Psychology of Religion

A new study finds that many young Americans are walking away from organized religion—not because they’ve lost belief, but because their values around authenticity, justice, and individual autonomy conflict with the teachings and politics of religious institutions.

Christians who believe God is benevolent, engaged, and angered by sin are more likely to support religious nationalism, according to a new study. This worldview was also associated with conspiracy mentality and xenophobic attitudes.

The series Sirens plays cult life for laughs—but beneath the humor lies a disturbing truth. A psychologist explores how real-world manipulation tactics, from isolation to dependency, mirror the show's plot and reveal why leaving a cult is anything but simple.

A new study has found that people frequently described both relief from spiritual tension and the emergence of new spiritual struggles following psychedelic use.

A new study suggests that vivid encounters with perceived entities during ayahuasca experiences are associated with reduced atheism and increased spirituality, particularly among men. Before the experience, men were less religious—but gender differences disappeared afterward.

A new study sheds light on how ultra-Orthodox Jews who leave their religious communities face confusion, trauma, and vulnerability when navigating sexuality in secular society, often lacking the cultural knowledge needed for healthy relationships and sexual well-being.

Psychedelics are often described as spiritual tools—but do they change people’s religious beliefs? A large new study found that while psychedelic use was associated with religious disaffiliation, it did not cause lasting changes in religiosity or spirituality over time.

A new study finds that negative views of atheists may be less about moral disagreement and more about signaling group identity.

A new study suggests that growing up in unpredictable environments can shape how people relate to God. The findings show that early instability is linked to insecure attachment to God, which may reduce feelings of divine forgiveness and limit the...

A new study suggests that moral biases favoring religious individuals over atheists are widespread, even in predominantly secular societies.

A new study explores how nonbelievers in Poland maintain psychological well-being in a largely religious culture, highlighting the roles of social support, emotional regulation, and self-clarity.

Far from a midpoint between belief and disbelief, agnosticism shows a unique psychological makeup, new research published in Self & Identity suggests.

Feeling forgiven by God can ease guilt—but new research shows it might also make people less likely to apologize to those they've harmed

A new study has found that couples who discuss their spiritual beliefs and experiences with one another tend to feel more satisfied and committed in their relationships.

A study finds that being an atheist may not be the political death sentence many assume. While Republicans react negatively and Democrats positively, these opposing views often balance out.