Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Graham, Steven

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

This study works to understand the relationship between religiosity and impression management through use of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). A total of 188 participants completed the study, representing 19 different faiths. Using priming methodology to make religion salient in one condition, participants were asked a series of 33 questions of socially desirable behavior, followed by measures on centrality of religion and religious orientation. The study did not find a general impact of religious priming on social desirability reporting. A significant positive relationship was found between participants scoring higher on extrinsic religiosity and social desirability reporting in unprimed participants. There was also a significant negative correlation between more central religious practice and social desirability in primed participants. This supports an understanding of the complex relationship social desirability has with religion. Understanding this relationship could impact potential validity and generalizability of studies within the psychology of religion.

Download

Share

COinS