ABSTRACT

Psychological interest in religion, in terms of both theory and empirical research, has been constant since the beginning of psychology. However, since the beginning of the 21st Century, partially due to important social and political events and developments, interest in religion within personality and social psychology has increased.

This volume reviews the accumulated research and theory on the major aspects of personality and social psychology as applied to religion. It provides a high quality integrative, systematic, and rigorous review of that work, with a focus on topics that are both central in personality and social psychology and have allowed for the accumulation of solid and replicated and not impressionist knowledge on religion. The contributors are renowned researchers in the field who offer an international perspective that is both illuminating, yet neutral, with respect to religion.

The volume’s primary audience are academics, researchers, and advanced students in social psychology, but it will also interest those in sociology, political sciences, and anthropology.

chapter 1|22 pages

Introduction

Studying Religion in Personality and Social Psychology

part I|117 pages

Personality, Cognition, and Emotions

part II|134 pages

Social Behavior, Morality, and Intergroup Relations

part III|111 pages

Religion in Context

chapter 16|31 pages

Conclusion

Understanding Religion and Irreligion