The Stereotyping of Nonreligious People by Religious Students: Contents and Subtypes

MARCEL HARPER,

MARCEL HARPER

Marcel Harper is a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Aucklandpark, South Africa 2006. E-mail: [email protected] .

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MARCEL HARPER,

MARCEL HARPER

Marcel Harper is a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Aucklandpark, South Africa 2006. E-mail: [email protected] .

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 07 December 2007

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2007.00376.x

Citations: 44

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Abstract

This study assessed the consensual stereotypes religious students have of the nonreligious. The stereotype's content, subtypes, subtype strengths, and valence were examined using multiple methods derived from the stereotype content literature. Results indicated that the nonreligious stereotype is diverse and that some impressions of nonreligious people may be quite negative. Six subtypes were identified within the principal stereotype. The most unfavorable subtype was related to a perceived disbelief in religion and spirituality. The most favorable subtype was associated with individualism.

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Volume46, Issue4

December 2007

Pages 539-552

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