Cross‐Cultural Commonalities in Religiosity by Measurement Invariance

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, we attempted to determine the cross‐cultural commonalities in religiosity between the U.S. and Japan by measurement invariance. While both countries share many common values and similar social systems, some differences exist in religion. We collected religious propositions/concepts typical in most religions in the two countries. Then, using a mind map tool and database, we prepared 100 mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive religious belief items that do not employ the terminologies of any specific religion. U.S. and Japanese research companies administered the survey via the internet. By differential item functioning (DIF) analysis, we found 23 common items, and five remarkably specific items showing opposing patterns. By multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis, we found that the two countries share the same structure of religiosity, consisting of three correlated factors: “Supernaturalism,” “Psychological Benefits of Religion,” and “New Age Spirituality.” The factor “New Age spirituality” connects the other two factors.