Psychology of Religion

When perpetrators use faith to justify physical or sexual abuse, the psychological impact on victims is magnified. A new study links religion-justified maltreatment to quadrupled odds of extreme anxiety in adulthood compared to secular forms of abuse.

Many studies link attending religious services to better mental health. However, a new long-term analysis reveals that this relationship is likely a coincidence, finding that frequent religious attendance does not directly prevent depression, anxiety, or panic disorders.

A new study reveals that societal belief in hell strongly predicts lower rates of infidelity and casual sex. This fear of supernatural punishment doesn't reduce sexual desire, but it does appear to stop people from acting on it.

A massive analysis of population data in Finland links the decline in national church membership with the country's dropping birth rate. As secularization rises, couples that share a religious affiliation are becoming rarer, further suppressing first-time parenthood.

Belief in karma can lead people to view social inequality as fair, but it also motivates charitable giving. New research reveals that focusing on karma increases generosity, but mostly toward individuals who suffer through no fault of their own.

Exposure to subtle religious cues, like a Christmas carol or the call to prayer, can temporarily lower an individual's dietary restraint. A new study shows how reminders of God cause consumers to desire unhealthy ultra-processed foods.

A comprehensive review of more than 50 studies has found a strong link between spirituality and a lower risk of substance abuse. Participating in religious or spiritual services significantly reduces the likelihood of harmful drug and alcohol use.

A recent study links complementarianism—the conservative Christian belief in strict gender roles—to strong support for national population growth and severe restrictions on birth control and abortion.

A study of college students found that petitioning God for a partner's well-being is associated with higher relationship satisfaction. However, this connection is only significant for individuals who regularly attend religious services and consider religion extremely important.

New research shows that childhood exposure to Evangelical purity culture is associated with greater sexual shame for survivors of sexual abuse. The findings highlight how strict religious sexual ethics relate to a survivor’s psychological recovery.

People who frequently pray or read religious texts in private tend to experience lower blood pressure spikes when stressed. A new study provides evidence that specific religious behaviors, rather than general spirituality, help regulate the body's stress response.

A fascinating new sleep study tracks the anatomy of demonic nightmares. Scientists found that these terrifying dreams often begin as minor threats days in advance before culminating in severe attacks that leave dreamers paralyzed with fear.

A recent study shows that highly religious women are much more likely to marry before cohabiting. Surprisingly, this trend isn't just about abstinence, as the vast majority of these brides still have premarital sex.

A recent psychology study reveals that individuals with narcissistic traits often use religion as a tool for personal gain. Rather than genuine faith, these individuals engage with spirituality to seek social status, emotional comfort, or special favors from a punitive...

A new survey of over 16,000 churchgoers reveals that simply taking kids to religious services isn't enough to pass on a faith. Instead, warm, open conversations about religion at home are the strongest predictor of lasting faith in adulthood.