Graduate Program
School Psychology
Degree Name
Specialist in School Psychology
Semester of Degree Completion
2001
Thesis Director
Keith M. Wilson
Abstract
For years researchers have explored the issue of intolerance of minority groups. Research has suggested that intolerance is related to general religiosity. More recently the focus of investigation has been the relationship between intolerance and specific religious beliefs, such as belief in an active Satan, religious fundamentalism, and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA). In a previous study Wilson and Huff (in press) found that belief in an active Satan was related to intolerance of gay men and lesbians and ethnic minority groups. The current study re-examined the relationship between belief in an active Satan and intolerance of various minority groups. In addition, religious fundamentalism and RWA were considered as possible confounds. Results suggested that belief in an active Satan is correlated to intolerance of gay men and lesbians but not other types of intolerance. Furthermore, after controlling for RWA and fundamentalism, the correlation between belief in an active Satan and intolerance of gay men and lesbians was no longer significant. Further analyses revealed that RWA was a stronger factor than fundamentalism in the endorsement of intolerance. Therefore, these results did not support the hypothesis that belief in an active Satan generally causes Christian intolerance of minority groups; other aspects of religiosity, particularly RWA, seem to influence the relationship.
Recommended Citation
Acord, Jennifer L., "Relationship Between Belief in an Active Satan and Intolerance of Minority Groups" (2001). Masters Theses. 1456.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1456
