A qualitative research on religious emotions

The topic of religious emotions occupies a significant position within the discipline of the psychology of religion. These emotions are not merely ordinary feelings; rather, they are intrinsically linked to an individual's relationship with the sacred. Consequently, the concept of religion cannot be fully understood without considering its emotional dimension. This research aims to delineate what constitutes religious emotions and to explore the experiences through which they are realized. A review of the relevant literature on religious emotions has been conducted. The phenomenological method was selected as the primary research design. In this context, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 participants. Data analysis was conducted using NVIVO software, resulting in the formation of codes, categories, and themes. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute valuable insights to the field of the psychology of religion, spiritual practitioners, and mental health professionals. The study identified 27 distinct religious emotions. Furthermore, it was found that religion and religious emotions have a positive impact on individuals' coping mechanisms in the face of adversity. In conclusion, the research highlights that religious emotions add meaning to life and enhance psychological well-being. Additionally, it was found that these emotions foster spiritual well-being and serve as a source of virtues at both individual and societal levels. These findings underscore the positive effects of religion on mental health and physical well-being.