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The value of thoughts and prayers

Author

Listed:
  • Linda Thunström

    (Department of Economics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071)

  • Shiri Noy

    (Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023)

Abstract

A standard response of both policy makers and private citizens to hardships—from natural disasters to mass shootings—is to offer “thoughts and prayers.” Critics argue that such gestures are meaningless and may obstruct structural reforms intended to mitigate catastrophes. In this study, we elicit the value of receiving thoughts and prayers from strangers following adversity. We find that Christians value thoughts and prayers from religious strangers and priests, while atheists and agnostics are “prayer averse”—willing to pay to avoid receiving prayers. Furthermore, while indifferent to receiving thoughts from other secular people, they negatively value thoughts from Christians.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Thunström & Shiri Noy, 2019. "The value of thoughts and prayers," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 116(40), pages 19797-19798, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:116:y:2019:p:19797-19798
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    Cited by:

    1. Nicole Olynk Widmar & Kendra Rash & Courtney Bir & Benjamin Bir & Jinho Jung, 2022. "The anatomy of natural disasters on online media: hurricanes and wildfires," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 110(2), pages 961-998, January.
    2. Linda Thunström, 2020. "Thoughts and prayers – Do they crowd out charity donations?," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 1-28, February.

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