UCUR 2018

Past research has shown that religious fundamentalism is a predictor of drug use and participation in addictive behaviors. Religion teaches about morality and how individuals should live. Religion is therefore likely to have a bearing on people’s attitudes and beliefs regarding addictive substances and behaviors and their perceptions of those who engage in them. The current study aims to explore the relationship between religious fundamentalism, perceived addictive potential, and attitudes towards individuals with substance and behavioral addictions. The addictive substances assessed include heroin, prescription opioids, marijuana and alcohol. The addictive behaviors assessed include gambling and pornography. It is hypothesized that religious fundamentalism will be positively correlated with perceived addiction potential. It is also hypothesized that religious fundamentalism will be negatively correlated with willingness to affiliate with individuals with an addiction. Further, since the addictive substances and behaviors included in this study vary in societal acceptance and legal status, this study may reveal interactions between these variables and people’s attitudes and beliefs. This study will aim to recruit 600 participants to complete an online survey that assesses degree of religious fundamentalism as well as attitudes and beliefs about the addictive substances and behaviors. The results of this study have the potential to further our understanding of the relationship between religion and attitudes toward addictive substances/behaviors. This knowledge may in turn help to guide where educational programs aimed at reducing negative attitudes and beliefs can be targeted with the greatest potential for positive impact.