Some correlates of beliefs in the malevolence and benevolence of supernatural beings: a cross societal study

Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology • Vol/Iss. 58 • Published In • Pages: 162-169 •
By Lambert, William W., Triandis, Leigh Minturn, Wolf, Margery

Abstract

This article tests hypotheses about the relationship between how the general anticipations of pain in develop in children and the formal belief systems of a society. The authors posit that beliefs in malevolent supernatural beings reflect punitive child rearing practices and beliefs in benevolent supernatural being relfect nurturing child rearing practices. Results generally support this hypothesis.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherCombination

Hypotheses (7)

HypothesisSupported
"A clear relationship between absence of pain from nurturing agent in infancy and [belief of predominant benevolence of] . . . supernaturals is shown" (164)Supported
"If we combine the diffusion of nurturance ratings with the over-all indulgence ratings, the pattern of low diffusion/low indulgence characterizes the societies with aggressive deities" (164)Supported
"Societies with beliefs in aggressive supernaturals . . . had fewer nurturant agents, protected the infant less from environmental discomforts, showed him less affection, were more inconsistent in caring for his needs, and took less care of his needs" (168)Supported
"High self reliance, independence training . . . and control of behavior of children through punishment (highlighted in the rigidity score) [are characteristic of societies which believe in] aggressive deities" (164, 166)Supported
"[There is a relationship] between subsistence insecurity and the properties of deities, . . . [and between properties of the deities and] extreme cold or extreme heat conditions" (167)Not Supported
"Societies with predominantly aggressive deities and with high pain in the treatment of infants have capricious gods; societies with . . . benevolent deities and with low pain in infant treatment lack capricious gods" (167)Supported
"Mothers visit pain upon children as a displaced aggression arising from the frustrations of particularly low status" (168)Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer