Research now treats belief in karma as a distinct psychological stance, not merely a religious label. Studies link these beliefs to hopeful outlooks and acts of generosity alongside painful patterns like self-blame and blaming victims. Those mixed effects show that the same idea can support resilience in one person and deepen isolation in another, depending on context and social support.
Understanding karma beliefs helps us think more clearly about human potential and inclusion. If moral-causal thinking encourages compassion in some settings but justifies harsh judgments in others, designers of education, health, and community programs need nuanced tools. Follow the article to see how these findings map onto real-world policies and everyday relationships, and to learn how communities can harness the constructive edges of such beliefs while reducing harms.
Billions of people around the world believe that the events in their lives are determined by the law of karma: good deeds lead to good outcomes, whereas bad deeds lead to bad outcomes, because of supernatural forces that transcend the boundaries of human justice. This belief is increasingly recognized in psychological research as an important dimension of religious diversity across the world, and has unique impacts on the psychology and social behavior of believers. This review highlights the distinctive cognitive profile of karma beliefs and summarizes recent empirical research showing that belief in karma can lead to both positive outcomes (e.g., optimism, generosity) and negative outcomes (e.g., depression, victim blaming) which impact on individual well-being and social dynamics.