Psychology of Religion

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.

A new study suggests that two very different spiritual practices—Buddhist jhāna meditation and the Christian practice of speaking in tongues—may work in surprisingly similar ways.

Scientists used advanced methods to investigate if church attendance causes increased charity. Their new study reveals attending religious services does lead to more giving, though the effect is smaller than previously thought.

Hispanic older adults who frequently attended religious services experienced slower cognitive decline, unlike White or Black participants. This highlights potential cultural factors in the relationship between religious involvement and cognitive health.

White evangelical Republicans, despite supporting Trump’s anti-refugee policies, respond positively to religious appeals. Highlighting Christian values like compassion for strangers increases warmth toward refugees and support for their resettlement, according to a recent study.

New research has found no consistent evidence that modern social conditions—high existential security, education, and urbanicity—cause decreased religiosity.