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Psychological Distress Among Religious Nonbelievers: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Studies of religious belief and psychological health are on the rise, but most overlook atheists and agnostics. We review 14 articles that examine differences between nonbelievers and believers in levels of psychological distress, and potential sources of distress among nonbelievers. Various forms of psychological distress are experienced by nonbelievers, and greater certainty in one’s belief system is associated with greater psychological health. We found one well-documented source of distress for nonbelievers: negative perceptions by others. We provide recommendations for improving research on nonbelievers and suggest a model analogous to Pargament’s tripartite spiritual struggle to understand the stresses of nonbelief.

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Acknowledgments

This work was partly supported by the VA HSR&D Houston Center of Excellence (HFP90-020). The views expressed reflect those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of Veterans Affairs/Baylor College of Medicine.

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Correspondence to Samuel R. Weber.

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Samuel Weber was a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine when he worked on this project.

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Weber, S.R., Pargament, K.I., Kunik, M.E. et al. Psychological Distress Among Religious Nonbelievers: A Systematic Review. J Relig Health 51, 72–86 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9541-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9541-1

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