Psychology of Religion

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.

A recent study published in the Archive for the Psychology of Religion suggests that feeling a deep spiritual connection to a specific physical location is associated with better mental health, especially when people struggle with feelings of insignificance.

A new study suggests religion boosts mental health by building gratitude and social support. Researchers analyzing U.S. data found these two factors fully explain the link between faith and reduced depression and stress.

A seven-year analysis suggests that attending religious services is associated with higher psychological well-being, which tracks with lower rates of depression and anxiety among older adults.