About ORBIT

The search for wellbeing has been expressed in different ways over time. In recent years wellbeing both as concept and lived reality has gained increasing prominence in international education literature.

Although frequently neglected in wellbeing research, there is an emerging body of research that connects human wellbeing and religion. Overall, this research shows that religion is good for wellbeing, with certain aspects of religion better correlated with certain aspects of wellbeing.

However, religious identity can be stigmatised at school and at work, and this is often supported by narratives in mainstream media that represent those of a religious identity as naïve, uncaring, and/or fanatical. Further, the experiences of those from a traditionally majority religious position which goes into rapid decline are a subject of some concern internationally.

When students feel forced to conceal or deny their religious identity, both personal and communal (school community) wellbeing are compromised. Moreover, societies with declining levels of religious engagement could be at risk of declines in personal and societal wellbeing.

This COST Action delves into the correlation between religious identity, bullying, and wellbeing, and the implications for students, school communities, and European societies. lt provides a conduit for researchers, policy makers, and educators to consider the relationship between religious identity, wellbeing and inclusion. Through the objectives of each Working Group, the members of the Action can examine how religious identity contributes to the wellbeing of individuals, family, communities, and societies.

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The COST Action ORBIT welcomes research-active scientists working in the field. There are many ways to get involved.
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