative effect on happiness. 2Religiosi-ty moderated the negative effect of poor physical health condition on happiness. Conclusion: These results suggest that be-lieving in religion may promote happiness, particularly in those people with more physical discomfort.