Frequency of meditation among whites

% of whites who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201436%8%4%50%2%24,900
200736%7%4%51%2%27,309
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among whites by religious group

% of whites who meditate…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Buddhist79%9%4%9%< 1%141
Catholic35%7%4%52%1%4,827
Evangelical Protestant46%6%3%43%2%6,633
Jewish26%8%5%59%3%782
Mainline Protestant35%9%5%50%2%5,322
Mormon59%11%2%27%2%575
Orthodox Christian33%6%3%57%1%153
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")22%10%5%62%1%5,490
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are ages…

Frequency of meditation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week13%26%31%30%9,612
Once or twice a month22%32%26%20%1,970
Several times a year21%32%27%21%1,096
Seldom/never22%35%27%15%11,419
Don't know10%24%23%43%373
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are…

Frequency of meditationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week7%9%22%38%21%2%9,612
Once or twice a month14%15%25%31%13%2%1,970
Several times a year13%14%26%32%13%1%1,096
Seldom/never14%15%29%33%9%1%11,419
Don't know6%6%21%34%28%4%373
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are…

Frequency of meditationMenWomenSample size
At least once a week45%55%9,784
Once or twice a month47%53%2,000
Several times a year52%48%1,109
Seldom/never51%49%11,598
Don't know53%47%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are…

Frequency of meditationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week4%8%89%9,706
Once or twice a month4%7%89%1,986
Several times a year5%8%87%1,105
Seldom/never5%7%88%11,496
Don't know7%8%85%402
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who have a household income of…

Frequency of meditationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week30%21%29%20%8,488
Once or twice a month28%17%31%24%1,813
Several times a year24%19%31%26%993
Seldom/never25%20%31%24%10,233
Don't know45%14%29%12%260
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who have completed…

Frequency of meditationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week35%33%18%13%9,748
Once or twice a month30%35%21%14%1,995
Several times a year29%31%24%16%1,107
Seldom/never39%32%18%11%11,554
Don't know43%29%16%11%399
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are…

Frequency of meditationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week55%6%13%11%15%9,739
Once or twice a month50%7%14%6%23%1,997
Several times a year52%10%11%5%22%1,105
Seldom/never54%7%11%5%23%11,567
Don't know51%3%14%15%17%396
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are…

Frequency of meditationParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week23%77%9,758
Once or twice a month24%76%1,997
Several times a year23%77%1,108
Seldom/never29%71%11,565
Don't know13%87%404
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say they…

Frequency of meditationBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
At least once a week75%14%3%1%5%2%9,784
Once or twice a month53%26%7%1%10%3%2,000
Several times a year48%25%9%< 1%15%3%1,109
Seldom/never52%23%6%1%15%3%11,598
Don't know77%8%3%3%3%6%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say religion is…

Frequency of meditationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week67%18%7%8%1%9,784
Once or twice a month40%31%17%12%1%2,000
Several times a year37%31%16%15%< 1%1,109
Seldom/never38%30%16%16%< 1%11,598
Don't know70%14%6%5%6%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who attend religious services…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week49%27%23%1%9,784
Once or twice a month28%39%33%< 1%2,000
Several times a year24%40%36%< 1%1,109
Seldom/never24%35%41%< 1%11,598
Don't know49%25%19%7%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who pray…

Frequency of meditationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week74%12%3%11%1%9,784
Once or twice a month41%21%11%27%1%2,000
Several times a year36%20%10%33%1%1,109
Seldom/never38%18%7%36%1%11,598
Don't know66%9%1%11%13%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who attend prayer group…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week36%9%9%46%1%9,784
Once or twice a month16%11%10%64%< 1%2,000
Several times a year11%7%13%69%< 1%1,109
Seldom/never13%6%7%74%< 1%11,598
Don't know34%7%7%43%9%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week78%10%5%6%1%9,784
Once or twice a month53%25%10%11%1%2,000
Several times a year41%22%22%14%1%1,109
Seldom/never42%17%12%27%1%11,598
Don't know62%8%4%12%14%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week60%15%8%15%2%9,784
Once or twice a month48%22%14%16%1%2,000
Several times a year39%19%24%17%< 1%1,109
Seldom/never33%17%15%33%1%11,598
Don't know42%10%9%20%19%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of meditationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week44%11%36%6%3%9,784
Once or twice a month25%15%47%10%2%2,000
Several times a year23%15%49%10%2%1,109
Seldom/never25%9%54%10%2%11,598
Don't know47%5%31%5%11%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say…

Frequency of meditationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week42%55%2%1%9,784
Once or twice a month32%67%1%1%2,000
Several times a year31%68%1%< 1%1,109
Seldom/never33%66%1%1%11,598
Don't know44%48%3%4%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who read scripture…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week52%9%7%31%1%9,784
Once or twice a month23%15%11%50%< 1%2,000
Several times a year15%9%19%56%1%1,109
Seldom/never19%9%8%64%< 1%11,598
Don't know46%10%4%26%14%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of meditationWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week35%28%3%27%7%9,784
Once or twice a month19%27%2%45%6%2,000
Several times a year18%28%2%46%6%1,109
Seldom/never22%29%2%41%6%11,598
Don't know43%19%9%16%14%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who …in heaven

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week74%18%8%9,784
Once or twice a month65%28%7%2,000
Several times a year60%32%8%1,109
Seldom/never68%25%7%11,598
Don't know70%11%20%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who …in hell

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week60%32%9%9,784
Once or twice a month48%44%8%2,000
Several times a year44%46%10%1,109
Seldom/never54%38%7%11,598
Don't know58%21%21%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who identify as…

Frequency of meditationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week50%16%35%9,784
Once or twice a month42%14%44%2,000
Several times a year38%15%47%1,109
Seldom/never46%16%38%11,598
Don't know51%24%25%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who are…

Frequency of meditationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week45%30%20%5%9,784
Once or twice a month34%35%28%4%2,000
Several times a year27%40%29%4%1,109
Seldom/never37%35%22%6%11,598
Don't know49%22%13%17%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who would rather have…

Frequency of meditationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week65%28%4%4%9,784
Once or twice a month59%34%3%4%2,000
Several times a year56%36%3%4%1,109
Seldom/never61%33%3%3%11,598
Don't know66%21%3%10%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of meditationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week49%45%4%2%9,784
Once or twice a month44%52%3%1%2,000
Several times a year43%50%5%2%1,109
Seldom/never51%45%3%1%11,598
Don't know53%32%3%11%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say abortion should be…

Frequency of meditationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week46%49%4%9,784
Once or twice a month63%34%3%2,000
Several times a year67%31%2%1,109
Seldom/never59%38%3%11,598
Don't know35%53%12%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say homosexuality…

Frequency of meditationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week52%40%4%4%9,784
Once or twice a month72%23%3%2%2,000
Several times a year73%22%4%2%1,109
Seldom/never68%26%3%3%11,598
Don't know36%45%8%11%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of meditationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week45%47%8%9,784
Once or twice a month64%30%5%2,000
Several times a year64%31%5%1,109
Seldom/never60%34%6%11,598
Don't know27%55%18%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say…

Frequency of meditationStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week41%53%3%3%9,784
Once or twice a month33%64%2%1%2,000
Several times a year33%62%2%2%1,109
Seldom/never40%56%2%2%11,598
Don't know49%31%6%14%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among whites by frequency of meditation

% of whites who say humans…

Frequency of meditationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week25%26%4%40%5%9,784
Once or twice a month41%27%5%24%3%2,000
Several times a year46%24%4%23%4%1,109
Seldom/never40%24%4%29%3%11,598
Don't know13%12%11%50%14%409
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.