Psychological Studies of Religious Motivation

Abstract

The article analyses theoretical approaches to religious motivation. It starts by identifying four core theoretical perspectives: selfdetermination theory, expectancy theory, sacralization theory, and religion-as-a-quest theory. In the self-determination approach, studies show the relationship between the level of religiosity, psychological well-being, and various psychological characteristics. The expectancy theory considers motivation as an assessment of achieving desired outcomes, depending on somebody’s opportunities and various situations. According to the concept of sacralization, particularly any target can be devoted to something spiritual, and thus religious motivation is not something special. Religion-as-a-quest theory considers religion as an attempt to answer important existential questions, reflecting the search for meaning. Overall, the psychology of motivation helps to understand many personal and socio-cultural processes connected with religion.