Piety Performance

Acting super “spiritual” or religious to appear holy or earn approval

• You felt pressure to pray out loud in a certain way.

• You raised your hands in worship even when you didn’t feel it.

• You shared spiritual insights to seem more faithful.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• A sense of disconnection from authenticity may develop.

• Self-worth might become tied to perceived spiritual performance.

• Shame may arise when behaviors no longer align with external expectations.