The Causal Effects of Religious Service Attendance on Prosocial Behaviours in New Zealand: A National Longitudinal Study

We investigate the causal effects of religious service attendance on prosocial behaviours using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 33,198 New Zealanders collected between 2018 and 2021. Our study innovates in three ways: (1) we use longitudinal rather than cross-sectional data; (2) we incorporate measures of help received alongside self-reported giving; and (3) our statistical models are designed to address causal questions, not merely describe change over time. We model causal contrasts for three hypothetical interventions—increasing, decreasing, or maintaining religious service attendance—and assess their effects on eight distinct prosocial domains. Study 1 focuses on self-reported charitable donations and volunteering. Studies 2 and 3 examine receiving help—both personal and financial—from family, friends, and the wider community, using novel measures of prosociality in this context. Across all analyses, we find that the causal effects of religious attendance are notably smaller than cross-sectional associations suggest. However, even modest increases in regular attendance could result in charitable donations equivalent to approximately 4% of the New Zealand Government’s annual spending—a considerable public benefit. By applying robust causal inference techniques, our study not only provides insights that can inform public policy regarding the social functions of religious participation but also advances a methodological framework for studying cultural practices and their social consequences.