Personality Predictors of Religious Orientation

One of the less discussed issues in psychology is the relationship between personality and religion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between personality characteristics and practice of religious beliefs, religious orientation and religious attitude. The results of this study can be useful in identifying personality traits which make the individual tend to religious behavior. In this causal-comparative study, 150 boys and 150 girls were selected by cluster sampling from among students in Payam-e-Noor University (Fasa Campus) and were analyzed based on standardized Big Five Personality Inventory NEO questionnaires in the domains of religious orientation, religious attitude, and practice of religious beliefs. The regression analysis results showed that conscientiousness can predict religious beliefs. Agreeableness factor can predict the practice of religious beliefs. Flexibility and Neuroticism couldn''t predict any religious aspect. The results consistent with previous research showed that women meaningfully achieved higher scores in religiousness and personality traits compared to men. However, unlike previous research, the survey results showed that extroversion factor could predict religious orientation; hence it is recommended that the study be replicated in other research communities