Penn Researchers Called LDS Members 'The Most Pro-Social in American Society'

University of Pennsylvania researcher Ram Cnaan's study of active Latter-day Saints concluded directly: "Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the most pro-social members in American society."

The volunteering breakdown by category, per Cnaan's data: 242 hours/year on religious activities, 96 hours on church-affiliated social help to fellow members, 56 hours on church-affiliated help to non-members, and 34 hours on non-church volunteering. Combined: 428 hours/year — roughly 35 hours/month, or close to a full work week of service every month on top of regular employment.

This is approximately 7x the U.S. national average for volunteer hours. The same Penn research found 88.8% of LDS respondents reported paying a full tithe, and that nearly three-quarters of Mormons consider helping the poor "essential" to their faith.