Work

Development of Religious Cognition

Year: 2022

Type: review

Abstract: This review outlines the development of religious cognition, with a particular focus on the cultural processes involved in the transmission of religious concepts and beliefs. The mechanisms of development of religious concepts and beliefs are made salient by the fact that these concepts are (a) unavailable for direct observation or experimentation by the child, and (b) involve deeply held personal and collective commitments on the part of adult members of distinct cultural groups defined by specific beliefs and practices. As such, this review highlights how the study of religious cognition provides a critical lens for developmental science and makes clear the mutually constituted relationship between cognition and culture. The review covers development in three key domains of religious cognition: religious agents, the nature of existence, and religious identity. We additionally describe research into religious socialization and conclude with suggestions for future research.

Source: Annual Review of Developmental Psychology

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-devpsych-120920-041303

Authors: Rebekah A. Richert, Kathleen H. Corriveau

Institutions: University of California, Riverside, Boston University, Wheelock College

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: John Templeton Foundation

Award: G1010622196