(RNS)

USA, September 28, 2011 (Religion News Services): Entrepreneurs are significantly more likely to pray several times a day or to meditate than most Americans, according to the Baylor Religion Survey, released September 20.

Sociologist Kevin Dougherty, co-author of the survey, noted the survey can’t answer whether prayerful, peaceful folks are more likely to take a business risk, or whether start-up stress is the driving factor. The study found 34 percent of entrepreneurs pray, compared with 27 percent of non-entrepreneurs; and 32 percent of entrepreneurs meditate, vs. 22 percent of non-entrepreneurs.

Eight forms of meditation–including Christian, Jewish and Buddhist variations–were listed on the survey.

Psychologist Kenneth Pargament, a scholar in residence at the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, explained, “Entrepreneurs have a strong sense they can take matters into their own hands. But they also face risk, unpredictability and uncertainty. Prayer and meditation can be important resources for people who are trying to achieve a lot and yet still face the reality that there is only so much they can control.”