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Wheatley Institute

Wheatley Institute

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Fortifying institutions of family, religion, and constitutional government to strengthen society

Named for Jack and Mary Lois Wheatley, the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University enhances the reputation and scholarship of BYU by seeking creative and powerful ideas which lead toward practical and constructive solutions to real societal issues. The Institute broadly disseminates those motivating ideas and policy recommendations to the wider world and is guided in all its work by endurin

06/26/2026

Gain insight from Loren Marks, Wheatley Fellow and report author, on The Religion and Social Health Connection. It is the final report in a three-part series on religion and health. Read the full report at wheatley.byu.edu.

06/25/2026

In a review of more than 500 of the most rigorous scientific studies looking at the connection between religion and social health, Wheatley Institute found a striking 33:1 positive-to-negative ratio linking religion to social health. Religion goes far beyond private belief—it helps build the habits, relationships, and communities that actively hold society together.

The Religion and Social Health Connection is the final report in a three-part series on religion and health. Read the full report at wheatley.byu.edu.

06/14/2026

Wheatley Institute is proud to announce that Director Paul Edwards was recently named to the newly formed Braver Angels Advisory Council.

Joining him on the counsel are figures such as Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Cornel West, Jonathan Rauch, and Mónica Guzmán-- a selection of 23 prominent politicians, academics, thought-leaders, and executives from across the political spectrum who, despite their diverse ideological viewpoints, share a commitment to bridging partisan divides through curiosity and mutual respect. The council will work together to support Braver Angels in its mission to foster courageous citizenship and constructive cross-partisan dialogue.

Learn more at: https://wheatley.byu.edu/constitution/wheatley-institute-director-paul-edwards-joins-new-braver-angels-advisory-council

Photos from Wheatley Institute's post 06/09/2026

What defines the American “elite”?

Wheatley Institute recently hosted Pulitzer-prize winner and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens as the opening keynote speaker for this year’s BYU Peacemaking Conference. Stephens shared important insights on the American elite, why the "economy of words" and the "economy of stuff" don’t understand each other, and how it’s driving America’s polarization even further.

Watch the full lecture on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgQv96aFVLk

06/04/2026

Could religion help you live longer?

In a recent Wheatley Institute review of hundreds of studies on religion and physical health, religious individuals were consistently found to live longer, healthier lives. What's the connection? Less risk-taking, more self-control, and high social support all play key roles.

The Religion and Physical Health Connection is the second of a three-part series of reports on religion and health. Learn more at wheatley.byu.edu.

05/22/2026

What do young adults have to say about the emerging AI romance trend?

Get some student commentary on our latest report, Secret Soulmates! Tune in later this week to see how AI relationships can impact real-life ones-- and how most young adults don't understand the potential consequences of having an AI partner.

05/19/2026

AI romantic companions are on the rise. What does this mean for our closest relationships?

Wheatley Institute's latest report, Secret Soulmates, found that 1 in 7 young adults who are currently in committed relationships regularly interact with an AI romantic companion. These counterfeit connections are linked to worse communication and more instability in frequent users' real life relationships. Real relationships thrive on mutual growth and authentic connection, something an AI will never be able to replicate.

Learn more by reading the full report at wheatley.byu.edu!

05/04/2026

Does religion really help mental health?

Wheatley Institute's latest report examines hundreds of rigorous studies on religion and health. The result? Studies reporting a positive impact of religion on mental health outnumber the negative by 10:1.

The Religion and Mental Health Connection is the first of a three part series of reports on religion and health. Learn more at wheatley.byu.edu

04/24/2026

What advice do this year's graduating Wheatley Scholars have for new students? Listen to some well-earned advice and help us wish them luck on their new adventures!

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