The Psychology of Religion

Synopsis

Scholarly and comprehensive yet accessible, this state-of-the-science work is widely regarded as the definitive psychology of religion text. The authors synthesize classic and contemporary empirical research on religious thought, belief, and behavior across the lifespan; links between religion and biology; the forms and meaning of religious experience; the social psychology of religious organizations; and connections to morality, coping, mental health, and psychopathology. The text draws on research on numerous different religious groups. Designed for optimal use in advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, every chapter features thought-provoking quotations and examples that bring key concepts to life.

New to This Edition

• Revised and updated with the latest theories, methods, and empirical findings
• Many new research examples
• Restructured with fewer chapters for better "fit" with a typical semester
• More attention to the differences between religion and spirituality
• Covers emerging topics: genetics and neurobiology, positive psychology, atheism, and more.