The leading undergraduate psychology of religion text, this engaging book synthesizes cutting-edge theories and findings into an accessible account enlivened by personal reflections and contemporary examples. Raymond F. Paloutzian offers an authoritative overview of theoretical and empirical foundations; experiential, developmental, personality, and sociocultural dimensions of religion and spirituality; and clinical implications. Students are also given food for thought about bigger questions--how religion influences their own lives; what beliefs or values they hold most dear; and how to live in a multicultural, multireligious world. Each chapter opens with a brief topic outline and concludes with Take-Home Messages and suggestions for further reading. New to This Edition: *Reflects many years of scientific and theoretical advances. *Chapters on psychological theories, personality, and physical health. *New organizing concepts: religious meaning systems and the multilevel interdisciplinary paradigm. *Additional pedagogical features, including end-of-chapter Take-Home Messages and engaging topic boxes. *Descriptions of cutting-edge research methods. *Increased attention to multicultural issues.

The leading undergraduate psychology of religion text, this engaging book synthesizes cutting-edge theories and findings into an accessible account enlivened by personal reflections and contemporary examples. Raymond F. Paloutzian offers an authoritative overview of theoretical and empirical foundations; experiential, developmental, personality, and sociocultural dimensions of religion and spirituality; and clinical implications. Students are also given food for thought about bigger questions--how religion influences their own lives; what beliefs or values they hold most dear; and how to live in a multicultural, multireligious world. Each chapter opens with a brief topic outline and concludes with "Take-Home Messages" and suggestions for further reading. New to This Edition: *Reflects many years of scientific and theoretical advances. *Chapters on psychological theories, personality, and physical health. *New organizing concepts: religious meaning systems and the multilevel interdisciplinary paradigm. *Additional pedagogical features, including end-of-chapter "Take-Home Messages" and engaging topic boxes. *Descriptions of cutting-edge research methods. *Increased attention to multicultural issues.

Introduction I. Foundations 1. Religion in Psychological Perspective 2. Intellectual Journey to the Psychology of Religion 3. Psychological Theories Look at Religion 4. Logic and Methods in the Psychology of Religion II. Substantive Areas 5. Developmental Processes in Religiousness and Spirituality 6. Looking for Religion in the Individual 7. Religious Conversion, Deconversion, and Spiritual Transformation 8. Religion, Spirituality, and Experience 9. Religion, Mental Health, and Well-Being 10. Religion and Health-Related Issues 11. Religion, Social Attitudes, and Behavior III. The Big Picture 12. And in the End . . . References Index