Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality
Concepts and Applications
Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society Series

Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality provides readers with a critical overview of what psychology tells us about religion and spirituality. It is concise without being simplistic, and the first such broad overview to be published for some years. Fraser Watts recognizes that 'religion' is complex and multi-faceted, taking different forms in different people and contexts. The book presents a broad view of psychology; whatever kind of psychology you are interested in, you will find it covered here, from biological to social, and from experimental to psychoanalytic. It focuses particularly on the varied concepts that psychologists have employed to make sense of religion and subjects them to critical examination. The book is also concerned with practical applications, helping those engaged in religious ministry. It will be of interest to undergraduates and general readers, as well as specialists in religious studies, psychology, and philosophy of religion.

Preface; 1. Concepts and approaches; 2. Psychoanalysis; 3. Genetics and evolution; 4. Brain and cognition; 5. Religious experience; 6. Religious practices; 7. Religious beliefs and thinking; 8. Spirituality; 9. Development aspects; 10. Varieties and types; 11. Health and adjustment; 12. Personal transformation; 13. Scripture and doctrine; 14. Human nature and personality; 15. Summing-up; Further reading; References.

Fraser Watts has combined a distinguished career as a psychologist with a distinguished record in theology and religious studies. For almost twenty years at the University of Cambridge, he led one of the largest research groups in psychology and religion. He received the American Psychological Association William Bier Award, and founded the Cambridge Institute for Applied Psychology and Religion.