AUTHORS' RESPONSES: The Picture Is Getting Clearer, But Is the Scope Too Limited? Three Overlooked Questions in the Psychology of Religion

Abstract

In this article I suggest that at least three crucial questions have been largely overlooked in recent research on the psychology of religion: First, is the field currently placing too much emphasis on the effects of religion on physical and mental health? Second, could negative emotions associated with religion lead to adaptive outcomes in some situations? Finally, should we begin to devote greater attention to specific religious beliefs or doctrines? Attention to issues such as these may help to increase the impact of research on the psychology of religion.