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neurotheology

This shows a well dressed robot with a bible.

·July 24, 2023·4 min read

Robo-Religion: AI Preachers Questioned for Credibility & Impact on Donations

Religious groups may find their credibility and financial support undermined with the growing use of AI and robot preachers, according to researchers. The study involved experiments with the Mindar humanoid robot in Japan and Pepper in Singapore, both delivering sermons to audiences.

This shows a man sitting at a desk with a coffee and a bible.

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·May 24, 2023·4 min read

Morning Larks, Religion, and Happiness: A Unique Link

Religious tendencies could contribute to the previously noted connection between morning preference and life satisfaction. Researchers conducted surveys of Polish adults assessing their morning-evening preference, conscientiousness, religiosity, and satisfaction with life.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 19, 2023·3 min read

Study Explores Prosocial Behavior Within and Between Religious Groups

Regardless of affiliation, religious people were more likely to act in a generous manner toward strangers when asked to think about their God. The level of giving increased equally regardless of whether the stranger was a member of the same religious group or not.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 13, 2023·5 min read

Addressing Spiritual and Existential Needs Could Improve Health Outcomes

Addressing existential and spiritual questions a person may have positive implications for inner peace and overall health.

This shows a person's hands clasped in prayer

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 8, 2023·5 min read

Abortion Views Closely Tied to Views on Race and Religion

The relationship between religion, attitudes toward race, and abortion rights have grown stronger in recent years. Researchers found those who exhibit high racial resentment are more inclined to espouse anti-choice attitudes, regardless of a person's religious views or political beliefs. For example, religious conservatives with low racial resentment are more likely to be pro-choice than their peers who exhibit higher racial resentment. The same is true for religious liberals with low racial resentment.

This shows a spiral of stained glass windows

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 12, 2022·6 min read

Spirituality Linked With Better Health Outcomes

Spirituality can have a positive impact when it comes to both general and serious illness, researchers say. Incorporating spirituality into health care for those who are spiritual could be beneficial when it comes to health outcomes.

This shows a woman surrounded by a white light

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·May 4, 2022·4 min read

Links Between Paranormal Beliefs and Cognitive Function Described by 40 Years of Research

A review of 71 studies over 40 years aligns with the hypothesis that belief in the paranormal is associated with differences and deficits in cognitive function.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 2, 2022·5 min read

Study Examines Link Between Accountability to God and Psychological Well-Being

People who consider themselves more accountable to a god report higher levels of three of the four variables of psychological wellbeing. The association was stronger in people who pray more often, suggesting accountability accompanied with prayer enhances psychological wellbeing for believers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 5, 2022·3 min read

Study Examines Attachment to God and Psychological Distress

Researchers report religious people who relate to a God in an uncertain or anxious manner are more likely to experience psychological distress disorders, including anxiety, paranoia, and obsessive compulsions. Findings reveal how different styles of attachment to a deity may be associated with poorer mental health outcomes.

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·November 15, 2021·5 min read

Research Reveals Potential New Way to Fight Radicalization in True Believers

Researchers report that extreme behaviors exhibited by "true believers" of a religion or belief system are driven by the degree to which their identity fuses with a cause or belief. The findings could help in the fight against radicalization.

This shows a drawing of a person meditating

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·November 11, 2021·4 min read

‘Orgasmic Meditation’ Alters Brain Function

"Orgasmic meditation" produces a distinct pattern of brain activity, researchers report. The practice alters activity in the frontal lobe and temporal lobe, an area of the brain associated with emotional processing.