Typologies of Religiousness/Spirituality: Implications for Health and Well-Being

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop empirically based typologies of religiousness/spirituality (R/S) and to determine whether the typologies were related to health and well-being. The study used a nationally representative sample of adults (N=1,431). Using latent profile analysis, typologies were derived based on religious service attendance, prayer, positive religious coping, and daily spiritual experiences. Multivariate statistical tests were used to examine cluster differences in health and well-being. A four-class model was identified: highly religious, moderately religious, somewhat religious, and minimally religious or non-religious. The four classes were distinctively different in psychological well-being, in that the highly religious class was most likely to be happy and satisfied with finances and least likely to be psychologically distressed.

Study of the Spiritual Intelligence Role in Predicting University Students’ Quality of Life

“…Likewise, the spiritual intelligence dimensions play a significant role in predicting the quality of life of students. The findings of this research were coherent with similar studies on spiritual intelligence that is an effective factor in predicting the quality of life (Ahmad et al 2011;Bolghan-Abadi et al 2009Chamratrithirong et al 2010;Cotton et al 2009;Jafari et al 2010;Kliewer and Murrelle 2007;Moalemi et al 2010a, b;Park et al 2011;Rasic et al 2011;Shaw 2008;Wallace et al 2007). Shaw (2008) has studied the spirituality place in mental health and happiness.…”

“…Kliewer and Murrelle (2007) stated that personal belief in God affected on reducing the substance abuse among Central American countries adolescents. Park et al (2011) found that people who have high levels of religious/spirituality are most likely to be happy and satisfied with finances and are least likely to be psychological distressed. Malay Muslim Women with breast cancer, initially encountered with the possibility of dying, became sad, shocked and helpless.…”

Unbelievable?! Theistic/Epistemological Viewpoint Affects Religion–Health Relationship

“…The existing literature would suggest that R/S is positively related to both happiness (Mochon et al 2011;Park et al 2013) and subjective well-being (Green and Elliott 2010;Krause 2006).…”

Disordered eating and self-objectification in college women: clarifying the roles of spirituality and purpose in life

“…In general, a positive relationship has been found between spirituality/religiousness and health in numerous controlled studies (Miller & Thoresen, 2003;Musgrave, Allen, & Allen, 2002;Park et al, 2013;Powell, Shahabi, & Thoresen, 2003;Seeman, Dubin, & Seeman, 2003). Nelson's stress buffering model (2009) explains the potential moderating, suppressor, and mediating roles of religiousness/spirituality.…”

“…Religiousness, on the other hand, is generally defined as a set of beliefs to which one ascribes in a community (Emmons & Paloutzian, 2003). Religiousness and spirituality are closely related, for religiousness is designed to foster one's spiritual life (Park et al, 2013).…”