Religious belief, schizotypy and abnormal thinking : the inter-relationships : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between religious beliefs, schizotypy and abnormal thinking with a view to clarifying some of the discrepancies in the literature. There were 136 women and 57 men, from Massey University who took part in the study. The mean age was 22 years and respondents completed a demographic questionnaire and three questionnaires that measured religious beliefs (Maltby's 1999 Age-Universal I-E Scale), schizotypy (Claridge & Brok's STA schizotypy personality scale) and abnormal thinking (Morris and Johnson's CEQ scale). The results indicate that there is a relationship between the three constructs however this was not gender specific as anticipated or related to religious affiliation. Further research is recommended as religious beliefs can be an enormous part of some peoples' lives and this is an area that could be greatly influential in the therapeutic arena for individuals with either religious difficulties and/or psychological difficulties where religion may be presented as problematic.