Psychology, religion and development: a literature review

Abstract

This preliminary literature review aims to produce an overview of the contribution that psychology has made to understanding religion and development. It finds that little of the psychological literature published in English focuses on developing countries or religions outside the Judeo-Christian tradition. Nor is there much research that directly links psychology, religion and development. Nevertheless, it is suggested that some of the general psychological literature highlights areas where studies of religion have illuminated some correlations between religious beliefs and practices and various aspects of well-being. The main concepts used in psychological research that have contribute to an understanding of religion are identified as motivation, personality, needs, identity and coping. The paper identifies work on a variety of topics relevant to socio-economic development, broadly defined, especially well-being, happiness and quality of life; physical and mental health; and coping with adverse personal and social circumstances. Other potentially relevant areas include identity and group membership; women's experience of religion; child development; and politics and corruption.