B4499 - Epigenome-Wide Association Study of Religious and/or Spiritual Beliefs and Behaviors - 15/01/2024

B number: 
B4499
Principal applicant name: 
Neil Goulding | Centre for Academic Child Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Dr Matthew Suderman, Professor Jean Golding
Title of project: 
Epigenome-Wide Association Study of Religious and/or Spiritual Beliefs and Behaviors
Proposal summary: 

We will investigate associations between religious/spiritual beliefs and behaviours (RSBB) and DNA methylation at specific CpG sites. We will perform epigenome-wide associations (EWAS's) of RSBB in the G0 mothers and fathers/partners and in the G1 offspring. The primary RSBB variables that we will use are religious/spiritual beliefs and religious attendance. There is not currently any good evidence to show if DNA methylation is associated with religiosity/spirituality. The aim of this research is to answer this knowledge gap.

Impact of research: 
This project will allow researchers to identify potential associations between religious/spiritual beliefs and behaviours and DNA methylation.
Date proposal received: 
Wednesday, 20 December, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 8 January, 2024
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Behaviour - e.g. antisocial behaviour, risk behaviour, etc., EWAS, Epigenetics