The Interactive Effects of Religiosity and Priming Religion Following Recall of a Values Violation

ABSTRACT Religion is a multifaceted construct that serves many functions, including setting clear moral guidelines for behavior. When individuals violate these cherished values, what effect do reminders of religion have, and do they affect individuals of varying religiousness similarly? We explored the interactive effects of priming religion and individual religious commitment on reported responses following a violation of one's sexual values. Participants were randomly assigned to read a religious essay or a neutral essay and then to describe a time they violated their sexual values while in a relationship. Results revealed that the religious prime intensified the association between religious commitment and perceived negative effects on one's partner, which, in turn, were associated with lower relationship satisfaction. These results suggest religion helps regulate social behavior by increasing the negative perceptions of the fallout after violating one's sexual values.