Dirk Hutsebaut

Bio: Dirk Hutsebaut is an academic researcher from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The author has contributed to research in topics: Religiosity & Religious identity. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 34 publications receiving 997 citations. Previous affiliations of Dirk Hutsebaut include Catholic University of Leuven.

Post-Critical Belief a New Approach To the Religious Attitude Problem1

Abstract: After a short view on the story of religious attitude measurement and indicating some problems with this kind of questions and items, a new model of religious attittude measurement is proposed, based on theoretical views of Ricoeur. Three dimensions are proposed: orthodoxy, external critique and historical relativism. Correlations with other measures of religious attitude and with measures of certainty, etnocentricity, anomia and personal orientation are presented.

Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Correlates of Internalization of Regulations for Religious Activities

Abstract: The main goal of this study was to examine the relationship between different types of extrinsic motivation for religious behaviors as conceptualised within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) and Wulff's (1991) framework of literal versus symbolic approaches of religious contents. Results from a Belgian sample of active believers (N=186) show that the internalization of one's reasons for performing religious behaviors was positively associated with an open, symbolic interpretation of religious belief contents and a stronger adherence to Christian beliefs. Moreover, internalization was also positively related to general well-being and frequency of prayer but unrelated to church attendance. It is concluded that individuals who engage in religious behaviors because of its perceived personal significance will show more cognitive flexibility and open-mindedness towards Christian belief contents, a stronger adherence to this message, higher well-being and more frequent engagement in specific religious behaviors.

Consequences of a Multidimensional Approach to Religion for the Relationship Between Religiosity and Value Priorities

Abstract: Based on both a theological and a sociopsychological analysis, the goals of Roman Catholic religion were identified and translated in terms of Schwartz's (1992) 10 value types of Hedonism, Stimulation, Self-Direction, Universalism, Benevolence, Tradition, Conformity, Security, Power, and Achievement. The relations between these value types and Wulff's (1991, 1997) two religiosity dimensions of Exclusion versus Inclusion of Transcendence and Literal versus Symbolic, as measured by the Post-Critical Belief scale (Fontaine et al., 2003), were tested in seven samples (N = 1695) gathered in Flanders (Belgium). The value pattern associated with the Exclusion versus Inclusion of Transcendence dimension was characterized by a conflict between Hedonism, Stimulation, and Self-Direction on one hand, and Tradition and Conformity on the other hand. The value pattern associated with the Literal versus Symbolic dimension was characterized by a conflict between Security and Power on one hand, and Universalism and Benevol...

The Role Of Religion in Death Attitudes: Distinguishing Between Religious Belief and Style of Processing Religious Contents

Abstract: Although it is widely assumed that religiosity plays an important role in individuals' attitudes about death, research to date has failed to reveal consistent associations between religiosity and death attitudes. Drawing from D. M. Wulff's (1991) multidimensional model of religiosity, the authors examined associations between religious attitudes as measured by the Post-Critical Belief Scale and death attitudes as assessed by the Death Attitude Profile--Revised. In total, 471 Dutch-speaking Belgian adults completed both questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to asses the unique contribution of the religious attitudes in the prediction of the death attitudes. First, results show that religious people are more likely to endorse an approach acceptance attitude toward death, indicating that religiosity as such is related to belief in an afterlife. Second, people holding a literal attitude toward religion report more death anxiety, indicating that the processing of religious contents is related to defensiveness toward death. Finally, the specific combination of the two dimensions seems important in the prediction of a neutral acceptance attitude. The relevance of our findings for future research on religiosity and death attitudes is discussed.

Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications.

Abstract: Many of the links of religiousness with health, well-being, and social behavior may be due to religion's influences on self-control or self-regulation. Using Carver and Scheier's (1998) theory of self-regulation as a framework for organizing the empirical research, the authors review evidence relevant to 6 propositions: (a) that religion can promote self-control; (b) that religion influences how goals are selected, pursued, and organized; (c) that religion facilitates self-monitoring; (d) that religion fosters the development of self-regulatory strength; (e) that religion prescribes and fosters proficiency in a suite of self-regulatory behaviors; and (f) that some of religion's influences on health, well-being, and social behavior may result from religion's influences on self-control and self-regulation. The authors conclude with suggestions for future research.

Shame and Guilt

Abstract: The author explores the Biblical tale of Adam and Eve, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and the phenomenon of shame and guilt, its connection with religion, and its place and significance in human society. Key words Other – shame – guilt Resumo O autor explora a lenda de Adao e Eva, contada no livro de Milton “Paraiso Perdido”, e o fenomeno da vergonha e da culpa, a sua ligacao com a religiao e o seu lugar e significância na sociedade humana. Palavras-chave Outro – vergonha – culpa