The findings of a recent study suggest that most people believe in karma, where good actions are rewarded and bad behavior faces consequences. About 59% of the 2,000 participants, hailing from religious and non-religious backgrounds, expressed that they felt compensated for their positive deeds.
When it comes to others, a significant 92% of respondents feel that individuals like cheating partners, mischievous friends, and workplace bullies are experiencing karma because of their actions. This research was published in the Journal of Religion and Spirituality and included participants from the United States, India, and Singapore.
The results indicate that many think performing good deeds increases the likelihood of positive outcomes, yet there’s a prevalent fear regarding unkind or negative behavior from others. Cindel White, one of the senior authors of the study, pointed out that the concept of karma allows people to feel a sense of pride and establish their credibility, even if the reasons behind positive outcomes are unclear.
She also mentioned that people often see the suffering of others as deserved. The study provides insights on how we gauge our own worth compared to others. It was noted that attribution bias plays a role here; individuals often rationalize their experiences in a way that shields their self-esteem.
Patrick Heck, a psychologist with the US Consumer Financial Protection Agency, commented that karma serves as a useful framework, helping individuals feel better about themselves. Cultural differences were taken into account in this study, offering a glimpse into how individual perspectives differ across Western countries like the US and nations such as India and Singapore.
Interestingly, the research found that while participants from India and Singapore tend to be somewhat self-critical, Americans displayed a more self-affirming attitude.
