Study: Religiouss or atheists more readily cope with loneliness

The survey of 19, 775 people revealed that among those who feel lonely, those who believe in religion are less likely to feel isolated. That's because their faith is pluralizing the emptiness they find in God as a friend. However, even that is not enough to replace the benefits of human contact, Periscope broadcasts.

New research by psychologists at Michigan University shows that among those who feel lonely, those who believe in a religion are less likely to lose the will to live because their faith fills that void.

Yet, even with God as a friend, it is not enough to combat human lack of contact

These results certainly do not suggest that people can or should rely on God for purposes “, said co-author Oscar Ybarra, professor of psychology and faculty associate at the U-M Institute for Social Research. “The quality of human ties still remains a primary and sustainable source of purpose in life.