Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religious Orientation and Mental Health

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association and contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation on to mental health. The sample comprised of 76 participants with an age range of 18-50 years (M= 28.34, SD=7.97). The measures administered along with Personal Information Form included: Revised Intrinsic Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale (Gorsuch & McPherson, 1989), two sub-scales of Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (Abu-Raiya, 2008), Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977) and Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns, 1993). The results of regression analyses revealed both intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of religious orientation as significant predictors of mental health problems (i.e. depression and anxiety). These findings signify the protective role of intrinsic religious orientation for mental health whereas along with a proclivity towards mental health problems with an extrinsic religious orientation is evident. Limitations and implications of findings were discussed.