Four studies were conducted to test two assumptions regarding
Batson's quest religious orientation that have received little empirical
attention: (a) Quest is born out of existential struggle with tragedy and
conflict; (b) quest reflects an autonomous, self-directing approach to religion
that may be inimical to established religious traditions. Studies I and 2 found
increases in quest to be associated both with experimentally induced confrontation
with tragedy and with self-reported family conflict. Studies 3 and 4 found quest
to be linked to personal (nonaffiliated) religion and to variables suggestive of
decreased social identification in general. Models of development of quest are
subsequently considered.
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