Abstract

To examine racial differences between middle-aged and older White and Black Americans on overall self-reported life satisfaction and to explore the correlation of religious beliefs and perceived control over one’s life and health with self-reported life satisfaction. The study presents descriptive findings and regression results utilizing data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample. The sample (N = 1,163) was a comparative analysis of Black and White respondents. Findings indicated factors that contribute to overall life satisfaction, differences in race, and gender differences. Black respondents reported lower overall life satisfaction but higher religious beliefs than White respondents. This study draws on the literature and data to discuss the impact of religious belief on overall life satisfaction. It also proposes ways in which researchers, practitioners, and policy advocates can improve life satisfaction for Black and African American populations in the US by employing a religious aspect.