Love thy neighbor as thyself (and as thy in-group): Examining the effects of moral intuitions and intercessory prayer on generous behavior

Our project investigates the effects of moral intuitions and intercessory prayer on generosity. Of particular interest for this project is the manner in which moral intuitions and the discipline of prayer interact. Research has found that both moral intuitions and prayer have an effect on virtuous behavior, but their interaction remains under investigated. This study specifically examines how intercessory prayer interacts with the moral intuition of in-group/loyalty, which previous research has found is emphasized primarily by political conservatives, but not liberals. We hypothesize that the in-group/loyalty intuition will have less of an effect on generous behavior among liberals, who rarely utilize this moral intuition, than conservatives, who often utilize this moral intuition. We also hypothesize that intercessory prayer will help improve generous behavior towards out-group members. Results will provide insight into the nature of the interaction of virtuous attitudes and behaviors toward in-group and out-group members, cognition and religiosity.

Authors

Tyler Greenway is a Thrive Scholars Research Fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology and a third year student in the PhD in psychological science program. His research interests include cognitive science of religion, spiritual development, and virtue formation. Tyler also works for the Fuller Youth Institute conducting research that investigates faith formation among young people.

Abigail Shepherd Beyenberg, MA, is a Thrive Scholars Research Fellow at the Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Her research interests include virtue formation and human thriving among adolescents and emerging adult populations. Abbie also works for Vanguard University Counseling Center as a psychotherapist where she is able to implement her knowledge of young adult resiliency.