Changes in religious beliefs following trauma

TLDR

Information processing theorists propose that traumatic events can disrupt information processing and alter beliefs. The study examined how trauma and PTSD relate to changes in religious beliefs. The study involved 120 participants from community and clinical samples in the DSM‑IV Field Trial Study on PTSD. PTSD patients were more likely to report reduced religious beliefs after their first traumatic event, but PTSD status did not predict belief changes after the most recent event, and intrinsic religiosity was linked to multiple victimizations rather than PTSD.

Abstract

Abstract Information processing theorists propose that traumatic events can lead to disruptions in the processing of information and to changes in beliefs. This study examined the relationships among trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and religious beliefs. Participants included 120 individuals from community and clinical samples who participated in the DSM‐IV Field Trial Study on PTSD. Results indicated that the PTSD group was more likely to report changes in religious beliefs following the first/only traumatic event, generally becoming less religious. PTSD status was not related to change in religious beliefs following the most recent event. Intrinsic religiosity was related to multiple victimization, but not PTSD. Results are discussed in terms of understanding the function of religiosity in participants' lives and future directions for research.