Psychological aspects of the role of religion in identity construction.

Brandt P.Y., Integrative psychological & behavioral science, 47 (2), 2013, pp. 299-303.

Religious plurality can generate fears through identity destabilization. Religions offer ressources for coping with fears. On one side, production of stereotypes follows a defensive way. On the other side, claim to be universal help to cross boundaries and to cope with stigmatization, misrecognition and discrimination. Coping strategies combine at least five aspects: community, intimate relationship, rules, construction of identity, and worlview. This article shows how these aspects are intertwined.