The Psychology of Worldviews

TLDR

A worldview is a set of assumptions about physical and social reality that can strongly influence cognition and behavior, yet it has lacked a comprehensive model or formal theory, limiting its use. The article aims to advance worldview theory by filling gaps, outlining an integrated theory linking worldview to personality, motivation, affect, cognition, behavior, and culture, and proposing a research agenda for personality and social psychology. The authors define worldview, critically review major approaches, present evidence supporting its validity in psychology, distinguish it from schemas, and propose a collated model of its component dimensions.

Abstract

A worldview (or “world view”) is a set of assumptions about physical and social reality that may have powerful effects on cognition and behavior. Lacking a comprehensive model or formal theory up to now, the construct has been underused. This article advances theory by addressing these gaps. Worldview is defined. Major approaches to worldview are critically reviewed. Lines of evidence are described regarding worldview as a justifiable construct in psychology. Worldviews are distinguished from schemas. A collated model of a worldview's component dimensions is described. An integrated theory of worldview function is outlined, relating worldview to personality traits, motivation, affect, cognition, behavior, and culture. A worldview research agenda is outlined for personality and social psychology (including positive and peace psychology).