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Religiosity, health and happiness: Significant relations in adolescents from Qatar

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  • Ahmed M Abdel-Khalek

Abstract

Background: Several studies have revealed positive associations between religiosity, health and happiness. However, the vast majority of these studies were carried out on native English-speaking participants. Aims: The objective of this study was to estimate the relations between religiosity, health and happiness among a sample ( N = 372) of Qatari adolescents ( M age = 15.2). Method: The students responded to five self-rating scales to assess religiosity, mental health, physical health, happiness and satisfaction with life. Results: Boys obtained a higher mean score on mental health than did their female counterparts. All the correlations between the rating scales were significant and positive. Principal component analysis disclosed one component and labelled ‘Religiosity, health and happiness’ in both sexes. The multiple stepwise regression indicated that the predictors of religiosity were the self-ratings of satisfaction with life and happiness in boys, whereas the predictors among girls were satisfaction with life and physical health. Conclusions: On the basis of the responses of the present sample, it was concluded that those who consider themselves as religious were more happy, satisfied with their life and healthy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed M Abdel-Khalek, 2014. "Religiosity, health and happiness: Significant relations in adolescents from Qatar," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 60(7), pages 656-661, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:60:y:2014:i:7:p:656-661
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764013511792
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Keith Zullig & Rose Ward & Thelma Horn, 2006. "The Association Between Perceived Spirituality, Religiosity, and Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Self-Rated Health," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 79(2), pages 255-274, November.
    2. Eduardo Wills, 2009. "Spirituality and Subjective Well-Being: Evidences for a New Domain in the Personal Well-Being Index," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 49-69, March.
    3. R. Veenhoven, 2008. "Healthy happiness: effects of happiness on physical health and the consequences for preventive health care," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(3), pages 449-469, September.
    4. Gokce Soydemir & Elena Bastida & Genaro Gonzalez, 2004. "The impact of religiosity on self- assessments of health and happiness: evidence from the US Southwest," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(7), pages 665-672.
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