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Changes in religious beliefs following trauma
Sherry A Falsetti1, Patricia A Resick, Joanne L Davis
1University Family Health Center, College of Medicine at Rockford, University of Illinois at Chicago, Rockford, Illinois, USA.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|August 5, 2003
Summary
Trauma can alter religious beliefs, particularly after the first traumatic event, often leading to decreased religiosity. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) status was linked to these changes, but not to changes after recent events.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Information processing theories suggest trauma disrupts cognitive processing and belief systems.
- Previous research indicates a complex relationship between traumatic experiences and religious beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and changes in religious beliefs.
- To explore how PTSD status and the timing of traumatic events influence religious belief alterations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 120 participants in the DSM-IV Field Trial Study on PTSD.
- Comparison of religious belief changes between individuals with and without PTSD.
- Examination of the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and victimization.
Main Results:
- Individuals with PTSD were more prone to reporting changes in religious beliefs after their first/only traumatic event, often becoming less religious.
- PTSD status did not correlate with changes in religious beliefs following the most recent traumatic event.
- Intrinsic religiosity was associated with experiencing multiple victimizations, but not with PTSD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Trauma, particularly early life trauma, can significantly impact religious beliefs, potentially diminishing religiosity.
- The findings highlight the role of religiosity in coping with trauma and suggest avenues for future research.
- Understanding the function of religiosity is crucial for comprehending individuals' responses to traumatic events.