The mediational role of autonomous and controlled motivation in the relationship between perceptions of god, self-esteem, and religious practices.

Abstract

There is a paucity of studies that examined the relationship between conception of god and psychological outcomes in a self-determination theory framework. The aim of this study was to examine the role of autonomous motivation and controlled motivation as a mediator of the association between perceptions of god, self-esteem, and religious practices. In a sample of 349 adults (M = 22.50, SD = 3.36), instruments were administrated to assess perceptions of god, the motivation of the subject to perform religious practices, and selfesteem. Moreover, participants were asked how many hours and then how many times per week they practiced religious activities. The results of this study showed that controlling god was related to controlling motivation. Furthermore, supportive god was related to controlling motivation and to autonomous motivation. In addition, controlling motivation was related to autonomous motivation and self-esteem. Finally, autonomous motivation was related to religious practices. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Family religiosity and climate: the protective role of personal interiorized religiosity in deviance propensity among justice-involved juveniles

“…Believers who establish a secure attachment to God tend to develop safe and reliable relationships in other domains. A cognitive schema of God’s image seems to affect people’s attitudes and behaviors, including crime and deviance ( Cabras et al, 2019 ; Barberis et al, 2022 ; Cabras et al, 2022 ). Jang et al (2018) found that religiosity and belief in God’s engagement and forgiveness are inversely related to violent acts among justice-involved people.…”