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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
Researchers find a region of the brain stem called the periaqueductal gray may mediate religiosity and spirituality in humans.
A new study has identified a specific brain circuit centered in the periaqueductal gray that is linked to spiritual acceptance and religiosity.
Kirtan Kriya, a simple meditation practice that centers on psychological and spiritual wellbeing, may help to reduce some Alzheimer's related risk factors and improve cognition in older adults.
Atheists are more likely to believe the morality of an action is based on its consequences, while theists are more inclined to endorse moral values that promote group cohesion. Both believers and non-believers share moral values related to protecting vulnerable individuals and liberty versus oppression, a new study concludes.
While attending religious services is generally associated with improvements in mental wellbeing, a new study reports spiritual experiences and belief in divine leading can lead to an increased risk of depression, especially in men.
Study reviews differences in cognitive processes between atheists and those who believe in a deity.
Spiritualist mediums, those who believe they can hear and communicate with the dead, are more prone to immersive mental activities and unusual auditory experiences in early life.
