Spiritual intelligence on health behaviours among Malaysian university students in a Malaysian public university: The mediating role of self efficacy

Abstract

University students experience a substantial amount of change where they progress from the highly controlled setting of school to the self-motivated environment of the university. Many changes which involve social, financial, and environment elements, can be a burden to the students putting them at risk in negative health behaviours. Negative health behaviours among university students are a course of concern since they have a tendency to be carried into adulthood which can possibly cause the emergence of chronic disease at a younger age. Spiritual intelligence together with self-efficacy is seen to promote better health behaviour. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and self-efficacy on health behaviours among university students in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. A correlational study was conducted on 400 undergraduate university students who lived on campus and were chosen through stratified random sampling technique using closed ended questionnnaires (The Spiritual Self-Report Inventory, General Self Efficacy Scale and a modified version of Health Style Questionnaire). Pearson correlation and structural equation modelling were used to explore association between these aspects. Spiritual intelligence, self-efficacy and health behaviour were significantly correlated. Self-efficacy showed a partial mediation effect towards the relationship between spiritual intelligence and promoting health behaviour (p=0.0001). Thus, there was an association between spiritual intelligence with health behaviour, and self-efficacy with health behaviour. It is interpreted that spiritual intelligence can boost positive health behaviour and it is associated with self-efficacy relevantly gives benefit to health behaviour. Such data have important implications for both health practice and policy especially for higher education institutions.

Emotional and spiritual quotient for sustainable education’s service quality

“…The current results also confirm that SQ is positive and significantly influences the ESQ. The finding is consistent with previous researches [20], [21], [23], [48] emphasizing the critical nature of SQ's role in organizations for high performance at the workplace. It is due to how SQ develops an employee with selfawareness, behavior, the judgement of self-control, decision power, flexibility, adaptability, vision, consciousness, value, sense and intuition [50].…”

“…These measures are intended to increase lecturers' satisfaction and enjoyment of their daily work. An academic working environment that is instilled with spiritual values such as respect, honesty, and connectedness will bring a positive impact to the learning experience [21], [26], [27], [30], [32]. Moreover, they all agree that SQ has a positive influence on a student's academic achievement, where it is posited that students can solve their problems wisely and make better solutions for themselves [28], [29].…”

“…As per the evidence shown by the existing literature, this study hypothesizes that: there is a positive and significant EQ influence on ESQ among the private HEIs' academicians (H1). Spiritual quotient significantly is an aid in problem-solving and goal attainment on a daily basis [19], [20] and supports in obtaining positive organizational outcomes [21]. Prominent spiritual quotient characteristics also transcend all races, cultures and ideologies [22].…”

Financial Knowledge, Spiritual Intelligence, and Hedonism Lifestyle of Department Store Employees in Managing Personal Finance

“…Individuals with a strong connection to their life purpose and spiritual values tend to be more passionate and diligent in achieving their financial goals. Dev et al, (2018) suggested that Spiritual intelligence focuses on self-awareness and reflection, which includes an understanding of life purpose, values and outlook. With a higher level of selfawareness, individuals will be more likely to plan and manage their personal finances wisely, allocating funds in accordance with greater goals and values.…”