The ego dampening influence of religion: evidence from behavioral genetics and psychology

Joni Y. Sasaki, Heejung S. Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Religion is a product of evolutionary and biological processes. Thus, understanding why some people are religious and how it impacts their everyday lives requires an integrated perspective. This review presents a theoretical framework incorporating recent findings on religious influences on the behavioral expression of genetic and psychological predispositions. We propose that religion may facilitate ego dampening, or weakening of the impact of one's internal drive, for the service of sociality. Evidence from gene–environment interaction and behavioral studies suggests that religious beliefs and practices may dampen more prepotent, self-focused motives that can be at odds with cooperation and social cohesion. The review underscores the importance of taking an interdisciplinary perspective to understand complex and fundamental questions about religion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-28
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychology
Volume40
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2021

Bibliographical note

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© 2020 Elsevier Ltd

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