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religion

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·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.

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.

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.

This is a cartoon of a scientist working in her lab

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 8, 2022·4 min read

Scientists Carry Greater Credibility Than Spiritual Gurus

Both the majority of religious and non-religious people consider information provided by scientists to be more credible and reliable than information provided by religious leaders, a new study report.

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.

This shows a spiral of stained glass windows

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·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 an older person's hands crossed in meditation

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2021·5 min read

Meditative Practice and Spiritual Wellbeing May Preserve Cognitive Function in Aging

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.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 24, 2021·4 min read

Atheists and Believers Both Have Moral Compasses, but With Key Differences

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 11, 2021·4 min read

Study Examines Religious Experiences and Depression

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.