Analysis of Psychology of Religion Content in Introductory Psychology Textbooks

Abstract

Background Past research on the representation of religion/spirituality in introductory psychology textbooks is dated. Objective Analyze religion/spirituality content in the nine most frequently purchased introductory psychology textbooks published within the last 5 years. Method The current study identified 27 terms that related to religion/spirituality and performed qualitative analysis of term's mentions in each textbook. Results Findings indicated that 100% of textbooks mentioned religion/spirituality, which represents an increase in mentions compared to past research. However, none of the textbooks included a specific section on the psychology of religion and spirituality. Overall, there was greater discussion-based coverage of religion/spirituality than research-based coverage, similar to past research findings, although the current study found a greater percentage of research-based discussion than previous research. Compared to past research, the current study found a greater proportion of positive coverage of religious/spiritual mentions but found that most textbooks included negative coverage of religious/spiritual mentions representing rare phenomena associated with religion/spirituality. Conclusion This study provides evidence that coverage of religion/spirituality is better represented in introductory psychology textbooks than past research, but organization and inclusion is still lacking. Teaching Implications Religion/spirituality content could be better organized in textbooks by including a specific section dedicated to the psychology of religion and spirituality.