What did Allport say about religious orientation? How is religious orientation related to adjustment? Does Grace have an internal or external religious orientation? Explain. What does this imply about her adjustment?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Allport thought that religion was important to people because it was associated with being well-adjusted, but only for some people. He thought that people could have either an intrinsic or extrinsic religious orientation. In an intrinsic religious orientation, religion is used to determine behavior in all aspects of a person’s life, not just when a person is in crisis or when they need something. An extrinsic religious orientation is one that is more superficial and is associated with ulterior motives (e.g., asking God for help when someone is in crisis). An intrinsic religious orientation is associated with good adjustment and treating others in a kindly, and compassionate way. An extrinsic religious orientation is associated with maladjustment and being more dogmatic, sometimes even more prejudiced. Grace appears to have an external religious orientation because her behavior is sometimes contradictory to her religious teachings and because she uses her religion to get comfort or security. This extrinsic orientation implies some maladjustment.