Centrality of Religiosity, Schizotypy, and Human Values: The Impact of Religious Affiliation

Abstract

Previous research has established a reliable link between religiosity and schizotypy as well as schizophrenia. However, past research mainly measured religiosity as a one-dimensional construct. In the present research (N = 189), we aimed to get a better understanding of the religiosity–schizotypy link by measuring religiosity using Huber’s five-dimensional model of Centrality of Religiosity, while also testing for curvilinear relations and potential moderators. We found negative small-to-medium-sized correlations between all five dimensions of religiosity and the schizotypy dimension of impulsive nonconformity, but no reliable associations with the other three dimensions of schizotypy: unusual experiences, cognitive disorganization, and introverted anhedonia. Some of these associations were moderated by religious affiliation: Religiosity and schizotypy correlated positively among non-members, but negatively among members of religious communities, suggesting that affiliation has a positive impact on the well-being of religious people. In line with Huber’s predictions, we found a reversed U-shape association between the religious dimension of private religious practice and schizotypy. Unexpectedly, however, conformity and tradition values did not moderate the relations between religiosity and schizotypy. We discuss our findings in terms of person–environment fit, the prevention hypothesis of the schizotypy-religiosity link, and offer implications for mental health practitioners.

The relations between pathological personality traits and human values

“…This difference can contribute to explaining the different patterns of correlations we obtained, assuming that higher levels of religiosity increase the likelihood of being in a religious community. For example, Hanel et al (Hanel et al, 2019) sampled students studying the same subject at the same institution as our Study 1 participants, albeit from a different cohort. The authors found that religiosity, which is strongly associated with tradition values (Saroglou et al, 2004), tended to be negatively associated with schizotypy, another pathological trait, but only among those students who were members of a religious community.…”

The psychology of nonbelievers

“…One common misunderstanding given the established link between religiosity and health is that nonreligion is "a health liability" [54, p. 370 positive/negative affect, and subjective happiness. This relationship is cross-culturally robust and has been identified in several national, ethnic, and religious contexts, ranging from the United States [29], East Germany [60], Turkey [61], and Israel [62], for example.…”

Postdiction in Visual Awareness and Intrinsic Religiosity

“…This is a core aspect of the bright side of organizational religious activity (Geher & Wedberg, 2019 ). For example, individuals with high schizotypal traits (anomalous perceptual experiences, nonordinary beliefs, social introversion, extravagant and odd behavior, and emotional instability) may find a religious community framework and explanation to alleviate unpleasant feelings, thoughts, and maladaptive behavior (Hanel, Demmrich, & Wolfradt, 2019 ; Johnstone & Tiliopoulos, 2008 ; Mohr, Brandt, Borras, Gillieron, & Huguelet, 2006 ; Ng, 2007 ).…”