Prayer can reduce anger and aggression among ethnic western christians?

A 2011 study found prayer can help reduce anger and aggression. In a series of experiments in which participants either prayed for or thought about a stranger, a person who angered them or a friend in need, members of the prayer group were more likely to feel less anger and aggression after a provocation.

Another study found that when dating and married partners prayed for one another, they tended to be less aggressive and more inclined to forgive.

“Prayer may help people see situations ‘in a new light’ or from a different perspective,” Ohio State University’s Bushman, coauthor of the 2011 study, said.And behavior exhibited when praying is the opposite of entering the fight-or-flight response when there is danger or conflict, said Bremner, who was first author of the 2011 study. When you perceive danger, you’re keyed up and focused on the external world. When you pray, you’re internally focused and attempting to be calm and peaceful.