Religious Attitudes and Experiences among Norwegian Psychology Students: A replication study

In 2005, Reme and Berggraf et.al. conducted a survey about religion and psychology among Norwegian psychology students in the professional program (profesjonsstudiet). The students were asked about if and how religious and spiritual topics were addressed in the lectures and seminars, as well as their attitudes towards including such topics in the psychology educational program (Endresen Reme, Berggraf, Anderssen, & Backer Johnsen, 2009). The results were both expected and surprising: 93% of the students reported that there were no focus on religion in their studies, with hardly any courses or lectures given on the topic. At the same time, 78% agreed that religion should constitute a greater part of their educational program. 27% perceived the profession as being disrespectful towards religious people, and 15% had previously experienced condescending comments and bullying of religious students during lectures. These findings indicate a less than satisfactory focus on religion in contemporary training of psychology students. With regard to a long tradition of religious criticism in psychology and the reductionist tendency in behaviouristic psychology, such numbers could be expected. They are surprising, however, considering the growing interest in spirituality in psychology research as well as therapy. 

The aim of this study is to replicate the study from 2005, to assess whether or not there are significant changes from 2005 to 2020 in the attitudes and experiences of Norwegian psychology students when it comes to religion and psychology.

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