Belief in the evil eye (nazar) is a widespread cultural and religious phenomenon used to explain misfortune across many societies, yet its psychological functions remain underexplored within the psychology of religion. This study aims to develop a conceptual model that positions the evil eye belief as a form of religious coping and meaning-making. Drawing on established theoretical frameworks, including religious coping theory and attribution theory, the paper analyzes how this belief system operates as a culturally embedded mechanism for explaining negative life events and regulating emotional responses. t is argued that the evil eye belief enables individuals to attribute adversity to external intentional forces, thereby reducing uncertainty and facilitating cognitive and emotional processing. Furthermore, associated protective practices—such as prayer, ritual, and symbolic objects—are conceptualized as strategies that enhance perceived control and psychological stability. At the same time, the model highlights the ambivalent nature of the belief, suggesting that while it may support coping and resilience, it can also contribute to interpersonal suspicion and social tension. By reframing the evil eye beyond notions of superstition, this study offers a functional psychological interpretation that integrates cultural, religious, and cognitive dimensions. The discussion contributes to broader debates on the role of spirituality in mental health, emphasizing that traditional belief systems may serve both adaptive and potentially problematic functions in contemporary contexts.
The Evil Eye as a Religious Coping Mechanism: A Psychological and Cultural Analysis of Meaning-Making and Protection