Title:
The role of spirituality in optimism: a preliminary study
Author:
Melanie Dieter
Thesis Advisor:
Deborah Haskins
Committee Member:
David Powers
Committee Member:
Faith Gilroy
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2003
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
reformatted digital
Abstract:
The role of spirituality in physical and mental health is well-supported in research literature. Contemporary research has supported optimism as a buffer against mental illness as well as its association with physical health. Building and nurturing human strengths and virtues as well as meaningfulness in life are shared focal points for both spirituality and optimism. Both spirituality and optimism have been positively correlated with well-being. However, the focal points held in common are not reflected due to the absence of research on optimism and its relation to spirituality. Specifically, it was hypothesized that there would be a positive relation between spirituality and optimism, spirituality and subjective well-being, and optimism and subjective well-being, and that the relation between optimism and subjective well-being would be moderated by spirituality. A total of 91 participants from a community sample were asked to complete surveys to assess their level of spirituality, optimism, and subjective well-being. Results indicated that there was a positive relation between spirituality and optimism, spirituality and subjective well-being, and optimism and subjective well-being. However, the hypothesis that the relation between optimism and subjective well-being is moderated by spirituality was not supported. Such findings suggest the close link between optimism, spirituality, and subjective well-being, although the relation does not appear to be due to the moderating effect of spirituality. Additional moderating factors may be involved. Future research on the correlates of optimism and spirituality would be beneficial in expanding our understanding of the beliefs in which they reside and their effect on subjective well-being.
Subject:
Optimism
Subject:
Religiousness--Psychological aspects
Subject:
Happiness
Subject:
Spiritual Transcendence Scale
Subject:
Satisfaction with Life Scale
Subject:
Life Orientation Test
Degree:
Master of Arts
Level:
Master
Discipline:
Psychology
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Identifier:
DieterM-03
