Psychology of Religion

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.

Can science and religion coexist? While individuals with strong religious beliefs tend to see the two as compatible, those who strongly believe in science are more likely to view them as conflicting.

Black older adults who frequently attend religious services are significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or related dementias, while private religious practices, like prayer, showed no protective effect.

Research published in Sociology of Religion sheds light on why some Americans embrace Christian Nationalism. The study reveals that supporters prioritize loyalty and sanctity, reflecting a deep concern for group cohesion and sacred traditions.

Highly religious individuals are more likely to view their pornography use as compulsive, influenced by moral disapproval rather than actual behavioral issues, especially among frequent worship attendees.

A new study has found that purity culture beliefs are linked to higher sexual pain and lower marital satisfaction, suggesting these teachings may harm well-being, particularly for women who later deconstruct these beliefs.

A global study found that higher compatibility between religious and scientific beliefs correlates with better well-being, suggesting that reducing perceived conflicts between these belief systems could enhance psychological well-being and public health across diverse societies.

A recent study published in the journal Psychology of Religion and Spirituality has shed light on the stereotypes people hold about atheists and theists when it comes to relationships.

Highly religious individuals and those who have used psychedelics are less likely to engage in violent behavior, particularly when both factors are present.

Atheists and agnostics are perceived as immoral compared to Christians, challenging the notion that agnostics are viewed more favorably. Both groups face similar stereotypes of immorality, primarily driven by theists' biases.

Research reveals that U.S. states with higher religiosity and stricter cultural norms exhibit lower rates of cheating in the online game Wordle.

Approximately 20% of Americans attend religious services at congregations that do not match their stated religious affiliation, revealing a significant disjunction between personal religious identity and congregational membership.