Eysenck personality measures and religious orientation

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of extraversion to extrinsic and intrinsic dimensions of religiousness as defined by Allport's Religious Orientation Inventory. Eysenck's EPI and EPQ measures of extraversion were used to define impulsivity and sociability aspects of extraversion. Low but significant positive correlations were found for extrinsicness and psychoticism and EPI impulsivity as well as for the relationship of intrinsicness and EPI impulsivity and sociability but not EPQ extraversion or sociability. These results suggests that those high in impulsivity (extraverts) tend to have higher extrinsic scores whereas those low in impulsivity and sociability (introverts) tend to have stronger intrinsic scores (low rather than high scores on the intrinsic scale being associated with greater degrees of intrinsicness). Discussed was the fact that in addition to providing support for the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic dimensions of religiousness, these results also provide support for Francis' contention that impulsivity is the key component underlying the relationship of extraversion and religiosity.