Psychology of Religion

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.

Scientists have tested whether triggering analytical thinking can lower a person's religious beliefs. Recent experiments provide evidence that prompting logical thought does not actually change deeply held faith.

A new study reveals that subconsciously internalizing a "Surrender to God" coping strategy significantly reduces the risk of long-term addiction relapse in Christian patients. However, this faith-based approach did not reduce daily cravings or increase overall meaning in life.

Americans who leave Christianity adopt more progressive political views than those raised entirely without religion. A new study links this leftward shift to the amount of social threat these individuals perceive from conservative religious groups.

A new study in Developmental Science finds that declining religious norms across 70 countries are linked to rising youth anxiety. The research suggests that growing up in increasingly secular societies correlates with higher adolescent mental health challenges.

Viewing intimacy as a deeply spiritual or sacred experience is strongly linked to higher sexual satisfaction, especially for women. A new psychological study maps out the specific bedroom habits—like mindfulness and communication—that form the bridge between meaning and passion.

A new qualitative study explores how grueling pilgrimages trigger profound spiritual transformations. By interviewing individuals who walked famous routes in Taiwan, Japan, and Spain, researchers identified six key stages that rebuild inner balance and foster deep gratitude.

For some evangelical Christians, attributing mental illness to demonic forces can offer a sense of meaning, while for others, it creates harmful barriers to medical care. A recent study outlines how spiritual explanations impact mental health outcomes.

Parents who perceive their child-rearing duties as sacred tend to report higher levels of happiness. A recent sociological study highlights how different internal images of God can subtly amplify or diminish this sense of fulfillment.

A new psychological study reveals how specific childhood experiences and inherent personality traits predict whether adults will use scientific evidence or religious faith to make sense of the world around them.

Young adults often question their faith when they see religious intolerance. A recent study shows that while these doubts can cause anxiety, they also encourage a flexible, open-minded search for meaning and greater intellectual humility.