Foci of Research

  1. Understanding the Mechanisms of Virtues

Current projects

  • Understanding the Similarities and Distinctiveness of Gratitude to God vs. Gratitude to People (PIs: Tsang, Schnitker, Rowatt; John Templeton Foundation; $253k)
  • Gratitude and Physiological Reactions to Stress (PIs: Tsang, Ginty)
  • Planning Grant: Galvanizing the Psychological, Philosophical, and Theological Study and Practice of Patience (PIs: Schnitker, Ratchford; Templeton Religion Trust; $234k)

Anticipated grant applications by May 2023

  • Effects of Spirituality, Purpose, and Patience on Health and Well-Being in Women Awaiting Breast Biopsy Results (National Cancer Institute; $4 million) *
  • Basic Research on the Virtue of Patience (Templeton Religion Trust; $5-7 million) *

 

  1. Virtue and Religious Development

Current projects

  • Baylor Longitudinal Study of Religion, Spirituality, and Character in Students and Alums (PIs: Glanzer, Dougherty, Schnitker; commissioned by Baylor Regents)
  • Testing the Efficacy of a Patience and Courage Intervention to Increase Willingness to Engage in Cross-Race Friendship (PI: Schnitker)

Anticipated grant applications by May 2023

  • Launching the Baylor Longitudinal Study of Civic and Religious Virtue Development in College (Kern Family Foundation; $200k) *
  • Planning grant and then full proposal for a longitudinal study of virtue and religious development (John Templeton Foundation; $234k, $3 million) *

 

  1. Virtue Development in Sport

Current projects

  • Developing a Purpose and Character Intervention for NCAA Division I Athletes (PIs: Schnitker, Meyer)
  • Faith and Sport Institute Efficacy Testing (PIs: Meyer, White) *
  • Character Development and High Intensity Interval Training in Homeless Adolescents (PIs: Ginty, Schnitker)
  • Muscular Christianity and Athlete Character Strengths (PI: Meyer)

Anticipated grant applications by May 2023

  • Exploring Indigenous Americans’ Character Development through Stickball in Relation to Native Religion and Culture as a Means to Promote Community Development and Public Health ($500k) *
  • Gender and Religiosity in Sport: An Exploration of Masculine Ideals (National Endowment for the Humanities; $200k)
  • Religion and Sport: The Role of Mentors (Lilly Endowment; $300k) *

 

  1. Virtues and Technology

Current projects

  • Building Technological Products that Cultivate Virtues in Teens (PI: Schnitker; component of $2.6 million grant) *
  • Testing the Efficacy of App-Based Interventions to Build Patience in Adolescents (PI: Schnitker)
  • Effects of Technology on Spirituality (PI: Gorrell)

Anticipated grant applications by May 2023

  • Instagram Proposal for Well-Being: Disrupting Social Comparisons through Values Affirmation, Gratitude, & Capitalization Interventions (Instagram; $50k)

 

  1. Religion and Virtuous Intergroup Engagement: How Does Religion Promote and Hinder Humility, Civility, and Forgiveness?

Current projects

  • Christian Nationalism, Thrift, and Generosity (PIs: Rowatt, Tsang, Schnitker)
  • Religion and Attitudes Toward Immigrants (PI: Rowatt)
  • Within vs. Between Group Forgiveness (PI: Tsang)
  • Measuring the (Im)measurable: A Psychological Model of the “Something More” (PIs: Callaway, Rowatt, Schnitker; $234k)

Anticipated grant applications by May 2023

  • The Effects of Prayer on Generosity to Ingroup vs. Outgroup Members (Issachar Foundation; $100k) *
  • Humility and Forgiveness in Relation to Religious Outgroups (John Templeton Foundation; $234k) *