THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION, ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

The aim of present study was to investigate the interrelationship among variables such as religious orientation, Islamic spirituality and psychological wellbeing in university students (N=250). It was hypothesized that religious orientation will positively predict Islamic spirituality. Our results revealed a significant, positive effect of religious orientation on Islamic spirituality, supporting this hypothesis. Secondly, it was hypothesized that religious orientation will positively predict psychological well-being. Surprisingly, our findings did not support this hypothesis, indicating that higher religious orientation was indeed associated with lower psychological well-being. Thirdly, Islamic Spirituality was hypothesized to have a positive effect on level of psychological well-being. The data did not corroborate this assumption, depicting a negative effect of Islamic spirituality on psychological well-being. Fourth, hypothesis suggested that religious orientation moderates the relationship between Islamic spirituality and psychological well-being. Our analysis rejects this hypothesis, indicating that religious orientation does not play a moderating role in relationship between Islamic spirituality and Psychological Wellbeing. In conclusion, this study underscores the multifaceted dynamics among religious orientation, Islamic spirituality, and psychological well-being. It illuminates the complex relationship where religious orientation can positively influence spirituality while negatively impacting psychological well-being. Importantly, it demonstrates that religious orientation remains a constant factor in this relationship, shedding light on its role in understanding individuals' well-being within an Islamic context. These findings hold significant implications for the fields of psychology, religious studies, and spirituality, as they offer valuable insights into the nuanced interconnections between faith, spirituality, and mental health.