Integrating Positive Psychology and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality: Transcending Coexistence to Potentiate Coevolution

Abstract

This chapter sets the stage for the Handbook of Positive Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. First, we examine the cumulative growth of the positive psychology and psychology of religion/spirituality (R/S) fields, including their degree of existing overlap and their typical publication outlets. Next, we discuss why enhanced integration of these fields would be mutually beneficial and would potentiate their coevolution toward greater scientific and societal impact. Then we acknowledge potential barriers to the integration of these fields and offer recommendations for transcending those barriers. Finally, we preview the organization of this handbook and make suggestions to guide reading it.