Exploring the role of religiousness/spirituality plays in the lives of Irish college students
Authors
Ohenhen, Naomi
Issue Date
2023-03
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Abstract
The study investigated how religiousness and spirituality affects Irish college students, mental health, life satisfaction and academic self-efficacy. The eighty-five participants had to fill out an online survey made up of psychological questionnaires to assess the study's variables. The study found that the subscales of religiousness/spirituality cumulatively affected depression and life satisfaction but not anxiety, stress, and academic self-efficacy. It was found that only the religious/spiritual coping subscale was a significant predictor of depression. Private religious practices, forgiveness and religious/spiritual coping subscales were significant predictors of life satisfaction. Males reported higher levels of religious support, religious/spiritual coping and engaged in more private religious practices. The study suggests that religiousness/spirituality has a mixed influence on the lives of Irish college students. The study can be applied by mental health professionals and the higher education sector. For more concrete conclusions, much more future research is needed. Limitations, future directions, and implications are discussed.