Belief systems and religion

young African American woman praying outdoors

A system of spiritual beliefs, practices, or both, typically organized around the worship of an all-powerful deity (or deities) and involving behaviors such as prayer, meditation, and participation in collective rituals. Other common features of organized religions are the belief that certain moral teachings have divine authority, and the recognition of certain people, places, texts, or objects as holy or sacred.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

Helping psychologists work with American Indian and Alaska Native communities

Cultural humility supports patients and increases trust

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How to talk to children about antisemitism

Creating space for discussions teaches children that hateful behavior is something families and communities can and should address together

APA Resolution on Antisemitism (2026)

These guidelines capture optimal performance expectations for psychologists who supervise and those preparing to supervise

What moral psychology has to say about charitable giving

Joshua Greene, PhD, discusses how people make moral choices and the implications for where they donate their money

More resources about belief systems

What APA is doing

Advocacy

Race, ethnicity, and religion

APA Services advocates for the equal treatment of people of all races, religions, and ethnicities, as well as funding for federal programs that address health disparities in these groups.

Divisions

Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

Division 36: Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality promotes psychological theory, research, and clinical practice to understand the significance of religion and spirituality in people’s lives and in the discipline of psychology.