The Psychology of Religion

“There is much here for parish clergy and chaplains, especially in the four chapters discussing the psychological aspects of faith formation through developmental stages and the opportunity to reflect upon patients’ lives along the denomination/sect/cult continuum….This text belongs in the libraries of Clinical Pastoral Education centers and behavioral health care facilities.”

—Association of Professional Chaplains Forum Resource Reviews


“This volume offers a depth of understanding and intellectual engagement rarely found in a textbook. In the fifth edition, Hood, Hill, and Spilka once again provide an authoritative study of the psychology of religion, integrating new perspectives and research findings. Drawing on evolutionary theory; neuroscience; and contemporary personality, social, and developmental psychology, the text examines religion as a vital force in individual and societal life. Scholars, applied scientists, and anyone yearning to better understand the psychological nature of religion will appreciate this book’s sophistication and accessibility.”

—Edward P. Shafranske, PhD, ABPP, Professor and Muriel Lipsey Chair in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Pepperdine University


“Kudos to Hood, Hill, and Spilka—an all-star author team—for this comprehensive overview of the roots and fruits of religious experience. The fifth edition explores religion’s contribution to meaning, self-control, and social connections. It reveals insights into the biological, cognitive, and social psychology of religion, across the lifespan. And it discloses what psychological science has learned about fascinating topics, from gay conversion therapy to prayer to deconversion. A definitive yet accessible synopsis of a growing field.”

—David G. Myers, PhD, Department of Psychology, Hope College


“Hood, Hill, and Spilka have done it again with this fifth edition! This clear, thoughtful, and balanced text is full of wisdom informed by the authors' decades of scholarly work. The book is unbiased and objective, without being detached; it explores what we know about the psychology of religion, while also pointing out the holes in our current understanding. It considers the ways that religion is a central source of meaning, while paying attention to how this meaning affects all other aspects of a person's life. This text can be used well in both undergraduate classes and graduate seminars. It is a gem!”

—Jeanne M. Slattery, PhD, Department of Psychology, Clarion University of Pennsylvania


“The rapid expansion of the psychology of religion makes it critical to discern what is valuable among 'new' ideas in relation to past accomplishments. This updated fifth edition helps both junior and senior scholars in this evaluative task. Spanning classic and emergent psychological topics, and tapping into an increasingly global literature, the authors highlight what is known and what remains to be investigated. For a survey course with upper-level undergraduates, the material can introduce the great breadth of the field. Seasoned graduate or postgraduate readers will find that a close reading reveals complex nuances of both theory and methodology and yields a long list of potential research projects. Students learn about the wide range of ways that scientific psychological principles can be applied to understanding religious beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.”

—Kevin L. Ladd, PhD, Department of Psychology, Indiana University South Bend


“Each of the authors has done pioneering work in the psychology of religion, making this one of the most comprehensive, respected, and valuable texts in the field. The fifth edition demonstrates that the authors have remained current and contemporary in their treatment of religion and spirituality, which renders this book ideal for psychology of religion coursework and for scholars interested in an overview of the subject. The authors are unapologetically empirical and scientific in their approach, which they present with an engaging, lively writing style. This classic text has just become even better.”

—Mark R. McMinn, PhD, ABPP, Graduate School of Clinical Psychology, George Fox University