The Next Mormons Survey, conducted by researchers Jana Riess and Benjamin Knoll, is the largest survey ever conducted specifically on LDS membership — including both current and former members.
Active LDS members reported a life satisfaction score of 3.92 out of 5. Former members who had left the faith reported 3.41 out of 5. The gap of 0.51 points is statistically significant.
The aggregate data across the full survey population shows active members reporting higher life satisfaction than those who left.
The study does not establish causation — it is possible that people who were already less satisfied were more likely to leave.
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