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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Psychology of Religion Module SUMMARY Overview Religion has been a potent influence in the history of humankind and continues to exert a powerful influence in many people’s lives today. People’s religious lives can be better understood by examining the psychological dimensions of their religion.

We began this chapter by exploring the wide scope of religion, the history of psychology of religion, linkages between psychology of religion and general psychology, as well as psychological models and religion. Then we turned our attention to defining religion and evaluating dimensions of religious commitment, the science-versus-religion problem, and religious orientation, especially focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic orientations.

Our coverage of religious development emphasized religious development in children and adolescents, Fowler’s life-span developmental theory, and religion and spirituality in older adults. We also studied the fascinating topic of religious conversion and read about religious experience, religious attitudes and behavior, and links between religion and health.

Concept Processes/Related Ideas Characteristics/Description Scope of Religion and Links Between Psychology and Religion Scope of Religion There is extensive interest in religion worldwide. Females consistently show a stronger interest in religion than males do. History of Psychology of Religion Psychology of religion was a part of the field of psychology from the beginning. William James wrote The Varieties of Religious Experience in 1902.

Psychology of religion flourished until the 1930s, then was dormant for about three decades. In the last several decades, renewed interest in the psychology of religion has emerged. Psychology of Religion and General Psychology Areas in the psychology of religion and areas in general psychology are linked. For virtually every main topic in general psychology, there is a parallel line of research in the psychology of religion.

Psychological Models and Religion Psychology of religion draws on a number of psychological models to explain religious concepts. Four such models are the behavioral, psychoanalytic (or psychodynamic), humanistic, and sociocultural. Defining Religion and Exploring the Psychology of Religion Defining Religion Defining religion is an inordinately difficult task, so difficult that there is no universally accepted definition.