Psychology of Religion and Families

Now in its second edition, this multidisciplinary text addresses the growing scholarly connection between religion and family life while offering an accurate and engaging account of why and how families are impacted by their religion.

This updated volume integrates the social science literature from family studies, psychology, sociology, and religion with narratives drawn from in-depth interviews with 300 racially, religiously, and regionally diverse families that bring the concepts to life. Written in a thought-provoking, accessible style by two of the leading researchers in the field, this book reflects the author’s first-hand experience in teaching today’s students about religion’s influence on families. This book examines Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, addresses the impact of religious involvement on longevity, divorce rates, and parenting styles, and considers demographic, family, couple, and individual-level data that relate to prayer and other sacred practices. New chapters explore:

The Conflicts, Struggle, and Stressors of Religion

Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Religion

Religion, Sex, and Gender Roles in Marriage

Pedagogical features include boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, text boxes, chapter conclusions, summary points, and review questions. Intended as a text for undergraduate courses in family and religion, the psychology or sociology of the family, the psychology or sociology of religion, pastoral/biblical counseling, or family and youth ministry, taught in human development and family studies, psychology, sociology, religion, social work, pastoral counseling, and philosophy, this book is also relevant to family therapists and counselors.