Scientists found that atheists are more likely to be seen as untrustworthy partners in relationships 07/22/2024, 19:05

American scientists from the University of Arkansas examined stereotypes about atheists and believers in the context of romantic relationships. The results showed that atheists are more likely to be perceived as untrustworthy partners. The study was published on: magazine Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (PRS).

To examine how perceptions of atheists influence perceptions of the likelihood of infidelity and the use of mate-protection strategies, researchers conducted three experiments involving a total of 432 people.

Participants were asked to read an article about a fictional college student named Henry. One version of the text described the young man as an atheist, the other as a believer. The outline included information about Henry’s relationship status and activities, differing only in his religious views.

The volunteers were then asked to rate how they thought Henry would behave in a relationship. More than a quarter of those surveyed (28.8%) thought atheist Henry was likely to be unfaithful, while only 19.6% felt the same way about religious Henry.

Respondents also believed that Henry was more interested in short-term relationships when he identified as an atheist (32.3%) than a believer (16.7%). Henry, a believer, was thought to be more interested in long-term relationships (62.6% vs. 49.7% for atheist Henry).

“Atheism exhibits a persistent set of stereotypes that suggest they are not interested in conforming to broad interpersonal rules.

“This perception predisposes them to promiscuous reproductive strategies and aggressive behavior in relationships. This program provides evidence of how these mental representations of irreligiosity track expectations of conflict in relationships,” the authors wrote.

Earlier scientists I learnedHow belief in fate when choosing a partner spoils romantic relationships.