Articles analysis

Please consider the articles by Brooks (“The Three Equations for a Happy Life, Even During a Pandemic”), Shimron (“Yale’s Popular Happiness Class Gains an Online Following Among the Socially Distanced”), and Miller (“Crystals, Chocolate, Astral Travel and Good Vibes for the Soul”). According to these sources, what positive functions might religion (or "spirituality" if you prefer) play in a person's life? How does it do that? How are these findings compatible with the fact that people sometimes report that religion has had a negative impact in their life?