Personality and Changes in Religiosity in College Students

Abstract

Previous research has shown that those who are religious tend to score higher on Agreeableness and Conscientiousness on the Big Five Inventory. Researchers of the study wanted to know if there was a difference in those who became less religious, more religious, or experienced no change in their level of religiosity throughout college based on their personality. All participants were given a survey to measure their religious change, and also a personality questionnaire. Researchers found no relationship between the dimensions of personality and level of religious change while in college. Conscientiousness was nearly significant, with those who experienced no change scoring almost significantly higher than those who experienced becoming more religious. Future research should continue to test this, while being more inclusive of all faiths.