Does Sense of Community Predict Happiness and Well-Being?

This study extends previous research by examining the relationship between sense of community and happiness in the context of a religious community whose members come from 44 different towns to their base at the Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling, New Jersey. Survey respondents (N = 83) completed measures of happiness, depression, and sense of community. The happiness and depression measures were collected again, three months later. Results indicated that sense of community at Time 1 was positively related to happiness at Time 2 but sense of community at Time 1 was unrelated to change in happiness from Time 1 to time 2. The opportunity to use one’s talents/strengths and getting recognition for their use was positively related to sense of community and to an approach to happiness via engagement and meaning in life.