Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

“A must-have primer for all who are committed to the intersection of religion, spirituality, and psychology.”

—Family Journal


“Informative, illuminating, and valuable.”

—Scientific and Medical Network Online Book Reviews


“By creating the most comprehensive work to date by leading scholars in their respective fields and by giving path and purpose to the psychology of religion through the development of a multilevel interdisciplinary paradigm, Paloutzian and Park have fruitfully contributed to the progression of this field....Offers many of the pieces necessary to continue slowly piecing together our contemporary mosaic of psychological knowledge.”

—Journal of Muslim Mental Health


“The editors have done an exceptional job of demonstrating the growth of the field, its multidisciplinarity, its contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge, and its utility for addressing important religious and spiritual concerns, both individual and collective….Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above.”

—Choice Reviews


“This is more than just another book on the subject of religion/spirituality. It is clearly the work of editors who have been leaders in the field for several decades and who are well aware of the challenges for future research. The contributors are well chosen and references provide a quick overview of recent research on specific themes.”

—Doody's Review Service


“Paloutzian and Park have done it again! This second edition matches the quality of its predecessor in providing a comprehensive review of current research. Chapters have been revised and others added that cast the net even farther over interdisciplinary and cross-cultural waters. Scholars and students will benefit greatly from having this valuable reference in hand; clinicians and those working in religious settings should not be without it.”

—W. Paul Williamson, PhD, Department of Psychology, Henderson State University


“The volume captures the intense fascination with religion and spirituality shared by authors from diverse psychological subdisciplines, as well as the complexity of the issues we face in creating a cohesive scientific agenda. The chapters are thoughtful, informed, and provocative, and they demonstrate how disciplinary perspectives shape definitions, what we search for, and what we find.”

—Susan Folkman, PhD, Professor of Medicine Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco


“The second edition of the Handbook brings this exciting, evolving field fully up to date, with chapters from a 'who's who' of leading scholars. All serious researchers, teachers, and clinicians who are engaged with the psychology of religion and spirituality must have this volume on their shelves. It also will be of great value as a graduate course text. I know my own copy will become well worn.”

—Thomas G. Plante, PhD, ABPP, Augustin Cardinal Bea, S.J., University Professor and Director, Spirituality and Health Institute, Santa Clara University


“This comprehensive, up-to-date volume offers compelling concepts and evidence on a broad spectrum of topics. As a text, it would be ideal in graduate courses in psychology, religious studies, and public health. The coverage of links between spirituality, religion, and health and disease issues is especially exciting.”

—Carl E. Thoresen, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Education,Psychology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University


“A vital contribution to a vibrant and growing field of study. Paloutzian and Park have once again organized leading scholars to provide the latest research findings across major areas of both historical and contemporary relevance. Those steeped in the field will appreciate the synthetic focus on key issues, the interdisciplinary sophistication, and the attention to diversity. Newcomers to the psychology of religion and spirituality will find the chapters accessible, with a helpful overview of each area. This is an excellent text for graduate courses and an essential resource for researchers.”

—Steven J. Sandage, PhD, Albert and Jesse Danielsen Professor of Psychology and Theology at Boston University and the Danielsen Institute


“We're living in a time of great interest in how religion arises in human minds and then comes to influence them in profound ways. This handbook is both timely and comprehensive, bringing together an illustrious group of psychologists to explore all major aspects of the psychology of religion. An important resource for advanced students.”

—Ara Norenzayan, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada