Contact: Olga Vladi, 212-956-0950

CANONSBURG, Penn., May 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- Religious people might be better at pursuing and achieving long-term goals than nonreligious people, a Miami University study says.

"What the research suggests is what many of us have known all along," says David Beato, author of the new book The Power of Prayer, Endurance and Truth. "We now have proof that there is a correlation between the active practice of faith and achievement in one's personal and professional lives."

Mr. Beato's book describes how religion has shaped his life from his difficult childhood in Italy during World War II to his struggle to make it as a successful businessman in America. Along the way Mr. Beato faced many monumental tests of faith, including the death of his beloved son, professional setbacks and deceptive family members who tried to ruin him.

The Miami University psychologists reveal that religious people like Mr. Beato have higher degrees of self-discipline and self-control, both of which are considered key elements of success. Researchers also discovered that religious people are more likely to succeed because they tend to have:

• A clear view and sense of purpose in life.

• A more positive and optimistic way of thinking.

• Low rates of drug and alcohol abuse.

• Healthy behaviors and habits.

• Less problems with depression.

"In times like these, with all the issues we face--war, economic problems, political disagreements and so on--we need to have faith more than ever," says Mr. Beato.

David Beato is a well-known real estate developer in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife. He has one son and two daughters who are all college educated and married, and his greatest joy is spending time with his children and grandchildren.