When standing at a crossroads in life, we might consider the option of “religious conversion.”
Religious conversion refers to transitioning from one religion to another.
Additionally, leaving religion is called “deconversion.”
Everyone has their own reasons, but unexpected events may sometimes serve as the catalyst.
So, how do people change through conversion and deconversion?
A large-scale study conducted in the Netherlands, “Psychological change before and after religious conversion and deconversion,” attempts to answer this question.
How do changes in faith affect happiness and personality traits?
In this article, we will explore the psychological impacts of conversion and deconversion, using the Dutch study as a guide.
Faith serves as a life compass and provides spiritual support.
However, changes in faith can sometimes become a significant psychological burden.
Conversion and deconversion are events that mark turning points in life.
Are their effects temporary or long-term?
What choices should we make when standing at life’s crossroads?
Through this article, let’s think together about the relationship between faith and psychological change.
Once again, personality researcher and author of Villain Encyclopedia, Tokiwa (@etokiwa999), will provide the explanation.
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目次
- 1 Conversion and Deconversion – Major Life Turning Points
- 2 Psychological Changes Through Conversion and Deconversion
- 3 Religious Conversion and Leaving as Seen from Large-Scale Dutch Research
- 4 Psychological Changes in Converts
- 5 Psychological Changes in Those Who Left Religion
- 6 The Relationship Between Conversion/Leaving Religion and Happiness
- 7 Changes in Personality Traits Due to Conversion/Leaving Religion
- 8 Religious Conversion and Psychological Changes in Japan
- 9 In Conclusion
Conversion and Deconversion – Major Life Turning Points
Main Reasons for Conversion
Transitioning from one religion to another is called “conversion.”
People convert for various reasons, with the main ones including the following:
- Seeking deep faith
- Marriage to a family that practices religion
- Seeking social support
- Seeking a person who can provide spiritual support
- Seeking a savior
- Wanting to find hope in life
As such, conversion involves both personal and social motivations.
Some people seek spiritual anchoring by finding new faith during life transitions.
Main Reasons for Deconversion
On the other hand, deconversion means leaving a religious organization.
Like conversion, the reasons for deconversion are diverse, but typical ones include the following:
- Loss of faith
- Developing doubts or distrust toward the religious organization
- Losing attachment to religion
- Becoming critical of the religious organization’s teachings or policies
- Developing dissatisfaction with the religious organization’s operational policies
- Family deciding to leave religion
Behind deconversion exist various factors such as changes in personal values and distrust toward religious organizations.
Distancing oneself from a previously practiced religion can be considered one of life’s major decisions.
Various Factors Influencing Decisions for Conversion and Deconversion
Conversion and deconversion are events that become major turning points in life.
Various factors are complexly intertwined in these decisions.
- Changes in personal faith
- Family and surrounding relationships
- Changes in social environment
- Questions about religious organization’s operational policies or doctrines
- Need for spiritual support
- Changes in life philosophy or values
Conversion and deconversion involve complex psychological processes that cannot be explained by a single factor.
People reconsider their relationship with faith as internal personal changes and external environmental influences intersect.
Reconsidering one’s relationship with religion at life’s turning points can be considered part of self-exploration.
Psychological Changes Through Conversion and Deconversion
Relationship Between Conversion/Deconversion and Happiness
The impact of religious transformation on happiness varies from person to person.
Among converts, some experience increased happiness by gaining new faith.
Meanwhile, among those who deconvert, some show no significant change in happiness even after leaving religion.
- Converts: May experience increased happiness through devotion to a new religion.
- Deconverts: Leaving religion does not necessarily lead to decreased happiness.
The relationship between religion and happiness is not uniform and is thought to vary according to individual values and living environments.
Perhaps not just the presence or absence of faith, but each person’s own way of finding meaning in life influences happiness.
Connection Between Religion and Happiness
Generally, people who believe in religion are said to tend to have higher levels of happiness.
Faith is thought to contribute to improved happiness because it serves as a life compass and provides spiritual support.
However, the relationship between religion and happiness is not simple.
- Relationship between frequency of participation in religious activities and happiness
- Relationship between depth of individual faith and happiness
- Relationship between community involvement in religious organizations and well-being
The relationship between religion and well-being involves various factors that complexly intertwine, such as the nature of faith and the way of involvement with religious organizations.
While it cannot be said categorically that religion enhances well-being, the influence that faith has on life cannot be ignored.
Finding a meaningful way of faith for individuals may lead to improved well-being.
Psychological Adaptation After Leaving
After leaving a religious organization, people undergo a process of psychological adaptation.
The psychological state after leaving varies greatly among individuals, but in many cases, the following changes can be observed.
- Sense of liberation from religious values
- Reconstruction of identity
- Building new human relationships
- Reconsideration of life’s meaning and purpose
After leaving, it can be said to be a time to move away from the previous religious framework and face oneself.
Although they may go through a difficult adaptation process, many people are taking new steps in their lives.
Supporting the psychological adaptation of those who have left can be said to be one of the socially important issues.
Development of Personality Traits in Life
It is believed that people develop personality traits throughout their lives.
For example, with aging, the following changes in personality traits may be observed.
- Improvement in conscientiousness
- Improvement in agreeableness
- Decrease in emotional instability
The development of these personality traits is thought to be influenced by the accumulation of life experiences and changes in social roles.
Religious conversion is also one of life’s major turning points and may influence the development of personality traits.
Reexamining one’s faith in life can also become an opportunity for self-growth.
Religious Conversion, Leaving, and Changes in Personality Traits
Religious transitions are thought to have some influence on personality traits.
However, the impact that conversion or leaving has on personality traits is not uniform.
- Converts: Extroversion and agreeableness may temporarily decrease.
- Those who leave: Neurotic tendencies may decrease after leaving.
These changes in personality traits are thought to be influenced by stress and environmental changes accompanying religious transitions.
However, changes in personality traits are often temporary, and they often return to their original state in the long term.
Further research is needed on the impact that conversion or leaving has on personality traits.
The relationship between religious transitions and personality traits is thought to involve complex psychological mechanisms.
Religious Conversion and Leaving as Seen from Large-Scale Dutch Research
Overview of the Study
In the Netherlands, the reality of conversion and leaving has been revealed through large-scale research.
This study conducted long-term longitudinal research targeting adults in the Netherlands.
- Study period: From 2007 to 2019
- Study subjects: 5,000 households, approximately 20,000 people
- Study method: Recruited participants every two years and conducted regular follow-up surveys
In this study, various psychological variables such as religiosity, well-being, and personality traits were measured.
Long-term longitudinal research makes it possible to clarify the impact that conversion or leaving has on individual psychological states.
The Dutch research provides important insights for exploring the relationship between religious transitions and psychological changes.
Attributes of Study Subjects
In the Dutch study, converts to Christianity and those who left became the subjects of analysis.
The attributes of the study subjects were as follows.
- Converts: 181 people (average age 47.63 years)
- Those who left: 450 people (average age 46.41 years)
The age composition of converts and those who left was relatively similar.
However, there may be various other differences in the attributes of converts and those who left.
For example, various social backgrounds such as gender, education, and occupation may influence the decision to convert or leave.
By analyzing the attributes of study subjects in detail, the mechanisms of conversion and leaving may become clearer.
Methods for Evaluating Religiosity
In the Dutch study, the following questions were used to evaluate religiosity.
- Do you consider yourself a member of a specific religion or church? (Yes/No)
- Religious organization you belong to (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.)
- Degree of faith in God
- Frequency of participation in religious gatherings
- Frequency of prayer
Through responses to these questions, individual religiosity was evaluated multifacetedly.
Religiosity needs to be understood not only in terms of the presence or absence of faith, but also including the degree of practical involvement.
In the Dutch study, by evaluating religiosity from a broad perspective, it was possible to explore relationships with conversion and leaving.
Measurement of Psychological Variables
In the Dutch study, not only religiosity but also various psychological variables such as well-being and personality traits were measured.
The main measurement scales were as follows.
- Self-esteem scale
- Life Satisfaction Scale
- Depression Tendency Scale
- Big Five Personality Test
By using these scales, it becomes possible to comprehensively capture the impact that conversion and defection have on an individual’s psychological state.
Measurement of psychological variables is an indispensable perspective in exploring the relationship between religious conversion and psychological adaptation.
The Dutch study attempts to approach the mechanisms of conversion and defection by actively incorporating psychological measurement scales.
Psychological Changes in Converts
Changes in Faith Before and After Conversion
The Dutch study conducted an analysis focusing on the faith of converts.
As a result, it was revealed that no major changes in faith were observed before and after conversion.
- Before conversion: No clear change is observed in the degree of faith in God.
- After conversion: Faith remains relatively stable.
From this, it can be considered that many converts originally possessed a certain degree of faith.
Conversion may mean a change in the object of faith rather than the presence or absence of faith.
However, some converts must experience significant changes in their faith.
It will be necessary to capture changes in converts’ faith while considering individual differences.
Increase in Religious Activities Before Conversion
It was revealed that converts gradually increase their participation in religious activities in the years before conversion.
Specifically, the following changes were observed.
- Increased frequency of participation in religious gatherings
- Gradual increase in frequency of prayer
From this, conversion can be considered as a process that is gradually prepared rather than occurring suddenly.
The increase in religious activities before conversion may reflect growing interest in new faith.
However, not all converts follow the same process.
The conversion process may differ by individual.
Sudden Increase in Prayer Frequency at Time of Conversion
It was revealed that at the time of conversion, the frequency of prayer increases dramatically.
This suggests that conversion is an event that serves as a turning point in faith.
- Just before conversion: Prayer frequency is relatively low.
- At time of conversion: Prayer frequency increases dramatically.
The sudden increase in prayer frequency at the time of conversion may reflect a dedicated attitude toward new faith.
At the turning point of faith, people probably try to deepen their relationship with God through prayer.
However, changes in religious practices at the time of conversion may be temporary.
It is necessary to monitor the process of establishing religious life after conversion.
Stability of Religious Beliefs and Practices After Conversion
The Dutch study revealed that no major changes were observed in religious beliefs and practices after conversion. In other words, it can be considered that converts continuously maintain their new faith.
- Faith after conversion remains stable.
- Frequency of participation in religious activities is also maintained at a constant level.
From this, it appears that many converts succeed in establishing their new faith in their lives. The stability of faith after conversion may suggest the establishment of religious identity.
However, there are individual differences in religious life after conversion, and some people must experience fluctuations in faith. Further research is needed regarding long-term changes in faith among converts.
The stability of religious beliefs and practices can be said to be one of the important factors supporting the psychological adaptation of converts.
Psychological Changes in Those Who Left Religion
Decline in Faith Before and After Defection
The Dutch study revealed that the faith of those who left religion declined significantly before and after defection. Specifically, the following changes were observed.
- Before defection: They have faith in God.
- After defection: They begin to question the existence of God.
From this, defection can be considered an event that leads to the loss of faith.
Those who left religion may experience a shaking of their faith foundation by distancing themselves from the religious worldview they had believed in.
However, some people must maintain their faith even after defection, and the impact on faith may differ by individual.
Decrease in Religious Activities Before and After Defection
It was revealed that those who left religion experience a significant decrease in participation in religious activities before and after defection. Specifically, the following changes were observed.
- Before defection: They regularly participate in religious gatherings.
- After defection: They hardly participate in religious gatherings anymore.
From this, defection can be considered to mean departure from religious practice. Those who left religion may try to sever their connection with faith through ceasing participation in religious activities.
However, some people should continue their religious activities even after leaving the religion. The impact of leaving on religious practice will vary depending on individual circumstances.
Transition to Non-belief After Leaving
The Dutch survey revealed that many people who left religion transitioned to non-belief after leaving. Specifically, the following changes were observed:
- Immediately after leaving: Begin to question the existence of God.
- Several years after leaving: Transition to non-belief.
From this, leaving religion can be considered an event that serves as an entry point to non-belief. Those who leave religion may lose the meaning of faith by distancing themselves from religious worldviews.
However, some people should find new faith even after leaving. The impact that leaving has on the nature of faith will vary depending on individual life philosophies.
The transition to non-belief after leaving religion may be one of the factors that makes psychological adaptation difficult for those who leave.
Differences in Changes Before and During Leaving
The Dutch survey revealed that the degree of change in faith and religious practice differs between before leaving and during leaving. Specifically, the following differences were observed:
- Before leaving: A gradual decline in faith and religious practice is observed.
- During leaving: A rapid decline in faith and religious practice is observed.
From this, the process of leaving religion is considered to progress in stages. The changes before leaving can also be said to be a preparatory stage for leaving.
On the other hand, the changes during leaving may reflect a turning point in faith. The differences in changes before and during leaving are important perspectives for understanding the psychological mechanisms of leaving religion.
By understanding the process of leaving religion in a subdivided manner, we may be able to obtain clues for supporting the psychological adaptation of those who leave.
The Relationship Between Conversion/Leaving Religion and Happiness
Changes in Happiness Before and After Conversion/Leaving Religion
The Dutch survey did not yield clear results regarding the impact of conversion and leaving religion on happiness. There appear to be large individual differences in changes in happiness among converts and those who leave religion.
- Converts: Some people experience increased happiness, while others show no change.
- Those who leave: Some people experience decreased happiness, while others show no change.
From this, the relationship between religious conversion and happiness is considered to be not simple.
The impact that conversion and leaving religion have on happiness may vary depending on individual values and living environments.
However, from a long-term perspective, there is sufficient possibility that conversion and leaving religion may influence happiness.
Further research is needed regarding the relationship between religious conversion and happiness.
The Relationship Between Religious Conversion and Happiness
Generally, religious involvement is said to have a positive correlation with happiness. However, in the Dutch survey, the relationship between religious conversion and happiness was not clear.
- Converts: There is variation in changes in happiness.
- Those who leave: No consistent trend is observed in changes in happiness.
From this, the relationship between religious conversion and happiness is considered to be not a simple causal relationship. The impact that religious conversion has on happiness may depend on the nature of faith and individual values.
Also, the relationship between religious conversion and happiness should be understood not only as short-term changes, but also as a long-term adaptation process.
To clarify the relationship between religious conversion and happiness, long-term research that takes individual differences into account is required.
Changes in Personality Traits Due to Conversion/Leaving Religion
Decrease in Extroversion and Agreeableness During Conversion
The Dutch survey showed a tendency for extroversion and agreeableness to temporarily decrease during conversion. This change is considered to be due to the following factors:
- Adaptation stress to new religious communities
- Psychological burden accompanying changes in existing human relationships
The decrease in extroversion and agreeableness during conversion may reflect the adaptation process accompanying religious conversion.
To accept new faith, sociability may temporarily decrease. However, this change is temporary and is considered to return to its original state in the long term.
Changes in personality traits during conversion are an important perspective for understanding the psychological impact of religious conversion.
Decrease in Neuroticism After Leaving Religion
Dutch research showed a tendency for neuroticism to decrease after leaving religion. This change is thought to be due to the following factors.
- A sense of liberation from religious norms
- Increased sense of self-determination
The decrease in neuroticism after leaving religion may reflect liberation from religious constraints. By distancing oneself from faith, emotional stability may improve.
However, the adaptation process after leaving religion varies by individual, so neuroticism does not necessarily decrease across the board.
Changes in personality traits after leaving religion can be said to be an important perspective in understanding the psychological impact of religious conversion.
The Relationship Between Religious Conversion and Personality Traits
The relationship between religious conversion and personality traits is thought to be a complex interactive process. Rather than a unidirectional causal relationship, there may be bidirectional influences.
- Personality traits may determine the direction of religious conversion.
- Religious conversion may promote changes in personality traits.
In this way, the relationship between religious conversion and personality traits needs to be understood as a dynamic process.
While an individual’s personality traits may determine the nature of religious conversion, religious conversion may also promote the development of personality traits.
To clarify the relationship between religious conversion and personality traits, research from a long-term perspective is required.
Changes in personality traits may be an important indicator reflecting the adaptive process of religious conversion.
Religious Conversion and Psychological Changes in Japan
Religious Diversity in Japan
Japanese society is characterized by the coexistence of diverse religions. The main religions are as follows.
- Shinto
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- New religions
This religious diversity is thought to influence Japanese people’s religious views.
Many Japanese people seem to use multiple religions according to circumstances rather than adhering to a specific religion.
Within this religious context, the nature of religious conversion in Japan may differ from that in the West.
To explore religious conversion and psychological changes in Japan, it will be necessary to consider Japan’s religious context.
The Problem of Leaving New Religions
In Japan, the problem of leaving new religions has attracted social attention. Leaving new religions is said to have the following characteristics.
- Severance of family and friend relationships
- Economic hardship
- Psychological trauma
These difficulties faced by those who leave are an important perspective when considering the psychological impact of religious conversion. Leaving new religions may result not only in loss of faith but also in severance of social relationships.
To support the psychological adaptation of those who leave, it will be necessary to focus not only on religious aspects but also on social and economic aspects. The problem of leaving new religions highlights the negative aspects of religious conversion.
The Need for Research in Japan
It cannot be said that sufficient research has been conducted on religious conversion and psychological changes in Japan. The following types of research are needed in the future.
- Research that considers Japan’s religious context
- Research on the psychological adaptation of those who leave new religions
- Long-term follow-up studies
To clarify religious conversion and psychological changes in Japan, research designs that consider Japan’s religious and cultural background are necessary.
Research that tracks the psychological impact of religious conversion over the long term is also important.
The Dutch research provides important insights for advancing research in Japan. Research on religious conversion and psychological changes in Japan is expected to contribute to the development of global religious psychology.
In Conclusion
Above, we have explored the psychological impacts of religious conversion and disaffiliation as revealed by a large-scale Dutch study.
The faith and religious practices of converts showed no significant changes before and after conversion.
On the other hand, those who disaffiliated experienced a significant decline in faith and religious practices from before to after their disaffiliation.
Additionally, converts showed a temporary decrease in extraversion and agreeableness, while those who disaffiliated showed a tendency toward decreased neuroticism after disaffiliation.
However, no clear results were obtained regarding the impact of conversion or disaffiliation on happiness.
The relationship between religious transformation and happiness is considered to depend on individual values and living environments.
Furthermore, it cannot be said that sufficient research has been conducted on religious transformation in Japan.
Research that takes into account Japan’s religious and cultural background is needed.
※This article is written with reference to papers published in the following book.
Writer & Supervisor: Eisuke Tokiwa
Personality Psychology Researcher / CEO, SUNBLAZE Inc.
As a child he experienced poverty, domestic abuse, bullying, truancy and dropping out of school — first-hand exposure to a range of social problems. He spent 10 years researching these issues and published Encyclopedia of Villains through Jiyukokuminsha. Since then he has independently researched the determinants of social problems and antisocial behavior (work, education, health, personality, genetics, region, etc.) and has published 2 peer-reviewed journal articles (Frontiers in Psychology, IEEE Access). His goal is to predict the occurrence of social problems. Spiky profile (WAIS-IV).
Expertise: Personality Psychology / Big Five / HEXACO / MBTI / Prediction of Social Problems
Researcher profiles: ORCID / Google Scholar / ResearchGate
Social & Books: X (@etokiwa999) / note / Amazon Author Page