Theodicy models, religious coping strategies, self-image and post critical belief: An empirical study on a sample of Dutch-speaking Belgians

In this study we relate four different measures: the theodicy models proposed by van der Ven, the coping strategies proposed by Pargament, a measure of positive or negative self-image and the post critical belief scales we ourselves have developed. We analysed the data of 251 Dutch-speaking Belgians...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inArchive for the psychology of religion Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 75 - 84
Main Author Hutsebaut, Dirk
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht 01.01.2002
Subjects
Ambivalence
Cognitive models
Coping strategies
Empiricism
Observational studies
Orthodoxy
Self image
Spiritual belief systems
Theodicy
Theology
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Summary:In this study we relate four different measures: the theodicy models proposed by van der Ven, the coping strategies proposed by Pargament, a measure of positive or negative self-image and the post critical belief scales we ourselves have developed. We analysed the data of 251 Dutch-speaking Belgians. In the analysis we focus on the relation of the different measures with the post critical belief scales. Different types of believers are using different theodicy models, somewhat different coping strategies and we observe some differences in self-image, where believers have a more positive self-image than non-believers. We could suggest that there is a specific theodicy model used by symbolic believers and another theodicy model used by more literal believers. The former could be interpreted as more developed and perhaps more religiously mature.
ISSN:0084-6724
1573-6121
DOI:10.1163/157361203X00237