Executive Functions in Morality, Religion, and Paranormal Beliefs

Abstract

Moral, religious, and paranormal beliefs share some degree of overlap and play important roles in guiding peoples' behavior. Although partly cultural phenomena, they also have neurobiological components based on functional neuroimaging studies and research in clinical populations. Because all three show relationships to prefrontal system functioning, the current study examined whether they related to executive functions as measured by the Executive Function Inventory in a community sample. As in previous research, religious beliefs related positively to both moral attitudes and paranormal beliefs. Moral attitudes, however, did not relate to paranormal beliefs. Paranormal beliefs related inversely to impulse control and organization, whereas small positive correlations occurred between traditional religious beliefs, impulse control, and empathy. Moral attitudes, on the other hand, showed consistent positive correlations with all executive functions measured, independent of demographic influences. These findings concordantly support that prefrontal systems play a role in morality, religion, and paranormal beliefs.

Cognitive underpinnings of moral reasoning in adolescence: The contribution of executive functions

“…Cottone et al, 2007;Travis et al, 2011;Wain & Spinella, 2007), inhibition and planning were not associated with MR maturity. However, given that impulsivity has consistently been linked to poor social adaptation (Eisenberg, 2000;Romer et al, 2009;Tangney, Baumeister, & Boone, 2004), it is possible that this EF has a greater effect on moral behavior than on moral cognition.…”

“…Some studies have demonstrated that brain injuries to the prefrontal cortex during childhood are linked to both executive impairment and poor MR during adolescence and adulthood (S. W. Anderson, Bechara, Damasio, Tranel, & Damasio, 1999;Couper, Jacobs, & Anderson, 2002). Three other studies conducted with healthy, educated adults reveal that better executive skills contribute to more mature MR (Cottone, Drucker, & Javier, 2007;Travis, Harung, & Lagrosen, 2011;Wain & Spinella, 2007). While these findings shed some light on the positive association between EF and MR, few have specifically addressed EF's contribution to MR in healthy adolescents.…”

A Comparative Review of the Neuro-Psychopharmacology of Hallucinogen-Induced Altered States of Consciousness: The Uniqueness of Some Hallucinogens

“…It is also reported that the excessive activation of medial prefrontal cortex may induce mystical experience (Muramuto, 2004;Wain, 2007); also, fMRI studies of nun's mystical experience revealed that during such a trance right medial orbito-frontal cortex, right temporal cortex, right caudate nucleus were activated (Beauragerd, 2006); and cerebral blood flow was increased in prefrontal cortex and right temporal lobe during religious experience in the nuns (Newberg, 2003). Temporal lobe disturbances are mentioned to induce the individual's tendency for believing in and searching paranormal phenomena (Pizagalli, 2000;Lavalle, 1992;Persinger, 1985).…”

“…In some women, expanded sexual response (ESR) and expanded orgasms (EO) may mimic the acute effects of some hallucinogens for a very short period of time (Sayin, 2011;Taylor, 2000;. For centuries, mystical experiences through yoga, Zen meditation, prayers have been cited to induce a kind of ASC (Muramuto, 2004;Wain 2007;Austin, 1999;Tart, 1990). Right temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex have been reported to be the important loci of mystical tendencies and abilities ( (Muramuto, 2004;Wain, 2007;Saver, 1997).…”

“…For centuries, mystical experiences through yoga, Zen meditation, prayers have been cited to induce a kind of ASC (Muramuto, 2004;Wain 2007;Austin, 1999;Tart, 1990). Right temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex have been reported to be the important loci of mystical tendencies and abilities ( (Muramuto, 2004;Wain, 2007;Saver, 1997). Naturally, the brain has its own capacity and tendency to perceive the environment, and universe in a mystical and philosophical perspective.…”