Attributions for Atheism: Perceptions that Atheism is a Choice are Associated with Prejudice against Atheists among Christians, but Not Jews or Nonbelievers. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moss, Aaron J.; Fitzpatrick, James; O'Brien, Laurie T.
• Is Part Of: International journal for the psychology of religion. Volume 31:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Psychology, Religious -- Periodicals; 201.615
• DOI: 10.1080/10508619.2020.1815993
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-8619

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Is believing that atheism is a choice related to prejudice against atheists? The present research draws on attributional models of prejudice to examine the relationship between perceptions that atheism is a choice and anti-atheist prejudice among Christians, Jews, and nonbelievers. We hypothesized that Christians would be more likely than Jews (Sample 1 and 3) and nonbelievers (Samples 1, 2, and 3) to believe atheism is a choice. Further, we hypothesized that the relationship between perceptions of choice and anti-atheist prejudice would be stronger among Christians than Jews and nonbelievers. In three samples of college students and U.S. adults (N = 859), Christians were more likely than others to believe atheism is a choice and perceptions of choice uniquely predicted Christians' prejudice toward atheists. By examining perceptions of choice, our research reveals a novel source of anti-atheist prejudice, but a source with deep roots in the psychology of prejudice.