PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PREDICTORS OF PASSION FOR RELIGION: THE ROLE OF SENSATION SEEKING, DEVIANT ASSOCIATION AND NEED FOR CLOSURE

Abstract

Religion can serve as a stabilizing and energizing factor in a world where people frequently cope with risks, uncertainty, and the pull of various social influences. With a primary focus on sensation seeking, the need for closure, and deviant association, this study attempted to examine how specific psychological characteristics and social settings impact religious dedication. 354 people participated in the study, including drug users (13.8%), university students (24.9%), inmates (33.1%), and internet respondents (28.2%). They filled out validated scales that assessed the variables under investigation. The analysis of the study indicated that while deviant association (β = –.34, p <.001) was a negative predictor of passion for religion, sensation seeking (β =.431, p <.001) and the need for closure (β =.206, p <.001) were significantly positive predictors. Simply stated, it appears that religion may appeal to sensation seekers because of its captivating rituals and stimulating practices. It may also offer consolation to those who are in high need of closure by providing them with certainty and structure. However, members of deviant peer groups were less likely to be religiously passionate, perhaps as a result of their promotion of opposing worldviews that weaken religious commitment. Overall, the study findings indicate that people's adherence to religion is influenced by both psychological needs and social surroundings. Although religion can be viewed as a source of stability and meaning, external factors might minimize its impact.