Psychological consequences of religious symbols in public space: Crucifix display at a public university

► Study examined the influence of religious symbolism in public space on psychological well-being. ► Crucifix display reduces negative affect among students strongly identifying with religion. ► Crucifix display reduces negative affect among students frequently attending church. ► Increase of negative affect among non-religious students was less pronounced. ► Religious symbols such as crucifix are instrumental in human everyday symbolic life and affect well-being.