Sources of guidance on right and wrong among widowed adults

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

Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201441%6%44%5%4%3,218
200736%6%51%3%5%3,705
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among widowed adults by religious group

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

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic42%7%42%5%4%721
Evangelical Protestant55%4%34%2%5%923
Historically Black Protestant51%2%41%4%2%196
Mainline Protestant33%7%52%5%3%791
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")9%12%66%10%3%338
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: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion< 1%5%20%74%1,251
Philosophy/reason< 1%6%23%71%229
Common sense< 1%8%23%69%1,371
Science< 1%6%20%74%170
Don't know< 1%10%21%69%119
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion< 1%< 1%5%29%54%12%1,251
Philosophy/reason< 1%< 1%6%30%55%9%229
Common sense< 1%1%7%32%48%12%1,371
Science< 1%2%4%28%53%13%170
Don't know< 1%< 1%10%28%54%8%119
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion20%80%1,285
Philosophy/reason33%67%235
Common sense28%72%1,399
Science33%67%174
Don't know24%76%125
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.

Racial and ethnic composition among widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion73%14%1%9%3%1,275
Philosophy/reason77%8%2%10%3%234
Common sense78%13%1%5%3%1,377
Science70%9%< 1%18%3%170
Don't know74%4%4%17%1%122
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion9%8%83%1,268
Philosophy/reason10%12%78%234
Common sense6%13%81%1,376
Science14%18%67%167
Don't know18%6%76%120
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion63%20%12%5%1,035
Philosophy/reason46%22%19%12%200
Common sense59%21%14%6%1,142
Science54%21%14%11%148
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion60%27%8%5%1,279
Philosophy/reason39%26%17%18%234
Common sense58%27%9%6%1,394
Science47%20%20%14%171
Don't know61%22%7%10%123
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion8%92%1,283
Philosophy/reason3%97%235
Common sense7%93%1,397
Science4%96%174
Don't know5%95%124
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve 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
Religion90%8%< 1%1%< 1%< 1%1,285
Philosophy/reason51%28%6%2%8%4%235
Common sense67%19%5%3%4%2%1,399
Science50%18%8%2%17%5%174
Don't know72%15%1%7%3%3%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion92%6%1%< 1%1%1,285
Philosophy/reason47%26%10%14%3%235
Common sense55%29%7%8%1%1,399
Science47%26%15%13%< 1%174
Don't know64%26%7%2%1%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion70%16%12%1%1,285
Philosophy/reason24%31%42%3%235
Common sense31%35%33%1%1,399
Science31%27%39%4%174
Don't know39%31%28%2%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion88%7%1%3%1%1,285
Philosophy/reason51%18%6%25%1%235
Common sense61%16%5%17%2%1,399
Science43%15%5%36%< 1%174
Don't know73%17%< 1%6%4%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion49%9%8%31%2%1,285
Philosophy/reason18%8%9%63%1%235
Common sense17%6%9%66%1%1,399
Science22%6%9%63%< 1%174
Don't know25%10%11%49%5%125
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 meditation among widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion69%5%2%20%4%1,285
Philosophy/reason57%6%5%29%3%235
Common sense47%8%3%39%2%1,399
Science46%11%2%38%3%174
Don't know43%5%3%33%16%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion83%7%4%5%2%1,285
Philosophy/reason59%10%8%21%2%235
Common sense57%12%9%20%2%1,399
Science50%10%9%29%2%174
Don't know63%8%4%13%11%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion52%12%10%23%4%1,285
Philosophy/reason55%10%12%20%4%235
Common sense38%11%12%36%2%1,399
Science48%11%15%23%3%174
Don't know32%9%13%35%12%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion41%54%2%3%1,285
Philosophy/reason23%72%3%2%235
Common sense25%72%1%2%1,399
Science20%73%2%6%174
Don't know30%57%4%9%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion70%8%3%17%2%1,285
Philosophy/reason35%7%8%48%2%235
Common sense30%10%11%48%1%1,399
Science31%8%9%53%< 1%174
Don't know45%6%10%35%5%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord 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
Religion63%21%5%5%6%1,285
Philosophy/reason26%18%2%47%7%235
Common sense30%28%3%27%12%1,399
Science29%18%3%48%3%174
Don't know34%22%17%10%17%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion92%4%4%1,285
Philosophy/reason63%24%13%235
Common sense78%14%8%1,399
Science57%30%13%174
Don't know84%11%6%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion78%15%7%1,285
Philosophy/reason42%46%13%235
Common sense52%35%13%1,399
Science34%55%11%174
Don't know58%22%20%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion42%16%41%1,285
Philosophy/reason34%12%54%235
Common sense32%18%50%1,399
Science24%13%63%174
Don't know39%22%39%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion52%28%12%8%1,285
Philosophy/reason30%37%26%6%235
Common sense33%39%20%8%1,399
Science30%29%38%2%174
Don't know29%35%24%12%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion54%36%5%5%1,285
Philosophy/reason47%40%5%7%235
Common sense50%39%5%6%1,399
Science41%47%6%5%174
Don't know38%40%8%14%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion44%47%5%3%1,285
Philosophy/reason38%57%3%2%235
Common sense43%49%3%5%1,399
Science31%64%3%3%174
Don't know28%43%16%13%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion30%63%7%1,285
Philosophy/reason64%31%6%235
Common sense57%36%8%1,399
Science59%31%10%174
Don't know35%45%20%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion30%59%6%5%1,285
Philosophy/reason68%29%2%2%235
Common sense56%32%5%6%1,399
Science65%29%1%4%174
Don't know37%45%4%13%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion21%69%10%1,285
Philosophy/reason53%36%10%235
Common sense43%42%14%1,399
Science61%32%8%174
Don't know33%47%20%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter 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
Religion42%46%4%9%1,285
Philosophy/reason29%65%3%3%235
Common sense39%50%4%7%1,399
Science31%60%2%6%174
Don't know31%39%7%23%125
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 widowed adults by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of widowed adults who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion9%21%3%56%11%1,285
Philosophy/reason37%19%10%31%3%235
Common sense27%22%5%37%9%1,399
Science47%14%2%32%5%174
Don't know10%19%13%26%32%125
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.