Electroencephalography,Religious Belief and Practice,and Their Psychiatric Correlates: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background

Empirical research on religion, spirituality, and mental health has expanded in recent decades, with a subset examining neurobiological correlates using electroencephalography (EEG). This scoping review synthesizes studies exploring associations between religious belief and practice, EEG findings, and psychiatric relevance.

Methods

A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science identified studies involving human participants, EEG measures, and quantitative assessments of religiosity. Sixteen studies published between 2009 and 2024 and conducted primarily from North America and Europe met inclusion criteria.

Results

Considerable heterogeneity was observed across EEG paradigms and religiosity measures. Across studies, religiosity was associated with differences in EEG indices related to error monitoring, emotional salience, cognitive control, and resting-state activity. Several studies interpreted these patterns as consistent with reduced distress or enhanced resilience, although standardized psychiatric symptom measures were infrequently employed, limiting direct clinical inference. Methodological diversity precluded definitive quantitative synthesis.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that religiosity is associated with distinct EEG patterns relevant to cognitive and emotional processes implicated in psychiatric functioning. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited direct measurement of psychiatric outcomes constrain clinical inference. Greater standardization of religiosity measures and incorporation of validated psychiatric outcome measures are needed to clarify these relationships.