Exploring the Phenomenon of Religious Dones: Understanding Motivations and Mental Health Implications
The Rise of the “Religious Dones”: Understanding Those Who Leave Religion
A growing number of individuals are choosing to leave their religious affiliations behind, leading to the emergence of a new group known as the “religious dones.” Researchers have recently delved into the motivations and characteristics of these formerly religious individuals in an effort to shed light on this phenomenon.
A study conducted by Aaron T. McLaughlin and his team, published in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, aimed to explore why people choose to deidentify from religion and whether there are different types of religious dones. The researchers found that there are distinct groups within the religious dones category, each with their own set of beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes towards religion.
The study revealed that some religious dones leave their faith for intellectual reasons or because they have outgrown their beliefs. Others cited religious trauma, personal adversity, or social reasons as their motivation for leaving. Interestingly, the researchers also identified two main groups of religious dones: discontinuing dones, who have largely stopped engaging in religious practices and hold negative attitudes towards religion, and still-practicing dones, who continue to participate in religious activities despite no longer identifying as religious.
What was particularly striking was the finding that still-practicing dones reported higher levels of negative affect, anxiety, depression, and negative emotions towards God compared to discontinuing dones. This suggests that practicing a faith one no longer identifies with may have negative implications for mental health and well-being.
The researchers emphasized the need for further longitudinal studies to better understand the impact of religious deidentification on mental health. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of religion and the psychology of individuals who choose to leave their religious affiliations behind.
As the number of religious dones continues to rise, it is essential for researchers to delve deeper into this phenomenon to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the psychology of religion and spirituality. The study highlights the importance of exploring the motivations and consequences of leaving religion, shedding light on a growing segment of the population that is redefining their relationship with faith.