Psychology of Religion and Families

by Loren D. Marks, David C. Dollahite

Overview

Now in its second edition, this multidisciplinary text addresses the growing scholarly connection between religion and family life while offering an accurate and engaging account of why and how families are impacted by their religion.

This updated volume integrates the social science literature from family studies, psychology, sociology, and religion with narratives drawn from in-depth interviews with 300 racially, religiously, and regionally diverse families that bring the concepts to life. Written in a thought-provoking, accessible style by two of the leading researchers in the field, this book reflects the author’s first-hand experience in teaching today’s students about religion’s influence on families. This book examines Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, addresses the impact of religious involvement on longevity, divorce rates, and parenting styles, and considers demographic, family, couple, and individual-level data that relate to prayer and other sacred practices. New chapters explore:

• The Conflicts, Struggle, and Stressors of Religion
• Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Religion
• Religion, Sex, and Gender Roles in Marriage

Pedagogical features include boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, text boxes, chapter conclusions, summary points, and review questions. Intended as a text for undergraduate courses in family and religion, the psychology or sociology of the family, the psychology or sociology of religion, pastoral/biblical counseling, or family and youth ministry, taught in human development and family studies, psychology, sociology, religion, social work, pastoral counseling, and philosophy, this book is also relevant to family therapists and counselors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032616599
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/21/2025
Series:	Textbooks in Family Studies
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Loren D. Marks is a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University and co-director of the American Families of Faith research project.

David C. Dollahite is a professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University and co-director of the American Families of Faith research project.

Table of Contents

1. Why Religion Matters to You Right Now and in Your Future Family 2. What in the World Is Religion? 3. The Influence of Religious Beliefs and Practices in Marriage 4. Conflicts, Struggles, and Stressors: Religion as a Source and Resource 5. The Rise of the “Nones” and “Dones” and Increased Interfaith Marriage 6. Parenting, Religion, and American Families of Faith 7. Strong Hispanic American Families of Faith 8. Strong Asian American Families of Faith 9. Strong African American Families of Faith 10. Muslim Families in the United States 11. Jewish Families in the United States 12. Religion and Diverse Family Forms: LGBTQ Families and Families of Divorce 13. Religion, Sex, and Gender Roles in Marriage 14. Forgiveness, Repentance, and Families 15. What We Have Learned and What We Hope You Will Take with You