Religiosity, coping, and psychological well-being among Latter-Day Saint Polynesians in the U.S.

Abstract

There is limited knowledge about coping and psychological adjustment in Latter-Day Saint (LDS) Polynesians. This study examined religiosity, collectivistic coping, and psychological well-being among 94 LDS Polynesians residing in the Midwest. As hypothesized, religiously committed LDS Polynesians were more likely to have a healthy psychological well-being and were also likely to use collectivistic coping styles, such that high helpfulness ratings on family support and religion-spirituality coping styles were significantly correlated with a positive psychological well-being. Family support also moderated the relationship between LDS Polynesians' religious commitment and psychological well-being. Implications are discussed in terms of religiosity, culture, coping, and psychological well-being.

Examining legalism, scrupulosity, family perfectionism, and psychological adjustment among LDS individuals

“…Therefore, of particular interest in this study is examining how LDS members apply the concept of legalism, which may be linked to psychological adjustment. Some recent studies have looked at psychological well-being, adjustment, and outcomes among LDS people (Allen & Heppner, 2011;Allen & Wang, 2014), but virtually nothing has been documented on the psychological impact of legalism. Therefore, it was important to know whether legalism in an LDS context may be associated with psychological adjustment.…”

“…Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS are highly religious (Allen & Heppner, 2011;Allen & Wang, 2014), and the importance of the family is a critical aspect of their doctrine and practice (Hinckley, 1995). The literature lacks information related to psychological adjustment among LDS families who may experience perfectionistic stress (Allen & Wang, 2014;Wang, 2010).…”

“…Religiousness linked to psychological processes has attracted a significant amount of research in the USA (Allen & Heppner, 2011;Allen & Wang, 2014;Richards & Bergin, 2005). Many individuals who self-identify as religious use spiritual strategies in coping with psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal struggles (Allen & Heppner, 2011;Richards & Bergin, 2005).…”

“…Many individuals who self-identify as religious use spiritual strategies in coping with psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal struggles (Allen & Heppner, 2011;Richards & Bergin, 2005). A considerable majority of these individuals turn first to God as a frontline defence when facing mental illness (Allen & Heppner, 2011).…”

“…Many individuals who self-identify as religious use spiritual strategies in coping with psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal struggles (Allen & Heppner, 2011;Richards & Bergin, 2005). A considerable majority of these individuals turn first to God as a frontline defence when facing mental illness (Allen & Heppner, 2011). Spiritual strategies such as meditation, prayer, fasting, studying religious text, interacting and socialising with others from the congregation for emotional support, as well as speaking with religious leaders or pastors could be therapeutic for religious individuals.…”