Sex and Gender Differences in Religiousness and Spirituality (Report‪)‬

Researchers have demonstrated that women participate more frequently than men in religious activities, and some have argued the differences may be attributable to gender orientation (feminine or masculine) rather than sex (female or male). The present study explored both gender and sex differences as they related to religious participation and spirituality among participants explicitly involved in religious activity. In contrast to previous studies, the data collected from 190 Christian adults revealed no statistically significant differences in religious participation between men and women nor among individuals categorized as feminine, masculine, or androgynous. Furthermore, men, women, and people from each gender orientation were equally aware of their relationship with God. The results suggest gender and sex differences within the psychology of religion are not as clear as previously proposed. Results from several studies have suggested that women are more religious than men (Mahalik & Lagan, 2001; Ozorak, 1996; Reich, 1997; Thompson, 1991). The 1998 Gallup poll supported these findings and revealed that U.S. women tended to place more importance on religion compared to men, were more likely to belong to a church or synagogue, and thought more about developing their religious faith and their relationship with God (Gallup & Lindsay, 1999). Additionally, Gallup and Lindsay declared women were less likely than men to rely on themselves as opposed to "an outside power, such as God" (p. 71).