Keeping up with the rapidly growing research base, the leading graduate-level psychology of religion text is now in a fully updated fifth edition. It takes a balanced, empirically driven approach to understanding the role of religion in individual functioning and social behavior. Integrating research on numerous different faith traditions, the book addresses the quest for meaning; links between religion and biology; religious thought, belief, and behavior across the lifespan; experiential dimensions of religion and spirituality; the social psychology of religious organizations; and connections to coping, adjustment, and mental disorder. Chapter-opening quotations and topical research boxes enhance the readability of this highly instructive text.
 
New to This Edition
*New topics: cognitive science of religion; religion and violence; and groups that advocate terrorist tactics.
*The latest empirical findings, including hundreds of new references.
*Expanded discussion of atheism and varieties of nonbelief.
*More research on religions outside the Judeo-Christian tradition, particularly Islam.
*State-of-the-art research methods, including techniques for assessing neurological states.
 

1. The Psychological Nature and Functions of Religion
2. Foundations for an Empirical Psychology of Religion
3. Evolution, Neuropsychology, and Other Biological Aspects of Religion
4. Religion in Childhood
5. Religion in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
6. Adult Religious Issues
7. Religion, Aging, and Death
8. Conversion, Spiritual Transformation, and Deconversion
9. Relationships between Individuals and Religious Groups
10. Religious and Spiritual Experience
11. Mysticism
12. Religion, Morality, and Prejudice
13. Religion, Health, Psychopathology, and Coping
14. Epilogue
References
Author Index
Subject Index