Review
"Paloutzian and Park have produced a marvelous volume that is long overdue. This Handbook is a monumental achievement, bringing together the most prominent scholars to survey the development of research and its promise in specialized areas of the field. This work reflects the remarkable breadth and depth of the growing discipline of the psychology of religion, and is a 'must' for social scientists, clinicians, teachers, and students with serious interest in religion." - W. Paul Williamson, Henderson State University, Arkansas, USA
"This Handbook sends a clear message that religion has come of age as a fertile ground for exciting psychological theory and research. It is noteworthy that so many diverse psychological disciplines – including cognitive, developmental, personality, social, neuropsychological, health, and existential psychology – have something meaningful to say about religion and spirituality. This book will be a 'go-to' resource for anyone involved in research in this area, including graduate students, established researchers who may be new to the study of religion and spirituality, and those already involved in work on religion and spirituality who wish to broaden their perspective." - Susan Folkman, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, USA
"...this book is an indispensable contribution to the psychology of religion and spirituality, and one that I am privileged to have on my bookshelves... the editors are to be warmly congratulated on giving us such an informative, illuminating and valuable book." - David Fontana, Scimednet.org, Winter 2008
Product Description
From foremost authorities in the field, this comprehensive volume synthesizes the breadth of current knowledge on the psychological processes underlying spirituality, religious behavior, and religious experience. Presented are cutting-edge theories, conceptual frameworks, methodologies, and empirical findings emerging from all psychological subdisciplines. Coverage includes the neural and cognitive bases of religiousness; social, personality, and developmental issues; religion as a meaning system; and implications for behavior, mental health, and clinical practice. Seamlessly edited, the Handbook provides a definitive portrait of the current state of the science, fosters the development of integrative theory, and identifies vital directions for future research.
