Self-control, cultural animals, and Big Gods. (7th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reynolds, Tania; Baumeister, Roy F.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 39(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-03-07
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X15000515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: As Norenzayan et al. cogently argue, religions that proliferated most successfully did so because they facilitated prosociality and cooperation in large-scale, anonymous groups. One important way that religion promotes cooperation may be through improving self-control. In this comment, we cover some potential obstacles to implementing self-control and how religion can overcome them.