The Effect of Trauma on Religious Beliefs: A Structured Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The reviewed literature suggests that most people do not change their religious beliefs after a trauma but significant changes occur for a smaller proportion of people-either increasing or decreasing their religious beliefs. These effects are greatest for people who develop PTSD. This review supports the shattered assumptions hypothesis of Janoff-Bulman, explains the cognitive mechanisms of change, and proposes a model for the additive effects of PTSD.