The proposition that Appalachian religion persists because it is performing a significant function as a mechanism helping the adjustment of people who due to modern changes, have become dislocated socially, economically, and psychologically was tested. Religiosity was defined on the basis of 4 variables: (1) religious beliefs; (2) need to use religion as a buffer to the outside world; (3) preference of religion as a way of life; and (4) church participation. Also tested were 3 sets of hypotheses dealing with: (1) the 4 religiosity aspects and socioeconomic and sociopsychological dimensions; (2) the sectarian, non-sectarian dichotomy; and (3) religiosity and community size and migration to the city. Approximately 1,100 male household heads from Mineral, Hardy, and Raleigh counties in West Virginia were interviewed. Clusters from the counties were selected on the basis of community size; region of state (mining, non-mining, northern and southern part of the state); and socioeconomic status. The hypothesis that the dispossessed, deprived, and alienated resulting from the upheaval of social and technological change in Appalachia would be those exhibiting the greatest need for the support of religion, was substantiated by the data. The aged, poor, less educated, alienated and infirm, all ranked significantly higher in religiosity than did the socially well-adjusted. (NQ)