How does fasting cultivate self-control, generosity, and social connection?
New research from Dr. Mostafa Salari Rad explores how fasting during Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a powerful exercise in self-control, discipline, and social connection. He's featured in this episode of Stories of Impact podcast.
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Rad's findings show "pro-sociality induced by the Ramadan fast is likely to apply to not only in-group but also out-group members and non-group members."
Rad, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology, explores the psychological and social effects of fasting during Ramadan. Born in Iran and later studying in Japan, Rad became interested in self-control after experiencing the discipline required to fast while others around him did not. His research examines how the month-long practice of self-restraint influences not only individual willpower but also broader social behaviors such as generosity and community cohesion.
His recent Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) supported studies suggest that fasting engages key self-control mechanisms, improving individuals’ ability to regulate impulses and maintain goal-directed behavior.
Over three years, he and his team have investigated whether repeated engagement in fasting strengthens inhibitory control and whether fasting within a religious community fosters greater care for others.
To objectively measure self-control, the researchers designed behavioral experiments rather than relying on self-reported experiences. One such experiment involved a reaction task using blue and yellow stars. Participants were trained to respond quickly and habitually to blue stars but had to override this response when a yellow star appeared. This measured their ability to suppress automatic reactions — what psychologists call "inhibition." Rad found a clear pattern of improvement: "From pre- to during and after Ramadan, people are improving in their inhibitory control performance," he shares.
Beyond self-discipline, the study examined whether fasting increases generosity. Using the Dictator Game — where participants decide how much money to share with an anonymous partner — Rad observed a striking shift. "Before Ramadan, participants were giving about 20%, but during Ramadan, they gave around 40%." Even after Ramadan, generosity remained higher than pre-fasting levels. He suggests that this prosocial behavior extends beyond in-group loyalty, fostering broader moral responsibility: "The pro-sociality induced by the Ramadan fast is likely to apply to not only in-group but also out-group members and non-group members."
Listen in to hear more about his ongoing research, aiming to develop interventions that harness these insights to help individuals, regardless of religious background, improve self-control and social connectedness, and by extension human flourishing-related outcomes.
Tune in to the full episode with the above player and view show notes here.
Learn more about the TWCF-funded project, Understanding the Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Outcomes of the Ramadan Fast.
View TWCF's Science of Religious and Spiritual Exercises priority.
Built upon the award-winning video series of the same name, Templeton World Charity Foundation’s “Stories of Impact” podcast features stories of new scientific research on human flourishing that translate discoveries into practical tools. Bringing a mix of curiosity, compassion, and creativity, journalist Richard Sergay and producer Tavia Gilbert shine a spotlight on the human impact at the heart of cutting-edge social and scientific research projects supported by TWCF.
